Program Officer for Foster Care - Michigan based

Global Refuge; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Refuge is seeking a Program Officer for Foster Care to oversee and coordinate programs for unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, program management, and ensuring compliance with best practices in child welfare, all within a mission-driven organization focused on community transformation.

Benefits

Medical insurance available from day one

Generous paid time off

Fully paid parental leave

403(b) contribution and match

Qualifications

• Masters or Bachelor's Degree with relevant experience.
• Experience in child welfare systems and managerial roles.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and administration of Foster Care grants.
• Lead collaboration efforts with Foster Care partners.
• Assist with writing governmental reports.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Judgment

Education

Masters Degree in Social Work

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

The Program Officer for Foster Care will provide oversight and coordination of a continuum of Foster Care programs to ensure holistic, culturally competent services for unaccompanied refugee and migrant children and their families. This position acts as a liaison between Global Refuge's partner organizations, Global Refuge, and federal foster care stakeholders. This position ensures the effectiveness and quality of services through supportive program management, monitoring, data management, trend analysis and evaluation, training and technical assistance. This position involves close collaboration with Associate Director and Senior Program Officer for Foster Care to identify trends, opportunities to enhance program services, training needs and implement recommendations for effective quality service delivery. This position will provide back up and support to the Associate Director for Foster Care, fellow Program Officers for Foster Care, and the Program Assistant.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in The United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including :

• medical, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment,
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

Responsibilities / Duties :

• Provide oversight and administration of Foster Care grants to network partner agencies including; child welfare best practice, program management, and compliance with the Global Refuge cooperative agreement and ORR policies and procedures.
• Lead collaboration efforts with Foster Care partners engaged in service provision to unaccompanied migrant and refugee children. Responsible for network coordination, communication and peer learning throughout the network.
• Provide support and technical assistance to partners related to issues of service delivery, documentation, reporting, Global Refuge and Child Welfare best practices, as well as Federal obligations.
• Provide ongoing desk and onsite monitoring to Foster Care Partners to assess program functioning and compliance with State / ORR / Global Refuge standards, as well as to identify trends, service gaps, and evaluate service models.
• Identify training needs and program challenges, for the development of materials, resources and tools to enhance the delivery of program services in accordance with recognized child welfare standards, LIRS Best Practices, and Global Refuge / ORR Policies and Procedures implementation.
• Assist with the writing of various governmental reports (quarterly, annual and monitoring visit reports).
• In collaboration with Associate Director for Foster Care, oversee network capacity and development, including recruitment, retention and termination of partners throughout our network. Provide support for regular referral coordination throughout our network.
• Coordinate regular effective collaboration with Global Refuge partners, ORR, Voluntary Agencies, and other key stakeholders who are engaged in service provision to unaccompanied migrant and refugee children on various tasks.
• Assist the Associate Director for Foster Care by ensuring coordination, collaboration and information sharing on major developments, trends, activities and initiatives are communicated effectively and efficiently.
• Represent Global Refuge Children's Services at assigned external meetings, trainings or groups.
• Engagement in agency-wide activities and initiatives including all-staff meetings, working groups or task forces and implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience :

• Masters Degree in Social Work or other behavioral science with at least three years of professional work experience highly preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience, such as a bachelor's degree in a related field with at least five years of experience
• Minimum of three years of experience and knowledge of child welfare systems, principles, practices , and emerging trends.
• Minimum of three years of managerial experience with increasing roles and responsibilities in supervision, program management, implementation , and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team and independently to establish priorities and exercise sound judgment in response to systems that are highly complex , sensitive, and confidential.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage collaborative partnerships across various systems.
• Demonstrated experience in providing training and technical assistance to internal staff and external partners.
• Experience and knowledge of legal and political issues related to immigration and child welfare.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact well with all levels of various systems.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English strongly preferred
• A valid driver's license and the ability to drive unrestricted are required
• Able and willing to travel 25% of annual time.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.

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Foster Care Program • Grand Rapids, MI, USA