<p>Program Director, Unaccompanied Children (UC)</p> <p>Requisition #: req15246</p> <p>Location: Grand Rapids, MI</p> <p>Hours: Full-time (40 hrs/week)</p> <p>At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we're united in our 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.</p> <p>We are seeking a dedicated Unaccompanied Children (UC) Program Director to lead and oversee our Unaccompanied Children (UC) programs, including the Transitional Assessment Center (TAC), Transitional Foster Care (TFC), and/or Long-Term Foster Care (LTFC). This role is responsible for program operations, staff supervision, quality assurance, and ensuring the safety and well-being of children in care.</p> <p>This position is expected to function effectively with little supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES</p> <ul> <li> <p>Lead and manage UC program operations and staff;</p> </li><li> <p>Conduct weekly unannounced rounds to ensure child safety and care quality;</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborate with the Branch Director on strategic planning and budgeting;</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal standards;</p> </li><li> <p>Oversee training programs and staff development;</p> </li><li> <p>Foster a trauma-informed, Sanctuary Model-aligned environment;</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain strong relationships with community partners and referral sources;</p> </li><li> <p>Participate in public relations and speaking engagements as needed;</p> </li><li> <p>Complete other duties as assigned.</p> </li></ul> <p>QUALIFICATIONS:</p> <ul> <li>Master's degree and 2 years of program leadership experience in a licensed childcare program </li></ul> <p>OR</p> <p>Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience in licensed childcare program, with 2 of those years being in a leadership position;</p> <ul> <li> <p>Experience working with trauma-affected, refugee, or immigrant youth;</p> </li><li> <p>Strong leadership, communication, and crisis intervention skills;</p> </li><li> <p>Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a multi-disciplinary team;</p> </li><li> <p>Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;</p> </li><li> <p>Successfully pass a TB test annually and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;</p> </li><li> <p>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;</p> </li><li> <p>Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;</p> </li><li> <p>Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;</p> </li><li> <p>Documentation of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases or the willingness to receive vaccination, or seek an exemption;</p> </li><li> <p>Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.</p> </li></ul> <p>#LI-KD1</p>