Program Manager - Foster Care

Job Details

Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well‑being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data‑informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.

The Program Manager of Foster Care is a critical member of both the region’s child welfare team and the agency’s broader leadership team, working collaboratively within and across programs to keep children safe and support families. Consistent with our blueprint for impact, the Program Manager will select, assess, and develop other leaders, execute operational plans, manage boundaries and resources, and help grow the organization.

Candidate Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or a closely related field required.
• At least five years of social services experience required (child welfare experience highly desirable).
• At least three years of supervisory experience required.
• Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL), Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP), and Child Abuse and Neglect (CANS) certification required, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to attend in‑person meetings and events as needed required.
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle required.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain administrative oversight of child welfare programs, contracts, and related operational units.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable DCFS rules, licensing regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Participate in regional and program management teams, as well as assigned committees.
• Provide leadership and supervision for multiple levels of direct and indirect reports.
• Oversee program and administrative support staff, including implementing agency personnel policies and practices such as hiring, performance appraisals, leave management, promotions, salary adjustments, terminations, and documentation of all personnel actions.
• Guide staff on administrative case issues, budget management, program plan implementation, and evaluation of personnel effectiveness.
• Monitor SACWIS dashboard and collaborate with Child Welfare Program Supervisors to ensure compliance with DCFS standards.
• Develop and facilitate in‑service training and staff development programs as needed.
• Partner with external agencies and organizations including DCFS, Department of Justice, Illinois State Board of Education, and Department of Human Services to meet licensing regulations, performance standards, and reporting requirements.
• Implement strategies to enhance service quality and address individual training and consultation needs within the program.
• Provide administrative oversight for essential functions, which may include investigations, contract management, intake billing, and other assigned responsibilities.
• Collaborate with the management team to enhance programs and services, support staff retention, and foster positive morale.
• Monitor work quality through participation in peer review processes and regular file audits.
• Provide coverage and backup for team members as needed, which may include conducting home visits, attending court hearings, and other case‑related responsibilities.
• Deliver individual supervision to team members, plan and facilitate regular team meetings, and actively participate in supervisors’ meetings, network meetings, and other relevant forums.

Benefits

• Compensation: Range is between $75k–$85k, offers are commensurate with experience. Offers will be determined based on experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs.
• Additional Compensation: A $3,000 CWEL Stay Bonus payable in two installments: $1,500 after six months of consecutive employment and $1,500 after 12 months of consecutive employment. Eligibility requires CWEL certification.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 3+ weeks paid time off in the first year (including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day); 11 paid holidays; supplemental insurance options; 401(k) with match.
• Location: Hybrid—remote/in‑office; must be within reasonable driving distance to Chicago, IL.
• Schedule: Full‑time, salaried; general business hours with flexibility for on‑call responsibilities and special projects.
• Leadership Development: Emerging Leaders will access leadership development opportunities and one‑on‑one mentorship.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).