Program Director

Family Services of America (FSA) is a CARF-accredited behavioral health and child welfare organization headquartered in Fayetteville, NC, with 14+ years of experience delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based care (TFTC, SPARCS, TF-CBT) to children and families. FSA operates the Journey to Home Long-Term Foster Care (LTFC) Program, a program providing foster care placement and wraparound services for children in care. The Opportunity The Program Director is responsible for the overall management of the programmatic, administrative, financial, and operational systems related to the provision of care and services within FSA’s ORR Long-Term Foster Care Program. This is a senior leadership role and an ORR key personnel position requiring prior credential approval. The Program Director ensures the safety of unaccompanied children in care and their safe and timely release to approved sponsors, provides regular and timely reports to ORR, establishes a respectful and supportive workplace environment, and elevates any issues or concerns to ORR and FSA leadership. The role operates within a compliance-driven environment governed by the ORR UACB Policy Guide, 45 CFR Part 410 (Foundational Rule), 45 CFR Part 411 (Prevention of Sexual Abuse), CARF accreditation standards, and NC DHHS residential licensing. This position reports to the Director of Operations. Please note: This is a grant-funded, term-limited position for up to three years, aligned to the ORR cooperative agreement grant cycle. Continuation is contingent on grant funding. What You Will Own Program leadership and operations Direct the overall management of the LTFC program’s programmatic, administrative, financial, and operational systems to ensure the safe, trauma-informed care of unaccompanied children and their safe and timely release to approved sponsors. Maintain an effective program management structure with clear lines of authority and responsibility that promotes the effective use of organizational resources and positive program outcomes. Ensure case management services are available seven days per week, including weekends and holidays, consistent with ORR requirements. ORR reporting and communication Provide regular and timely reports to the ORR Project Officer regarding program operations, services, census, and finances. Promptly elevate issues, vacancies, and concerns to ORR, including reporting the loss of any position requiring ORR prior approval, case managers, or personnel needed to maintain minimum staffing ratios within one business day. Serve as a primary point of contact with the assigned ORR Project Officer. Staffing plan and ratios Develop, implement, and document a staffing plan to operate and accept placements 24 hours/7 days per week, based on the population served, scope of services, ORR and state licensing requirements, and program budget. Maintain ORR minimum staffing ratios: Case Manager 8:1, Clinician 12:1, PSA Compliance Manager 50:1, and Medical Coordinator 35:1, in addition to applicable NC licensing ratios. Compliance and quality assurance Ensure compliance with the Cooperative Agreement, ORR UACB Policy Guide, 45 CFR Part 410, 45 CFR Part 411, CARF accreditation standards, and NC DHHS residential licensing. Maintain internal policies and procedures for monitoring, evaluating, and conducting ongoing quality assurance, including regular review of children’s case files and personnel records to identify areas for improvement. Support development and maintenance of an Emergency Operations Plan meeting ORR, facility, local, and state standards. Financial stewardship and governance Oversee program budget execution consistent with 2 CFR Part 200 cost principles and the approved ORR budget; coordinate with the CFO on federal financial reporting and ensure allowable, allocable, and reasonable use of grant funds. Support periodic and annual reporting of financial and program information to the FSA Board of Directors with documented agendas and minutes to ensure appropriate fiduciary oversight of the grant. Approve hiring decisions in coordination with ORR name-approval and credential-approval requirements. Ensure all staff complete required background investigations, immunizations, and pre-service and ongoing training prior to direct contact with children. Establish and maintain a respectful, supportive, and culturally responsive workplace environment. Required Qualifications Master of Social Work (MSW) or an equivalent degree in education, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science; OR a Bachelor’s degree plus five (5) years of experience in child welfare administration or child protective services. In addition to the above: a minimum of two (2) years of experience in program management OR two (2) years as director of a licensed childcare program. Administrator’s license for the care provider’s facility, if required by NC state licensing. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must pass all ORR-required background investigations, including FBI national criminal history fingerprint check, state repository check, child abuse and neglect record checks (for all jurisdictions lived in for the past five years), and a DOJ National Sex Offender Public Website check. Must show proof of immunity to vaccine‑preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route. ORR prior credential approval is required before assuming the position. Preferred Qualifications Direct experience operating or directing an ORR‑funded LTFC or unaccompanied children’s residential program (ORR LTFC experience strongly preferred). Bilingual (English/Spanish). Consistent with the Cooperative Agreement, the majority of staff responsible for direct service delivery must be bilingual in English and Spanish or other languages based on the demographics of children served. Experience with CARF accreditation and NC DHHS residential licensing. Knowledge of trauma‑informed, evidence‑based models (TF-CBT, SPARCS, TFTC). Experience managing federally funded grant programs and working within 2 CFR Part 200. Mileage Reimbursement (GSA standard rate) #J-18808-Ljbffr Family Services of America