Program Director

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 Program Director, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Direct, lead, and/or work collaboratively with all supervisors, licensing supervisors, clinical supervisors and Quality Assurance managers;
• Attend staff meetings to ensure effective and efficient service coordination;
• Provide weekly individual and team supervision to staff and interns, and meet with the Branch Director regularly;
• Build and cultivate a cohesive team and maintain positive staff morale;
• Prepare of the annual budget, goals and objectives and complete the monthly forecasting tool ensuring that all program budgets are operating within approved margins;
• Ensure written quarterly reports are in compliance with state and federal guidelines and other documentation to ensure they meet program expectations, as well as licensing and accreditation standards;
• Develop, update and maintain program operating manuals;
• Maintain awareness of current trends and theories, while also recommending changes in agency policies and practices when appropriate;
• Maintain, enhance, and develop positive relationships with referral sources, state and federal agencies, volunteer and community agencies, employers and individuals;
• Ensure effective operations through selection, training and orientation of new staff;
• Attend project teams and local and national meetings that will enhance provision of services to refugees;
• Manage vacation schedules to ensure adequate coverage and availability of services;
• Cultivate an environment where program staff model positive adult behaviors, while also nurturing youth and providing structure, support, respect, and trauma-informed care;
• Ensure program operations and services are consistent with the established agency, state, federal, and licensing standards and requirements;
• Ensure agency policies and procedures are enforced through completion of staff evaluations, conference request, time sheets and reimbursement vouchers;
• Maintain, enhance, and develop positive relationships with referral sources, community agencies, and community progressions;
• Participate in public relations for the program when appropriate;
• Ensure all case recording expectations satisfy state and agency requirements;
• Collaborate with intake and referral teams to ensure appropriate capacity and placement of youth in programs;
• Stay up-to-date on current trends and theories related to the program, while proactively recommending changes to agency policy and practice, as necessary;
• Participate in speaking engagements, courses and learning experiences, when necessary;
• Implement and enhance the use of the trauma-responsive Sanctuary model of care;
• 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

• MSW or Master’s level degree in Social Services, or equivalent degree in Education, Psychology, Sociology, or other relevant behavioral science degree from an accredited college with at least two (2) years of experience working in program management or as a director of a licensed childcare program, required;
• At least five (5) years of experience in foster care and/or refugee and immigrant services;
• Must have an ability to provide and/or obtain professional licensure or registration in the state of the work location;
• Bilingual Spanish/English fluency or other common languages spoken by refugee and immigrant populations, strongly preferred;
• Prior experience working with a diverse population, strongly preferred;
• Demonstrate excellent clinical, therapeutic and crisis intervention skills;
• 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 of 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 insurance 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.