Director of Out of Home Care

Salary: $75,000

Position Summary: The Director of Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) provides operational leadership and oversight of placement services across Circuits 9 and 18, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements and performance outcomes. This role supports the Senior Director of OOHC in the daily management of program operations, driving consistency, quality, and efficiency across all placement functions. The Director leads and supervises a multidisciplinary team of managers, supervisors, and Out-of-Home Care Specialists responsible for coordinating licensed placements, including foster homes (Levels II–V), group homes, and specialized placement settings. This position ensures the integrity of placement practices through adherence to Florida Administrative Code, Florida Statutes Chapter 39, and internal policies and procedures. As a key leader, the Director is responsible for addressing complex operational challenges, implementing solutions, and guiding strategic decision-making related to placement stability, utilization, and service delivery. This role establishes clear performance expectations, leverages data to identify trends and gaps, and drives continuous quality improvement efforts. The Director monitors programmatic and outcome data, providing regular reporting and analysis to the Senior Director of OOHC and other internal and external stakeholders. This position plays a critical role in shaping program strategy, fostering strong partnerships with community providers, and ensuring a coordinated, system-wide approach to care. Additionally, the Director participates in the third tier on-call rotation, providing leadership support for after-hours and emergent placement needs.

Technical/Functional Expectations:

1.Administrative Oversight – Essential Function: Ensures team adherence to established program standards, operating procedures, and regulatory requirements. Continuously evaluates operational efficiency, provides guidance, and implements process improvements to enhance performance and achieve optimal outcomes.

2.Leadership-Essential Function: Provides strong leadership in navigating complex challenges through critical thinking and sound decision-making. Establishes strategic direction, effectively allocates resources, delegates responsibilities, and enforces accountability structures to achieve program goals in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

3.Fiscal Management/oversight of placement utilization – Essential Function: Supports oversight of the Out-of-Home Care budget, including financial forecasting, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship. Oversees placement utilization to ensure alignment with budgetary constraints while maintaining quality of care.

4.Collaboration and Communication – Essential Function: Fosters strong collaboration and open communication with Directors, Senior Managers, and cross-functional teams to support coordinated operational strategies. Promotes a culture of teamwork by facilitating engagement opportunities that strengthen interdepartmental relationships and enhance overall program effectiveness.

5.Data Collection/Analysis – Essential Function: Leads the collection and analysis of program data to identify trends, gaps, and system performance issues. Utilizes data-driven insights to recommend and implement improvements in collaboration with the Senior Director to enhance processes, outcomes, and overall system performance.

6.Enhanced placement approvals – Essential Function:Reviews and approves enhanced placement requests in accordance with program policies and procedures. Ensures decisions are clinically appropriate, fiscally responsible, and include clear plans for step-down to less restrictive settings when appropriate.

7.Other Duties as Assigned: Performs additional duties as needed to support program operations, including assisting with special projects, training staff, and assuming higher-level responsibilities for professional development and organizational needs.

Behavioral Competencies:

1.Influence: Able to positively change opinions and actions of others. Communicates information in a clear, persuasive manner to gain understanding, alignment, and commitment.

2.Delegation: Effectively assigns tasks and responsibilities, clearly communicates expectations, and empowers team members to develop solutions and take ownership of their work.

3.Conflict Management: Addresses conflict constructively by confronting inappropriate behaviors, encouraging open dialogue, and facilitating resolution through identification of root issues and development of mutually beneficial solutions.

4.Ethics and Integrity: Consistently models the values and principles of the organization and system of care. Maintains the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards while fostering a strength-based, solution-focused environment.

5.Innovation: Demonstrates creativity and forward-thinking by developing new approaches, improving processes, and generating innovative solutions to complex challenges.

6.Cultural Sensitivity: Works effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, demonstrating respect, inclusivity, and cultural awareness in all interactions.

7.Customer Service: Anticipates and responds to the needs of internal and external stakeholders with professionalism and care. Demonstrates a commitment to service excellence and continuous improvement.

8.Prioritizing: Effectively prioritizes tasks, manages competing demands, and allocates time and resources to meet deadlines and achieve organizational goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

1.Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, Public Administration, or a closely related field required; master's degree preferred.

2.Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years' experience in child welfare with a strong emphasis on out-of-home care and/or placement services.

3.Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of supervisory or leadership experience, including direct oversight of staff and program operations.

4.Child Protection Certification required.

5.Demonstrated knowledge of Florida Child Welfare Statutes, including Chapter 39, as well as applicable administrative codes and regulatory requirements.

6.Valid Driver's license and ability to travel through assigned circuits and other locations as required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1.Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing a multimillion-dollar budget, including financial forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and mid-year reallocations to ensure fiscal integrity and alignment with program needs.

2.Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to develop, analyze, and present management reports in a clear, concise, and effective manner.

3.Advanced knowledge of Florida Statute Chapter 39 and Florida Administrative Code, with the ability to apply regulatory requirements into daily operations and decision-making.

4.Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable strategies.

5.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.

Physical Requirements:

1.Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds

2.Frequent sitting and standing

3.Occasional walking, bending, stooping, and crouching

4.Use of hands for grasping, typing, and writing

5.Ability to reach, read, speak, and listen effectively

6.Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel is required