Children's Services/ICW Program Manager - Child Placing Agency

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

133d•Onsite

About The Position

The CPA Program Manager provides day-to-day oversight of the Child Placement Agency within Children’s Services. Under the general direction of the Director of Children’s Services, the manager certifies potential homes as Washington State licensed foster care homes and coordinates culturally appropriate placements for Tribal children, considering the needs of children, families, and the community. The role works directly with a multidisciplinary team and provides training to potential and current foster homes and department staff. The manager maintains licensing and agency records, ensures compliance with Federal, State, and Tribal laws and CPA contractual obligations, coordinates foster home recruitment, licensing, placement, and support, and handles licensing background checks and home studies. The position also oversees caregiver support and case aide services, supports CPA program development and staff training, maintains relationships with DCYF and other partners, and supervises Child Placement Agency staff, Case Aides, and Caregiver Support Specialists. Work is performed in an office setting with regular local travel and may involve sensitive or confidential matters.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field and at least four years of experience licensing foster homes or other satisfactory related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Supervisory abilities that promote effective staff performance, with relevant experience, training, and demonstrated skills in each area supervised or managed.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of WACs, RCWs, and ICW as they relate to the Child Placement Agency.
Ability to maintain LD licensing requirements for the Child Placement Agency within Children’s Services.
Thorough understanding of LD reporting and auditing requirements and processes.
Strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain positive government-to-government relationships with the Puyallup Tribe, other Tribal departments and governments, and state and federal agencies.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret contracts, WACs, RCWs, and MOUs, and explain complex technical issues accurately.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures and present information effectively and courteously.
Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and interpret requirements to ensure agency compliance.
Valid, unrestricted Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance; license must permit compliance with the Tribe’s Vehicle Use Policy and operation of a GSA vehicle.
Pass a Washington State DSHS criminal history and CPS background inquiry upon hire and every two years thereafter unless otherwise indicated.
Pass a TB test upon hire.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification, HIV/AIDS certification, and BBP certification within the first 30 days of hire.
Complete Mandated Reporting training within the first 30 days of hire and annually thereafter for PTCS staff.
Be willing to attend ongoing training for professional development.
Be at least 21 years old, or 18–20 if enrolled in a BSW program.
Adhere to the Child and Family Protection Code and duty to report child abuse and neglect.
Knowledge of child safety and Native American family dynamics.
Sensitivity to and familiarity with the social and cultural needs of Tribal children and their families.
Be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

Collect and maintain required documentation in an organized manner and ensure foster home licenses comply with applicable laws and CPA contractual obligations.
Coordinate foster home placements with caseworkers, ICW Liaisons, and CPS investigators; assist with recruiting and licensing or certifying Tribal and relative caregivers.
Coordinate or provide training, consultation, and support to foster and adoptive homes; monitor licensing compliance and conduct reassessments as needed.
Maintain knowledge of children in foster homes, secure over-capacity requests when appropriate, and assist caseworkers and CPS staff with emergent placements.
Prepare monthly CPA payment invoices, ensure accurate payment entry, and follow up with DCYF to correct payment errors.
Collaborate with PTCS staff on the Tribal Waiver process and conduct foster licensing background checks through LD in compliance with the CPA contract.
Conduct CJIS/NCIC background checks through the PTCS contract for FBI fingerprint checks for certified and relative caregivers.
Conduct home studies and prepare detailed home studies and licensing reports to assess prospective foster families.
Help foster parents locate and complete required training hours for licensing compliance.
Collaborate with Washington State Department of Licensing resources offices on foster home licensing.
Coordinate recruitment events and deliver written and oral presentations in group settings.
Develop a pre-service training manual and curriculum with the Director and lead training for foster families.
Assist the Director with guidance and training for new staff on CPA processes and practices.
Work with the Director to establish program guidelines, policies and procedures, new employee orientation materials and handbook, MOUs, and 7.01 plans with Children's Administration.
Maintain government-to-government relationships with DCYF to support access to services for Indian families.
Maintain accurate files for licensed, certified, and relative foster homes and staff homes and files monthly with the Director and/or Assistant Director.
Conduct CPS investigations with LD regarding allegations against licensed homes and provide findings to relevant parties.
Complete rate assessments when children enter care and every six months, reviewing medical documents and obtaining current information from Tribal Case Workers.
Provide ongoing support and oversight to Caregiver Support Specialist positions and review and approve Caregiver Support Plans.
Review and approve Case Aide service referrals and maintain the Case Aide schedule.
Attend CPA meetings with DCYF.
Maintain employee and foster home files in accordance with CPA audit requirements.
Occasionally provide backup for departmental staff who are absent.
Supervise Child Placement Agency staff, Case Aides, and Caregiver Support Specialists, including hiring, training, assigning and directing work, performance appraisal, and addressing complaints and problems.
Perform other duties as assigned.