Associate Director

Spectrum Human; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectrum Human in Southfield, MI seeks an experienced Associate Director to lead Family Support Services, including Adoption, Foster Care, and Licensing. You will provide strategic leadership and oversee program managers and case managers to deliver trauma-informed care.

The role requires strong supervisory and administrative experience, knowledge of MiSACWIS and MDHHS Licensing Rules, and the ability to collaborate with state partners and community stakeholders to ensure compliant, high-quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field with significant child welfare experience (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum six (6) years of child welfare experience, including supervisory and administrative leadership experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of child welfare practices, foster care, adoption, licensing, MiSACWIS, CQI principles, and MDHHS Licensing Rules (Public Act 116, COA standards).
• Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License with a safe driving record and reliable transportation.
• Satisfactory MDHHS Central Registry Clearance, criminal history free of felony convictions, physical exam, and negative TB test.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, administrative direction, and operational oversight across Adoption, Foster Care, and Licensing divisions.
• Lead, inspire, and empower a team of program managers, supervisors, and case managers to deliver trauma-informed care.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, state partners, and community stakeholders to drive compliance and continuous quality improvement.

Skills

Child welfare leadership

Supervisory experience

Strategic leadership

Regulatory compliance

CQI principles

MiSACWIS knowledge

MDHHS Licensing Rules

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MiSACWIS

Job description

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Associate Director

Regular Full-Time Southfield, MI, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 3186

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually

About the Role:

Are you an experienced, compassionate child welfare leader passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families? We are seeking a dynamic, visionary Associate Director to join our leadership team in Family Support Services.

In this critical role, you will provide strategic leadership, administrative direction, and operational oversight across our Adoption, Foster Care, and Licensing divisions. You will lead, inspire, and empower a dedicated team of program managers, supervisors, and mission-driven case managers to deliver the highest standard of trauma-informed care and service delivery. Working closely with executive leadership, state partners, and community stakeholders, you will drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous quality improvement—ensuring every child and family receives the safe, supportive, and permanent outcomes they deserve.

We offer the following great benefits:

• BCN Medical
• BCBS Vision
• Flexible Spending Account & HSA Options
• 403(b) with employer match
• Life Insurance - $25,000
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field with significant child welfare experience (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum six (6) years of child welfare experience, including proven supervisory and administrative leadership experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of child welfare practices, foster care, adoption, licensing, MiSACWIS, CQI principles, and MDHHS Licensing Rules (Public Act 116, COA standards)
• Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License with a safe driving record and reliable transportation
• Satisfactory MDHHS Central Registry Clearance, criminal history free of felony convictions, physical exam, and negative TB test

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) or a related human services field
• Deep clinical and administrative leadership expertise in foster care, adoption, and family preservation settings
• Experience working with diverse populations, children, and families in crisis
• Strong working knowledge of Wayne County juvenile justice and family support networks
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

As the Associate Director, you will draw upon your leadership and exceptional communication skills to mentor supervisory staff and empower case managers on the front lines of child welfare. Your extensive knowledge of foster care, adoption, and licensing regulations will allow you to uphold the highest standards of service delivery and administrative integrity. You will leverage your expertise in fiscal management and strategic planning to effectively guide resources, innovate program models, and expand our impact within the community. Your ability to build strong relationships across community agencies, state bodies, and internal teams will ensure our programs remain collaborative, compliant, and deeply aligned with our mission of supporting children and strengthening families.