Director of Programs

This role provides oversight for our Muskegon, MI and Holland, MI branches and requires regular travel between both locations.

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.

Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As a Director of Programs, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Provide leadership, supervision, and development for Program Supervisors and staff, including coaching, performance management, and employee relations;
• Partner with the Branch Director to set program strategy, goals, budgets, and operational priorities;
• Oversee daily program operations and administrative functions to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and service quality;
• Ensure all programs meet agency, state, federal, licensing, and contractual requirements, including outcome-based standards;
• Monitor program performance, address escalated issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives;
• Lead and facilitate leadership and staff meetings to support communication, coordination, and alignment;
• Foster a positive, trauma-responsive environment that models appropriate behavior and supports staff, clients, caregivers, and stakeholders;
• Support implementation of therapeutic and clinical program components in collaboration with Clinical Services, as applicable;
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with referral sources, community partners, and external stakeholders;
• Represent the organization through public relations activities, community engagement, and speaking opportunities as assigned;
• Oversee facility operations, including maintenance, safety, and coordination of resources across assigned locations;
• Manage on-call systems and staffing structures to meet program demands;
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices, and provide recommendations for program and policy enhancements;
• Ensure consistent enforcement and adherence to agency policies and procedures;
• Participate in organizational initiatives, performance review processes, and special events as required;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What Will Make You Successful

• BSW or Bachelor’s level degree in Human Services, or equivalent field of study;
• MSW or Master’s level degree in Social Services, or equivalent field of study, preferred;
• At least five (5) years of experience overseeing a program in the field of social services, or working in a child caring institution;
• Active Child Welfare Certification in the state of the work location, preferred;
• Demonstrated experience with trauma and working with youth;
• Prior supervisory experience;
• Proven knowledge and expertise in social services, behavioral health, and family support systems, including policies, regulations, and community resources for the programs that will serve;
• Strong leadership, program management, and strategic planning skills;
• Ability to pass required medical exam and have the physical ability to fulfill essential functions, to include but not limited to physical restraints of a resident, as applicable;
• Demonstrated clinical, therapeutic and crisis intervention skills;
• Mature and stable judgment, sensitivity to various cultures and the unique history of clients, as applicable;
• Bilingual Spanish/English fluency, strongly preferred;
• Successfully pass a TB test annually and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization, if required by program;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a multi-disciplinary team;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

We Invest in You

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employer paid long-term disability and group term life insurance

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Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.