Foster Care Program Director - ZipRecruiter : Job Details

Job Description

Program Summary:

Child and Family Services (C+FS) Foster Care Program provides temporary, safe, and loving homes for children and supports parents/caregivers in developing the skills they need to achieve family reunification. When reunification is not possible, our program helps secure permanency through adoption. This program plays an essential role in our agency's 150+ year mission of nurturing a healthier and more equitable Western New York.

Position Summary:

The Foster Care Program Director provides strategic and operational leadership and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of program delivery, policy and procedure development, staff supervision, and compliance with internal and external requirements and expectations. Reporting to the Chief Community Program Officer, the Director is tasked with restoring and strengthening the foundation of a program that is undergoing a significant rebuild. The ideal candidate brings both clinical and operational expertise in child welfare and is energized by the opportunity to shape the future of the program, support a largely new team, and lead critical initiatives such as the recruitment and retention of high-quality foster homes.

A Typical Day on the Job:

While every day can vary, a typical day for the Foster Care Program Director may include:

• Leading morning check-ins or weekly team meetings to align staff on priorities and ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Fielding calls or emails from foster parents or the Erie County Department of Social Services (ECDSS) to address concerns, placement needs, or special case situations.
• Monitoring Microsoft Teams channels for updates and providing timely guidance or problem-solving support to staff.
• Reviewing and approving case documentation, reports, or billing submissions for accuracy and completeness after they are sent to ECDSS or internal departments such as Finance.
• Coaching team members on documentation standards, timelines, and the importance of attention to detail to avoid errors and duplicative work.
• Participating in or preparing for multi-disciplinary meetings to ensure program goals are met and staff feel supported in their work.
• Engaging with leadership and external partners to represent the program and strengthen credibility and confidence in the Foster Care team.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and direction to the Foster Care and Adoption Program, ensuring delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed care.
• Supervise and support program managers and supervisors, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and learning.
• Lead the redevelopment of program policies, procedures, and systems to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance with state and county regulations.
• Monitor program performance, quality, and outcomes using data and stakeholder feedback.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies, including the Erie County Department of Social Services and New York State OCFS.
• Collaborate with agency leadership and other departments to ensure alignment of Foster Care services with agency-wide goals and practices.
• Oversee program budget and staffing to ensure resource efficiency and sustainability.
• Lead the strategic recruitment and retention of foster homes to meet the evolving needs of children entering care.
• Provide crisis consultation and ensure timely resolution of high-risk situations.
• Promote a culture of equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement across the program.

Minimum Requirements:

A Cover Letter and Resume are Required for all applicants

• Master's Degree in Social Work or a related human services field required; LMSW or related clinical licensure strongly preferred.
• At least five (5) years of progressive management experience in child welfare, clinical, or related settings.
• Demonstrated success in leading programs, teams, and systems through periods of transition or growth.
• Deep knowledge of child welfare regulations, permanency planning, and trauma-informed care principles.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Experience with policy development, quality improvement, and program evaluation.
• Commitment to supporting and developing new professionals and fostering a stable, mission-aligned workforce.
• Proven ability to build positive relationships with internal teams, foster families, and external stakeholders.

Compensation and Benefits:

Competitive pay range of $85,000 to $95,000 based on experience and education.

CFS offers full-time employees comprehensive benefits including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 20 days (25 days after five years), 14 paid holidays, bereavement leave, jury duty pay.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Wellness programs and incentives.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with quarterly employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care.
• Retirement plan with employer contributions after two years.
• Employee referral bonuses.
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Child & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, familial status, or genetics. We comply with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.