Program Services Manager, Child Welfare & Case Coordination

The House of the Good Shepherd; City of Watertown (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The House of the Good Shepherd seeks a Program Service Manager to lead Preventive Services Case Planners, ensuring compliant, family-centered case management in partnership with the county DSS.

Responsibilities include supervising staff, ensuring timely documentation, and coordinating with schools, health care providers, and community agencies to advance case progress. NYS OCFS compliance and strong leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with three years’ experience, working in a child welfare, behavioral health or foster care setting, supervisory experience preferred.
• Supervisory or lead experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of NYS child welfare/Preventive Services requirements and OCFS standards.
• Strong communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and provide effective oversight of complex cases.
• Experience with CONNECTIONS or other child welfare case-management systems preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, if required by the program.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and support Preventive Services Case Planners through regular individual and team supervision.
• Monitor caseloads, case progress, service plans, documentation, and required case activities.
• Review cases to ensure child safety, permanency, and well-being needs are appropriately addressed.
• Provide guidance on complex cases, family crises, safety concerns, and service coordination.
• Partner with contracted county DSS on case conferences, case planning, communication, and alignment of goals, services, and interventions.
• Participate in and facilitate case conferences with DSS and other stakeholders to promote coordinated service delivery and timely case progress.
• Ensure timely and accurate case documentation and compliance with OCFS regulations, DSS expectations, and agency requirements.
• Conduct case record reviews and support quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
• Assist staff with family engagement and coordination with schools, healthcare providers, community agencies, DSS, and other service partners.
• Monitor staff performance, identify training needs, and support professional development.
• Participate in hiring, performance evaluations, staff meetings, audits, and program initiatives as needed.
• Maintain effective relationships with families, staff, DSS personnel, community providers, and agency leadership.
• Ensure confidentiality and adherence to ethical and professional standards.
• The position may require travel within the service area, including home and community visits, and occasional evenings based on program needs.
• Participate in on call rotation for supervisory support to on call staff.
• Support program initiatives in alignment with organizational priorities and leadership direction.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Communication

Organization

Leadership

Problem-solving

Multitasking / time management

Knowledge of NYS child welfare

Experience with CONNECTIONS or similar

Valid driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CONNECTIONS case-management system

Job description

The House of the Good Shepherd seeks a Program Service Manager to lead Preventive Services Case Planners, ensuring compliant, family-centered case management in partnership with the county DSS.

Responsibilities include supervising staff, ensuring timely documentation, and coordinating with schools, health care providers, and community agencies to advance case progress. NYS OCFS compliance and strong leadership are essential.