Refugee and Immigrant Program Director

Bethany Christian Services USA • Kentwood, MI

6d

About The Position

Rooted in Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. The Refugee and Immigrant Children Program Director helps advance this mission by overseeing services for refugee and immigrant children. The role partners with the Branch Director and other leaders to ensure consistent programming, effective service delivery, and compliance across multiple work locations. It directs and develops staff, supports trauma-responsive care, manages program operations and training, and maintains relationships with referral sources and community agencies. Responsibilities may vary based on program or department needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Consumer or Community Services, Criminal Justice, Family Ecology, Sociology, or another relevant human behavioral science field from an accredited college, plus at least five years of program administration experience at a child welfare agency; or a master's degree in one of these fields plus at least two years of such experience.
• Demonstrated experience with trauma and working with refugee or immigrant youth.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide excellent, compassionate customer service.
• Ability to work independently and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated clinical, therapeutic, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work effectively on a multidisciplinary team.
• Mature and stable judgment, cultural sensitivity, and sensitivity to refugees' unique histories.
• Successfully pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization.
• Ability to pass a required medical examination and physically fulfill essential functions, including physical restraints of a resident.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• At least 21 years old, with a valid driver's license and at least three years of U.S. driving experience to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany.
• Pass an MVR check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage.
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries.
• Exhibit integrity and good moral character to provide appropriate care.
• Have relevant experience and/or qualifications to work with the clients and clients with special needs, and be properly trained and licensed as necessary.
• Provide proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route, including completion of the primary Tdap vaccination series; if the series was completed in childhood, one adult Tdap dose is required.
• Provide results of a medical examination as required by state licensing, including TB test results and immunization records.
• Subscribe to and integrate the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

Nice To Haves

• Active Child Welfare Certification in the state where the work is located.
• Bilingual English proficiency with Spanish or another common language spoken by refugee and immigrant populations; strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings to support effective service coordination.
• Partner regularly with the Branch Director and relevant leaders to ensure programming consistency and delivery of services for refugee and immigrant children.
• Direct, train, and develop direct reports and others as needed.
• Cultivate a trauma-focused environment in which staff model positive adult behaviors and provide youth with structure, support, respect, nurturing, and active involvement.
• Assist the Branch Director with annual budget preparation, goals, and objectives.
• Ensure program operations and services comply with agency, state, federal, and licensing standards and requirements.
• Oversee several work locations to ensure effective operations that meet client needs and quality standards.
• Enforce agency policies and procedures through staff evaluations, conference requests, timesheets, and reimbursement vouchers.
• Maintain, enhance, and develop relationships with referral sources and community agencies.
• Coordinate the Residential policy and procedures committee and ensure consistency with COA, DHHS, ORS, CCI, and other contract regulations.
• Participate in program public relations when appropriate.
• Ensure case recording meets state and agency requirements.
• Oversee training curriculum and compliance, including CPI, refugee and immigrant children training, First Aid/CPR, and new employee orientation.
• Collaborate with intake and referral teams to ensure appropriate program capacity and youth placement.
• Audit and oversee aftercare and transitions following placement.
• Stay current on program trends and theories and recommend changes to agency policy and practice when needed.
• Participate in speaking engagements, courses, and learning experiences as necessary.
• Implement and enhance use of the trauma-responsive Sanctuary model of care.
• Stay current on agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services.
• Participate in Bethany-sponsored events when required or requested.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility.
• Generous time off, including 11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, and separate sick and paid absence banks.
• Education reimbursement for those who qualify.
• Employee assistance and wellness program.
• Employer-paid long-term disability and group term life insurance.

What This Job Offers

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