Senior Manager, Adoption Preparation - Adoption Preparation

Position:                                        Sr. Manager, Adoption Preparation
Comparable DFPS Position:        Program Director
Classification:                               Full-time, Exempt
Reports to:                                    Permanency Program Administrator     
Company:                                      Texans Together             

Location:                                        
Regions 6a and/or 6b (Specific work locations will be assigned and communicated as staffing plans are finalized)

Position Description:

The Sr. Manager, Adoption Preparation leads a team dedicated to helping children, youth, and families move toward safe, stable, and lasting permanency. This role uses hope-centered, strengths-based leadership to plan, develop, and implement adoption preparation services; provide consultation and technical assistance; and build effective partnerships with staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public. The Senior Manager creates conditions in which staff and families can identify possibilities, strengthen pathways toward their goals, and sustain the motivation needed to achieve positive outcomes. The position plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others and exercises substantial initiative and independent judgment with minimal supervision.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, and development to assigned staff, establishing clear expectations and accountability for performance and results.
• Plans, assigns, and monitors work to support effective program operations, appropriate workload management, and achievement of program goals.
• Evaluates staff performance through supervision, performance data, observation, and formal appraisals; identifies training and development needs and addresses performance concerns.
• Promotes a collaborative, strengths-based work environment that supports employee engagement, professional growth, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with children, youth, families, caregivers, legal partners, schools, medical providers, CASA, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Partners with staff and stakeholders to establish culturally responsive program goals and strategies that support positive outcomes for children and families.
• Develops and delivers presentations, training, and program information to children, youth, families, staff, community partners, and management.
• Incorporates staff expertise, family and youth voice, promising practices, and stakeholder feedback into program planning and continuous improvement.
• Performs other related duties as assigned and responds to changing program and organizational needs.
• Provides oversight and consultation to ensure individualized permanency planning supports child safety, stability, well-being, family connections, and timely permanency outcomes.
• Guides staff in identifying, recruiting, assessing, and matching prospective adoptive families and supporting children through adoptive placement.
• Provides consultation and direction in complex, urgent, or crisis situations requiring timely assessment, decision-making, and response.
• Monitors program performance, case practice, and service delivery through case reviews, data analysis, and operational observation to ensure quality and compliance with applicable policies, procedures, standards, and requirements.
• Establishes program priorities, performance measures, and work standards; monitors outcomes and implements improvements as needed.
• Prepares and analyzes management reports, correspondence, and program data to identify trends, barriers, outcomes, and recommended actions.
• Develops and monitors program budgets to ensure effective allocation of resources and alignment with program priorities.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates program policies, procedures, guidelines, and practices consistent with organizational and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or closely related field. Relevant experience considered in lieu of education requirement.
• Three (3) years supervisory or managerial experience in a social services environment. Experience must include supervising staff; planning, organizing, and coordinating program operations; analyzing and resolving operational challenges; and interpreting and implementing complex policies, procedures, and requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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 available services that support children, youth, and families.
• Skill in providing 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 decision-making.
• 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 analyze information critically, 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 in computers and relevant software used for communication, documentation, data analysis, reporting, and program management.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Office-based, Community locations, Client Homes, Schools, Courts and provider facilities.
• Conditions: Frequent interaction with children, families, stakeholders, providers, and governmental agencies. Work may involve emotionally challenging, crisis-oriented, or high-stress situations.
• Schedule: Mon – Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening, weekend, and after-hours responsibilities may be necessary to meet operational needs.
• Travel: Regular travel across Harris County and the 12- county service region. Reliable transportation required.

 

DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace.

DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.