Sr. Manager, Adoption Preparation

DePelchin Children’s Center•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Adoption Preparation leads a team that helps children, youth, and families move toward safe, stable, and lasting permanency. Using hope-centered and strengths-based leadership, the Senior Manager plans, develops, and implements adoption preparation services; provides consultation and technical assistance; and builds partnerships with staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public. The role supports staff and families in identifying possibilities, strengthening pathways toward their goals, and sustaining motivation to achieve positive outcomes. The position plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others, exercising substantial initiative and independent judgment with minimal supervision. It oversees individualized permanency planning, staff practice, program quality and compliance, performance monitoring, budgets, and the development and evaluation of program policies and procedures. The work is office-based and also takes place in community locations, client homes, schools, courts, and provider facilities. Regular travel is required across Harris County and the 12-county service region; reliable transportation is required. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening, weekend, and after-hours responsibilities as needed. Work may involve emotionally challenging, crisis-oriented, or high-stress situations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a closely related field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the education requirement.
Three years of supervisory or managerial experience in a social services environment, including staff supervision; planning, organizing, and coordinating program operations; analyzing and resolving operational challenges; and interpreting and implementing complex policies, procedures, and requirements.
Knowledge of strengths-based, trauma-informed, and hope-centered practices related to conservatorship, permanency, adoption preparation, and child well-being.
Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing Child Protective Services, conservatorship, permanency, and adoption preparation.
Knowledge of permanency and adoption practices, including family identification, home studies, matching, placement support, and preparation for lasting permanency.
Knowledge of contracted and community-based providers and services that support children, youth, and families.
Skill in inclusive, strengths-based leadership, supervision, coaching, and staff development.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Skill in verbal and written communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, and facilitation.
Skill in program planning, implementation, evaluation, project management, and continuous improvement.
Skill in analyzing program data, identifying trends and barriers, and using findings to support informed decisions.
Ability to plan, prioritize, assign, and oversee work while maintaining accountability for quality, timeliness, and results.
Ability to manage multiple priorities independently, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively to changing or complex circumstances.
Ability to critically analyze information, identify practical solutions, and make timely decisions.
Ability to prepare clear, concise reports, presentations, and recommendations and effectively represent the organization with stakeholders.
Ability to facilitate meetings, trainings, and presentations that promote understanding, collaboration, and progress toward shared goals.
Ability to apply agency policies and procedures consistently while considering the individual circumstances and needs of children and families.
Proficiency with computers and relevant software used for communication, documentation, data analysis, reporting, and program management.
Reliable transportation for regular travel across Harris County and the 12-county service region.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and development to assigned staff, with clear expectations and accountability for performance and results.
Plan, assign, and monitor work to support effective program operations, workload management, and program goals.
Evaluate staff performance through supervision, performance data, observation, and formal appraisals; identify development needs and address performance concerns.
Promote a collaborative, strengths-based work environment that supports employee engagement, professional growth, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with children, youth, families, caregivers, legal partners, schools, medical providers, CASA, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
Partner with staff and stakeholders to establish culturally responsive program goals and strategies.
Develop and deliver presentations, training, and program information to children, youth, families, staff, community partners, and management.
Incorporate staff expertise, family and youth voice, promising practices, and stakeholder feedback into program planning and continuous improvement.
Provide oversight and consultation to ensure individualized permanency planning supports child safety, stability, well-being, family connections, and timely permanency outcomes.
Guide staff in identifying, recruiting, assessing, and matching prospective adoptive families and supporting children through adoptive placement.
Provide consultation and direction in complex, urgent, or crisis situations requiring timely assessment, decision-making, and response.
Monitor program performance, case practice, and service delivery through case reviews, data analysis, and operational observation to ensure quality and compliance with applicable requirements.
Establish program priorities, performance measures, and work standards; monitor outcomes and implement improvements as needed.
Prepare and analyze management reports, correspondence, and program data to identify trends, barriers, outcomes, and recommended actions.
Develop and monitor program budgets to ensure effective resource allocation and alignment with program priorities.
Develop, implement, and evaluate program policies, procedures, guidelines, and practices consistent with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned and respond to changing program and organizational needs.