Program Manager-DCFS Western Region (Nephi)

State of Utah; Nephi (UT); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

State of Utah is seeking a Program Manager to lead and supervise a district team of child welfare professionals.

The role focuses on setting program goals, directing staff performance, and ensuring high-quality service delivery. It requires strong leadership, data-driven decision making, and deep knowledge of child welfare practices.

Qualifications

• Leading diverse teams of child welfare professionals.
• Strong communication and crisis management skills.
• Familiarity with SAFE, resources, and applicable child welfare laws.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of child welfare professionals, including hiring, workload planning, and performance reviews.
• Coach and mentor staff through field observations and ongoing development.
• Apply data metrics to monitor performance and conduct QA reviews.
• Develop and implement program goals, policies, and resource plans.
• Coordinate with private providers, law enforcement, and other agencies.

Skills

Team leadership

Coaching & development

Communication

Data-driven decision making

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Family & Human Development, Criminal Justice, Gerontology, or related field

Job description

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package. Salary – $28.62-$43.60 Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid Application Deadline – 10/4/2026*

Program Manager

Advance your career in social work while continuing to be an integral part of a team working together to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency for abused or neglected children, and strengthening families in our communities. As a Supervisor (Program Manager), you will participate as a core member of our region-wide administrative team, determine program goals and objectives, and directly lead a dedicated team of child welfare professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Manage a team of child welfare professionals providing direct client services, including hiring, workload determination, delegation, training, performance evaluation, and corrective actions.
• Coaching & Development: Conduct field coaching and shadow observations, as well as ongoing coaching and mentoring of team members to foster professional growth, skill enhancement, and adherence to best practices.
• Data-Driven Management & QA: Use and apply data metrics to measure team performance and complete systematic Quality Assurance (QA) reviews to ensure compliance and high-quality service delivery.
• Program Quality & Strategy: Monitor and evaluate operations, programs, and practices for quality and effectiveness; develop plans, policies, and resources to meet agency goals.
• Community Coordination: Partner and coordinate activities with private providers, law enforcement, the Children's Justice Center, County Attorneys, and other governmental entities as required by the program area.
• On-Call Demands: Perform 24-hour on-call services as required under management direction (subject to geographic location and agency demand).

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you must meet the following criteria:

• Driver's License: Possess a valid Utah driver's license.
• Soft Skills: Proven ability to interact professionally with all levels of management, manage diversified workloads, navigate challenging crisis situations, and communicate ideas clearly and concisely.
• Core Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of all aspects of SAFE, community/agency resources, and applicable child welfare laws, rules, regulations, and Practice Guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference May Be Given To Candidates Who Possess

• Current Employment: Active status as a current Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) employee.
• An active and in good standing Social Service Worker (SSW) license or higher mental health licensure in the State of Utah (such as CSW, LCSW, LPC, or LMFT)
• Three (3) or more years of professional work experience with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
• Active, working knowledge of foster care and home-based services.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Family & Human Development, Criminal Justice, Gerontology, or a closely related field.

Supplemental Information

• May require 24-hour on-call services/time. 24-hour on-call services response time to be determined by the agency.
• Department of Human Resource Management rules regarding promotions and transfers apply to current employees.
• Travel required; you may be required to use your personal vehicle to perform the duties of this position; approved mileage is reimbursable through State Finance.
• All DCFS job offers are contingent upon passing a Background Screening Application (BSA).
• Must have a valid Utah driver’s license.
• A position’s eligibility for hybrid work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.
• The State of Utah requires all employees to physically work inside the State of Utah Boundaries.

Physical Requirements

• Moderate - Some of the work performed requires some physical exertion. You may be required to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend; crouch; stoop; stretch; reach; lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.), e.g. lifting a small child in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.

Working Conditions

• High Risk - You will be exposed to risks and environmental stressors outside of a typical office environment. This includes frequent travel, entering client homes, potential physical confrontation, and potential exposure to contagious conditions/parasitic infections (e.g., head lice, bed bugs, scabies) or illegal chemical substances.

About The Role

Location

1403 S Main Street, Nephi, Utah, 84648, United States

Background Check Required – Yes

Drug Test Required – No

Drivers License Requirement- Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/driver%20eligibility/Current%20Rules

Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture.

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

The goal of Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) is to have communities where children grow up safe from abuse, neglect and dependency, where adults are protected from domestic violence, and where parents can be strengthened in their capacity to keep their family safe.

For more information about DCFS,

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].