Foster Care Supervisor (Redford)

About the role

The Foster Care Supervisor is responsible for ensuring foster care programs and services meet agency expectations and goals. The role works with other supervisors and staff to address the needs of children and families, manages and directs program operations, and supervises case management teams. The supervisor collaborates with agency staff, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and external entities to address system issues and concerns.

Responsibilities

• Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet program goals and objectives set by leadership.
• Enforce norms and best practices within state regulations, DHHS and MCHS guidelines, and accrediting body standards.
• Maintain department systems, records, and reports; recommend and implement new policies and procedures for service improvement.
• Ensure compliance with agency, licensing, accreditation, contractual, and legal obligations, including licensing renewals and rulings.
• Assist with foster care licensing/certification rules, re-licensing, complaints, and adverse rulings; review placements and referral paperwork as needed.
• Oversee cases for children in foster care, including arranging visitations, counseling parents, supporting foster parents, attending court, contacting schools, and ensuring medical appointments are kept.
• Coordinate recruitment, orientation, and training of foster parents as needed.
• Collaborate with adoption, licensing, and other departments, as well as external agencies and the community.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to staff; plan, manage performance, and address complaints to foster teamwork and motivation.
• Develop and oversee a formalized orientation for new hires and a training program covering core competencies for foster care staff.
• Establish departmental structures and processes to hold staff accountable to state agency standards.
• Work collaboratively with other supervisors to carry out agency philosophy, vision, and mission.
• Manage programs in a fiscally responsible manner, adhering to budgets, controlling expenses, and complying with fiscal policies.
• Plan, organize, implement, monitor, and modify short- and long-term program initiatives.
• Maintain essential records and ensure all programming, policies, and procedures comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Represent the agency to external groups, businesses, community organizations, and volunteers as needed.
• Participate in agency-wide and community events; partner with the Director of Child Welfare Programs on operational and strategic issues.
• Provide strategic recommendations based on child welfare analysis and projections.

Requirements

• Masters degree in a human behavioral science such as Social Work or a related discipline where 25% of the course credits earned toward the degree are in human behavior science.
• Two (2) years experience as a case worker in a social services agency required.
• Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI) certification required; preference for CWTI Supervisory training completed.
• Must meet the State of Michigan’s Moral Character standard.

Knowledge Requirements

• Computer and software applications (Microsoft Office, Learning Management System, and MiSACWIS).
• Principles and practices of social work, including the NASW Code of Ethics or related fields.
• Policies and procedures related to child welfare.
• Family and child dynamics.

Skills and Abilities

• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with agency staff and government officials.
• Demonstrate leadership and integrity; motivate, develop, and direct staff.
• Manage time and multiple priorities; meet deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, agencies, and the public.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Be collaborative, flexible, and service-oriented.
• Attend training and travel offsite for meetings and seminars.
• Possess strong accountability, responsibility, and independent decision-making abilities.
• Plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when needed.