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

This position provides overall program management for Tennessee Families Thrive (TFT) and ensures continuous quality improvement across program operations and service delivery. The Program Manager leads and supports, coordinates, and sustains local partnerships, and provides supervision and guidance to Family Coaches and a Child and Family Specialist. Guided by the EPIC Practice Model—Empowerment, Partnership, Integration, and Coaching—the Program Manager reports directly to the SWORPS Field Based Services Director and ensures that coordinated, community‑based services are delivered through individualized Family Action Plans that build on each family’s strengths and address their unique needs. The role 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 schedule is flexible to meet staff needs, with an average of 40 hours a week. Candidates must be willing and able to flex schedule as needed. This is a grant‑funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

Responsibilities

Manage the work and supervise the work of Family Coaches within the multi‑county Northeast Region (Washington, Greene, Hamblen, Sullivan, Carter, and Johnson Counties)

Lead staff hiring, team development, training, and ongoing professional learning opportunities

Share in program visioning, planning, and directing daily operations

Evaluate program staff performance and address complaints/issues, resolving problems

Provide leadership and guidance to staff in keeping with the program mission and goals

Support program staff in addressing complex child and family needs using trauma‑informed and strengths‑based approaches

Verify work prepared by staff for accuracy, completeness and timeliness

Assist staff with analyzing and resolving issues with participants in their caseload

Plan and facilitate scheduled staff meetings and staff development sessions

Provide individual counseling and guidance to staff in meeting their goals

Prepare performance evaluations and maintain records of employee issues and performance

Assist in developing, administering, and monitoring program budget and expenditures to provide services effectively

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 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 funder 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

Required Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in social work or a closely related field or Bachelor’s degree in social work or a closely related field with 5 years direct practice experience.

Must have a valid driver’s license, automobile available, and a current automobile liability policy with continuous coverage.

Experience:

3 years of direct practice experience, with 2 years’ experience with program management and supervision

Previous experience working with families and youth

Clinical skills (license not required)

Motivational Interviewing Skills

Analytical Skills

Writing Skills

Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel skills

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledgeable about adverse childhood experiences and trauma

Knowledgeable about and skilled in best practice with families

Demonstrated data management and reporting skills

Demonstrated 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 complete 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 need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment‑based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

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

The role supports operations across Greene, Hamblen, Sullivan, Johnson, Washington, and Carter Counties and requires frequent local travel. The 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

Application Instructions

Resume

Cover Letter

List of 3 Professional References

Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews can begin as soon as 7 days from posting.

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