Program Manager, Tennessee Thrive: Social Work Research & Public Services - UTK

This Program Manager will provide overall program management for Tennessee Families Thrive (TFT) and ensure continuous quality improvement across program operations and service delivery. The role leads and supports local partnerships, supervises Family Coaches and a Child and Family Specialist, and reports directly to the SWORPS Field Based Services Director. Guided by the EPIC Practice Model—Empowerment, Partnership, Integration, and Coaching—the Program Manager ensures coordinated, community‑based services are delivered through individualized Family Action Plans that build on each family’s strengths and address their unique needs. The position supports alignment with the Families First Community Grant’s TANF purpose by promoting household stability, increasing economic opportunity, and strengthening family relationships so children can be safely cared for in stable, nurturing environments. The Program Manager collaborates with funders, community partners, and internal staff to implement core program components, maintain contract compliance, and ensure high‑quality services that advance family financial stability and economic mobility.
Schedule is flexible with an average of 40 hours per week. This grant‑funded position is contingent upon continued funding of the grant.
Responsibilities

Manage and supervise Family Coaches in the multi‑county Northeast Region (Washington, Greene, Hamblen, Sullivan, Carter, and Johnson Counties).
Lead staff hiring, development, training, and ongoing professional learning opportunities.
Share in program visioning, planning, and directing daily operations.
Evaluate staff performance, address complaints/issues, and resolve problems.
Provide leadership and guidance to staff in line with program mission and goals.
Support staff in addressing complex child and family needs using trauma‑informed and strengths‑based approaches.
Verify staff work for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
Assist staff with analyzing/resolving issues with participants in their caseload.
Plan and facilitate scheduled staff meetings and development sessions.
Provide individual counseling and guidance to staff in meeting their goals.
Prepare performance evaluations and maintain employee records.
Assist in developing, administering, and monitoring program budget and expenditures.
Collaborate and coordinate with local and state workforce development systems, adult education and training providers, economic development agencies, employers, family‑resource centers, domestic violence agencies, childcare providers, housing authorities, and community‑based organizations to promote economic stability and mobility across the region.
Resolve program concerns and assure continued referrals.
Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with community partners.
Regularly meet with community‑based agencies across the region to educate them about program services, assess alignment, and coordinate referrals and collaborative activities.
Establish Family Advisory Councils.
Maintain positive relationships with TDHS—particularly Economic Mobility professionals—to ensure consistency and cooperation.
Prepare and deliver presentations to the community and at conferences.
Participate in community collaborative efforts and coalitions.
Develop program materials and outreach materials, and update them regularly to ensure accuracy.
Support evaluation efforts to demonstrate program impact and the effectiveness of ongoing activities.
Assist with budget monitoring and fiscal oversight in collaboration with program leadership.
Ensure accurate documentation, data entry, and compliance with reporting requirements.
Support contract compliance and timely submission of required materials.
Provide quality assurance oversight to ensure all data collection requirements are complete and accurate.
Analyze records and data to monitor goal attainment and program progress.
Coordinate necessary information for reports to funders that capture impacts with families and community agencies.
Monitor referrals and adjust program caseloads of program staff to ensure quality program delivery.
Review program services and outreach services to ensure the highest level of quality and efficiency.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in social work or closely related field, or Bachelor’s degree in social work or closely related field with 5 years of direct practice experience.
Transportation:

Must have a valid driver’s license, automobile at disposal, and a current automobile liability policy with continuous coverage.
Experience:

3 years of direct practice experience, including 2 years of program management and supervision; previous experience working with families and youth; clinical skills (license not required); motivational interviewing skills; analytical skills; writing skills; proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of adverse childhood experiences and trauma.
Knowledge of and skill in best practices with families.
Demonstrated data management and reporting skills.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to coach and mentor skilled professionals.
Ability to design and facilitate training/learning activities.
Ability to plan and execute community outreach and awareness activities.
Ability to prioritize tasks, follow through to completion, and document work with families in a timely and accurate manner.
Ability to work effectively on multiple tasks and under tight deadlines.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without current or future need for sponsorship for employment‑based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications

Experience: 5 years of direct practice experience plus 3 years of program management preferred.
Previous experience partnering or working with the Tennessee Department of Human Services and/or the Tennessee Department of Children's Services.
LMSW, LAPSW, LCSW.
Work Location

Supports operations across Greene, Hamblen, Sullivan, Johnson, Washington, and Carter Counties and requires frequent local travel. The selected candidate must live within a 35‑mile radius of Gray/Jonesborough, TN, or relocate to meet this requirement.
Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: 11
Anticipated hiring range: $70,000 to $75,000

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