Program Manager - Foster Care

Brightpoint • Chicago, IL

3d • $75,000 - $85,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions. The Program Manager of Foster Care is a critical member of both the region’s child welfare team, as well as the agency’s broader leadership team, working collaboratively within and across programs to ensure a relentless focus on keeping children safe and supporting families, consistent with our agency's Blueprint for Impact, which includes replacing what we currently think of as child welfare services with what we know to be child, family, and community well-being solutions. As Program Manager, your primary responsibilities are to select, assess, and develop other leaders, as well as develop and execute operational plans, manage boundaries and resources, and help to build and grow the organization.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or a closely related field required.
• At least five years social services experience required (child welfare experience highly desirable).
• At least three years supervisory experience required.
• Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL), Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP), and Child Abuse and Neglect (CANS) certification required, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to attend in-person meetings and events as needed required.
• Valid driver's license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain administrative oversight of child welfare programs, contracts, and related operational units.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable DCFS rules, licensing regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Participate in regional and program management teams, as well as assigned committees.
• Provide leadership and supervision for multiple levels of direct and indirect reports.
• Oversee program and administrative support staff, including implementing agency personnel policies and practices such as hiring, performance appraisals, leave management, promotions, salary adjustments, terminations, and documentation of all personnel actions.
• Guide staff on administrative case issues, budget management, program plan implementation, and evaluation of personnel effectiveness.
• Monitor SACWIS dashboard and collaborate with Child Welfare Program Supervisors to ensure compliance with DCFS standards.
• Develop and facilitate in-service training and staff development programs as needed.
• Partner with external agencies and organizations including DCFS, Department of Justice, Illinois State Board of Education, and Department of Human Services to meet licensing regulations, performance standards, and reporting requirements.
• Implement strategies to enhance service quality and address individual training and consultation needs within the program.
• Provide administrative oversight for essential functions, which may include investigations, contract management, intake billing, and other assigned responsibilities.
• Collaborate with the management team to enhance programs and services, support staff retention, and foster positive morale.
• Monitor work quality through participation in peer review processes and regular file audits.
• Provide coverage and backup for team members as needed, which may include conducting home visits, attending court hearings, and other case-related responsibilities.
• Deliver individual supervision to team members, plan and facilitates regular team meetings, and actively participate in supervisors’ meetings, network meetings, and other relevant forums.

Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• 3+ weeks paid time off in the first year including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day (PTO increases with tenure)
• 11 paid holidays
• Supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) with match
• A $3,000 CWEL Stay Bonus payable in two installments: $1,500 after 6 months of consecutive employment and $1,500 after 12 months of consecutive employment. Eligibility for the bonus is contingent upon the role requiring the CWEL certification.
• Emerging Leaders will have access to leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship.
• Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager