Associate Director

Spectrum Human Services•Southfield, MI

9d•$80,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Associate Director provides strategic leadership, administrative direction, and operational oversight across the Adoption, Foster Care, and Licensing divisions within Family Support Services. The role leads and supports program managers, supervisors, and case managers in delivering trauma-informed care and services. Working with executive leadership, state partners, and community stakeholders, the Associate Director advances operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous quality improvement to support safe, supportive, and permanent outcomes for children and families. The Associate Director mentors supervisory staff and empowers case managers, applies knowledge of foster care, adoption, and licensing regulations, and maintains high standards of service delivery and administrative integrity. The role also uses fiscal management and strategic planning to guide resources, develop program models, and expand community impact. Building relationships with community agencies, state bodies, and internal teams is essential to collaborative, compliant programs aligned with the mission of supporting children and strengthening families.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, with significant child welfare experience.
At least six years of child welfare experience, including supervisory and administrative leadership experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of child welfare practices, foster care, adoption, licensing, MiSACWIS, CQI principles, and MDHHS Licensing Rules (Public Act 116, COA standards).
Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License, safe driving record, and reliable transportation.
Satisfactory MDHHS Central Registry Clearance, criminal history free of felony convictions, physical exam, and negative TB test.
Leadership and exceptional communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social work (MSW) or a related human services field.
Deep clinical and administrative leadership expertise in foster care, adoption, and family preservation settings.
Experience working with diverse populations, children, and families in crisis.
Strong working knowledge of Wayne County juvenile justice and family support networks.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership, administrative direction, and operational oversight across Adoption, Foster Care, and Licensing divisions.
Lead, mentor, and support program managers, supervisors, and case managers in delivering trauma-informed care and services.
Work with executive leadership, state partners, and community stakeholders to advance operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
Drive continuous quality improvement.
Uphold standards of service delivery and administrative integrity through expertise in foster care, adoption, and licensing regulations.
Use fiscal management and strategic planning to guide resources, innovate program models, and expand community impact.
Build relationships with community agencies, state bodies, and internal teams to support collaborative, compliant programs.