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.

• 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…