Director of Kinship and Support Services (Dallas)

Position Summary 

The Director of Kinship and Support Services will be responsible for overseeing and leading the development and implementation of the kinship program and support services within Texas Family Care Network. The primary focus will be to ensure the well-being and long-term stability of children and families involved in the child welfare system by promoting and facilitating permanent placements with relatives or fictive kin. This position will provide strategic direction, manage a team of professionals, collaborate with external stakeholders, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This position supervises family engagement, kinship case management, courtesy supervision, and support services, ensuring implementation of permanency programming, coordination of activities, and partnerships with other agencies and community resources to reach permanency goals. 

Responsibilities 

1. Support/Service Delivery
   1. Collaborates with legal professionals, courts, and adoption agencies to facilitate the legal processes related to permanency placements. 
   2. Collaborates with case managers to develop individualized care plans and goals for caregivers. 
   3. Collaborates with social workers, case managers, and other professionals to assess the needs of children and families and develop appropriate permanency plans.
   4. Advocates for the best interests of children and families involved in the child welfare system and represent the organization in relevant forums and meetings.
   5. Advocates for caregivers' rights and needs, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support systems.
   6. Develops and delivers training programs for staff, caregivers, kinship foster care parents, and other stakeholders on topics related to permanency services.
   7. Develops and implements strategic plans and initiatives to enhance permanency outcomes for children and families.
   8. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of permanency services, identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary changes.
   9. Utilizes data analysis to identify trends, measure program effectiveness, and make informed decisions.
   10. Approves and denies daycare waivers accordingly.
   11. Approves and declines home studies.
   12. Establishes and maintains effective programs, policies, and procedures related to permanency services. 
   13. Stays updated on best practices, research, and trends in permanency services and share knowledge with the team and relevant stakeholders.
2. Communication
   1. Addresses any caregiver concerns or complaints and implement appropriate resolution strategies.
3. Supervision
   1. Receives supervision.
      1. Receives supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters.
   2. Provides supervision.
      1. Supervises staff directly or their supervisors depending upon the personnel actions including action plans, hiring, terminations, recruitment, vacation and sick day requests. Ensures that program staffing is qualified and provides continued safety of children served with high rates of success/program completion.
4. Leadership
   1. Provides leadership and guidance to a team of professionals, including recruitment, family engagement, legal liaison, courtesy services, and kinship case management.
   2. Provides strategic direction and leadership for the kinship teams.
   3. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
5. Community Engagement
   1. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders involved in permanency services. 
6. Documentation
   1. Ensures accurate and timely documentation of client information, case progress, and outcomes.
   2. Prepares and present reports to management, board members, and funding agencies, highlighting programs outcomes, challenges, and recommendations.
   3. Generates regular reports on program activities, achievements, and challenges for management and funding agencies.
   4. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records, documentation, and reports related to permanency cases.
7. Finance/Budget
   1. Assists Senior Leadership with financial reviews of department budget and expenses.  
   2. Monitors overtime within the unit/ department and follows up with supervisors and staff accordingly.  
   3. Approves or denies client expenses accordingly.  
   4. Oversees staff travel expenses and ensures reimbursement policies/ procedures are followed for timely reimbursement.
   5. Approves or denies kinship reimbursement extensions accordingly. 
8. Risk Management and Safety
   1. Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies related to permanency services.
   2. Ensures the provision of high-quality and timely permanency services to children and families, including adoption, legal guardianship, and family reunification.

Qualifications 

1. Education/Credentials/Licensure:
   1. Requires a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.  
   2. Requires a valid state driver’s license and safe driving record. 
   3. Requires reliable transportation and current auto insurance.
2. Experience:
   1. Requires three (3) years of experience in child welfare case management and child placement.  
   2. Requires two (2) years of supervisory experience. 
3. Clearances: 
   1. DPS 
   2. DFPS 
   3. FBI 
   4. CBCU Eligibility Determination 
   5. Child Abuse Clearances 

Working Conditions  

1. Physical Demands  
   1. This position requires operating a keypad device 75% of the day and electronic/office equipment 25% of the day. Frequent travel throughout the assigned counties may be required daily along with travel by plane and may include travel in weather conditions – 50%. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower and upper torso is used 75% of the day. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. Walking is required 75% of the day. Standing occurs 75% of the day. Sitting happens 25% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 25% of the day. This function routinely lifts under 25 pounds. The maximum lift is 50 pounds, 1 time per day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 
2. Mental Demands 
   1. Continually requires the need to concentrate.  
   2. Frequently requires the need to make quick decisions, handle a diversity of problems, and perform multiple tasks.  
   3. Occasionally has distractions that interfere.  
3. Environmental Factors  
   1. Environmental demands require this position in client homes, schools, and the community. Reliable transportation is required.  
4. Working Hours 
   1. This position works a non-traditional schedule that can vary based on client and department needs. 
   2. Participates in on-call rotation.