Specialist - Outreach-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The MSU School of Social Work is dedicated to educating students for ethical, competent, responsive, and innovative social work practice, and to conducting and disseminating high quality research that improves the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. Our teaching, research, and outreach synergistically promote social justice, positive change, and solutions to the problems facing diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. More than 650 students are enrolled in our CSWE-accredited BASW and MSW programs, and PhD program.

The Kinship Care Resource Center (KCRC) is one of four community programs in the School of Social Work at Michigan State University. The Kinship Care Resource Center provides statewide support, information, and referrals for kinship caregivers through a website, toll-free phone line, and community outreach. KCRC is engaged in the development and study of a Kinship Navigator model designed to improve caregiver well-being and satisfaction called the Kinship Support Program (KSP).

The KCRC Director will lead the strategic implementation and operational management of a statewide program supporting kinship caregivers, ensuring alignment with Title IV E Prevention Clearinghouse guidelines, community needs and fostering collaborative relationships. The focus of this role is on strategic alignment, building evidence, stakeholder engagement, and continuous learning throughout the program lifecycle. In addition, the director is responsible for partnership development, and program sustainability, inspiring a shared sense of purpose among staff, stakeholders, and families to achieve positive outcomes.

• Guide Program Managers in implementing the Kinship Navigator model and building strong partnerships with local service providers, ensuring fidelity to program goals.
• Collaborate with the Data Coordinator to oversee data collection, ensure data integrity, develop program reports, and implement continuous quality improvement (CQI) practices.
• Lead KCRC’s participation within the State’s Kinship Advisory Committee upon request.
• Co-Develop and implement an annual program plan, delegating tasks to staff and ensuring alignment with grant and funding requirements.
• Monitor budget and financial performance, collaborating with staff to ensure fiscal compliance, sustainability, and effective use of resources.
• Facilitate team collaboration and accountability, providing direction and mentorship to the leadership team to promote a high-performing, inclusive work environment.
• Ensure alignment and integration across all program areas, working closely with managers and coordinators to address challenges and meet strategic objectives.
• Prioritizes equitable access to resources and support for kinship caregivers, ensuring that programs and services are inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of all families served
• Represent KCRC in regional and state meetings to foster partnerships and and support service coordination.
• Provide public presentations to disseminate information to caregivers and about kinship care, program activities and outcomes
• Address implementation challenges proactively, supporting staff in resolving issues while maintaining alignment with the center’s mission and goals.
• Lead staff recruitment, development, and performance management, ensuring the effective hiring, supervision, professional development, and evaluation of all direct reports.
• Encourage innovation and collaboration across program areas, leveraging the expertise of coordinators, managers, and data staff to continuously improve service delivery

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Social Work, Public Health, Business Administration, or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Public Health, Business Administration, or related field
• At least 3 years of leadership experience in child welfare, public health, human services, or community-based services.
• Proven ability to articulate and implement a strategic vision for long-term sustainability by aligning programs and services with community needs, while leveraging relationships to achieve impactful outcomes.
• Experience building partnerships with diverse stakeholders, such as funders, organizations, community leaders, vendors, and government agencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience contributing to or supporting DEI initiatives in a professional or academic setting.
• Exceptional communication skills with a record of leading initiatives that achieved successful outcomes in stakeholder engagement, team alignment, or project success
• Proven ability to supervise, foster team cohesion, provide clear guidance and constructive feedback, resolve conflicts, and support an inclusive, collaborative work environment aligned with project goals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook, videoconferencing software (i.e. ZOOM), and using database systems to gather and analyze administrative data.
• Central Registry Clearance documenting that there is no record of child abuse or neglect.
• Internal Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) check and a National and State Sex Offender Registry Check.
• Ability to travel as the position requires regular, statewide travel to support outreach and meet with partner agencies

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role overseeing program evaluation and/or Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes, including collecting, analyzing, and applying feedback to inform strategic decision-making, enhance program effectiveness, and drive improvement.
• Familiarity with kinship care, child welfare, or other large human service systems

Required Application Materials

Interested candidates should send:

1. a letter of application stating qualifications and reasons for interest in this position;
2. current resume or curriculum vitae; and
3. Names, phone numbers and emails of three professional references at least one from a current or prior supervisor

Special Instructions

Work hours: standard work hours with occasional weekends and evenings.

Occasional travel throughout the state of Michigan. This position is located in East Lansing allowing flexibility for some remote work.

Review of application will begin December 16, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled

Review of Applications Begins On

12/16/2024

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

kinship.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.