Bethany Christian Services
Program Director, Unaccompanied Children (UC)
Bethany Christian Services, Grand Rapids, Michigan, us, 49528
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Program Director, Unaccompanied Children (UC)
role at
Bethany Christian Services Hours:
Full-time (40 hrs/week) At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. Our work focuses on strengthening and empowering families, advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our mission is guided by our faith and our values: faith, support for one another, justice, excellence, and long-term commitment.
Overview We are seeking a dedicated Unaccompanied Children (UC) Program Director to lead and oversee our 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. The position works with minimal supervision and adheres to agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Lead and manage UC program operations and staff
Conduct weekly unannounced rounds to ensure child safety and care quality
Collaborate with the Branch Director on strategic planning and budgeting
Ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal standards
Oversee training programs and staff development
Foster a trauma-informed, Sanctuary Model-aligned environment
Maintain strong relationships with community partners and referral sources
Participate in public relations and speaking engagements as needed
Complete other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Master's degree and 2 years of program leadership experience in a licensed childcare program OR Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience in licensed childcare program, with 2 of those years in a leadership position
Experience working with trauma-affected, refugee, or immigrant youth
Strong leadership, communication, and crisis intervention skills
Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a multi-disciplinary team
Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
Successfully pass a TB test annually and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization
Ability to pass required medical exam and have the physical ability to fulfill essential functions, including potential use of physical restraints
Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and at least 3 years driving experience; MVR check required and reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance
Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries
Immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases or willingness to receive vaccination, or seek an exemption
Agreement with the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity
Location Grand Rapids, MI
Employment type
Full-time
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Program Director, Unaccompanied Children (UC)
role at
Bethany Christian Services Hours:
Full-time (40 hrs/week) At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. Our work focuses on strengthening and empowering families, advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our mission is guided by our faith and our values: faith, support for one another, justice, excellence, and long-term commitment.
Overview We are seeking a dedicated Unaccompanied Children (UC) Program Director to lead and oversee our 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. The position works with minimal supervision and adheres to agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Lead and manage UC program operations and staff
Conduct weekly unannounced rounds to ensure child safety and care quality
Collaborate with the Branch Director on strategic planning and budgeting
Ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal standards
Oversee training programs and staff development
Foster a trauma-informed, Sanctuary Model-aligned environment
Maintain strong relationships with community partners and referral sources
Participate in public relations and speaking engagements as needed
Complete other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Master's degree and 2 years of program leadership experience in a licensed childcare program OR Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience in licensed childcare program, with 2 of those years in a leadership position
Experience working with trauma-affected, refugee, or immigrant youth
Strong leadership, communication, and crisis intervention skills
Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a multi-disciplinary team
Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
Successfully pass a TB test annually and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization
Ability to pass required medical exam and have the physical ability to fulfill essential functions, including potential use of physical restraints
Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and at least 3 years driving experience; MVR check required and reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance
Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries
Immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases or willingness to receive vaccination, or seek an exemption
Agreement with the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity
Location Grand Rapids, MI
Employment type
Full-time
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