Area Director of Family Services

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Location:

US-TX-Fort Worth

Job :  | Type:
Regular Full-Time | # of Openings: 1 | Category:
Foster Care & Adoption | Upbring

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the well-being of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve. Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors:
  Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head‑on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants:
  We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family:
  We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

The Area Director provides management and oversight of a branch office within the agency’s Foster in Texas (FIT) program. They serve as an experienced leader capable of managing staff both directly and indirectly, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight and compliance management. They ensure the highest standards of child well‑being are met by supervising staff, maintaining regulatory compliance, fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement in service delivery.

• Monitor and evaluate program services and quality of care to ensure they are always being provided in compliance with all licensing standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and manage the placement process, including intake and eligibility, verification, assessment, and referral services.
• Oversee and manage recruitment and verification of in‑process families.
• Ensure all foster care homes meet full licensing requirements.
• Oversee quality audits, case reviews, and quality assurance initiatives to maintain high standards of care.
• Provide servant leadership, direction, and support to the branch office staff.
• Ensure operational efficiency by implementing best practices and streamlining meetings and workflows.
• Prepare monthly reports on program services and activities; submit all reporting requirements in a timely manner.
• Review, approve, and sign off on all monthly and annual status reports, discharge summaries, and incident reports.
• Demonstrate efforts to manage a budget within budget limits and constraints.
• Identify funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships to support program growth.
• Serve as an advocate for program services by recommending program improvements and enhancements to meet the needs of foster care children and their families.
• Maintain a caseload, as needed.
• Travel as needed to perform home visits to ensure licensing standards are met and to ensure the well‑being and safety of the children.
• Provide emergency and on‑call services when needed.
• Lead collaborative efforts and activities with the interdisciplinary and treatment teams to ensure children receive quality services needed to meet individual treatment and behavior plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with foster families, child well‑being agencies, and community partners.
• Represent Upbring at meetings, conferences, and community events.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that aligns with Upbring's Mission and Values.
• Coach and support staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources to optimize performance and achieve operational excellence.
• Communicate with direct reports in periodic one‑on‑one meetings.
• Organize and deliver regular staff meetings to communicate updates, projects, and initiatives.
• Work closely with management to interview, hire, and onboard new employees who are a cultural fit for Upbring.
• Collaborate with leadership and the People & Culture Team to arrange training and coordinate in‑service training for staff development.
• Regular…