Program Services Manager-Preventive Services

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 in New York is seeking a Program Service Manager to lead Preventive Services Case Planners and ensure compliant, family-centered case management under NYS OCFS standards.

You will collaborate with DSS, oversee case planning and documentation, and support staff development while maintaining strong community partnerships and ensuring child safety and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with three years’ experience in child welfare, behavioral health or foster care.
• Supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and provide oversight of complex cases.
• Knowledge of NYS child welfare/Preventive Services requirements and OCFS standards.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and support Preventive Services Case Planners through regular supervision.
• Monitor caseloads, case progress, service plans, and documentation.
• Review cases to ensure child safety, permanency, and well-being needs are addressed.
• Coordinate with contracted county DSS on case conferences and service delivery.
• Ensure timely case documentation and compliance with regulations and agency requirements.
• Support staff engagement, staff training needs, and professional development.
• Maintain relationships with families, DSS, community providers, and agency leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

CONNECTIONS

Job description

Position SummaryThe Program Service Manager provides day-to-day leadership, supervision, and quality oversight of Preventive Services Case Planners. The position ensures effective, family-centered case management and compliance with NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations, agency policies, and contractual standards. The Program Service Manager also works in partnership with contracted County Department of Social Services (DSS) to support case conferences, coordinated case planning, communication, and alignment of services and goals for children and families.Key ResponsibilitiesSupervise, 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.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.