Children's Services/ICW Program Manager - Child Placing Agency

Open: June 29, 2026

Close: When Filled

Job Title: CPA Program Manager

Department: Children’s Services/ICW

Reports To: Director

Hours: 40 Hrs/Wk – Full Time

Salary: Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits   

Requisition: 916     

*Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position takes is responsible for day-to-day oversight of the Child Placement Agency within Children’s Services. Under the general direction of the Director of Children’s Services, acts to certify potential homes as Washington State licensed foster care homes and to coordinate the placement of children while being culturally sensitive to the needs of the child, family and community. Works cooperatively and directly with the multi-disciplinary team to consider the needs of the children needing foster care. Provides training to all potential and current foster homes and department’s staff. Responsible for the culturally appropriate placement of Tribal children in licensed and certified foster homes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Collects and maintains all necessary documentation in a thorough and organized manner in compliance with Federal, State, and Tribal Laws. Ensures that all foster home licenses are compliant with child placing agency contractual obligations.
2. Coordinates foster home placements with caseworkers, ICW Liaisons and CPS investigators. Assists caseworkers in recruiting and licensing or certifying potential Tribal and/or relative care givers.
3. Coordinates and/or provides training, consultation and support to new and current foster and adoptive homes. Monitors these homes for licensing compliance and provides re-assessment when necessary.  Maintains knowledge of all children in home and secures over-capacity requests when necessary and able to do so. Provides emergent placement assistance when necessary to case worker and CPS staff.
4. Prepares monthly CPA payment invoices, ensures payments are entered accurately and conducts follow-up with DCYF as necessary to correct fiduciary errors.
5. Collaborates with PTCS staff in Tribal Waiver process that includes background check committee that will evaluate waivers that address negative actions. Conducts all foster licensing background checks through LD in compliance with CPA contract.

1. Conducts CJIS/NCIC background checks through PTCS contract for FBI fingerprint background checks for certified and relative caregivers.
2. Performs home studies to determine the suitability of the family in becoming foster parents, including the preparation of detailed and comprehensive home studies and licensing reports.
3. Assists foster parents in locating and completing required training hours for licensing compliance.
4. Collaborates with other Washington State Department of Licensing Resources offices for purposes of foster home licensing.
5. Coordinates recruitment events which require exceptional abilities to make written and oral presentations in a group setting.
6. Develops a pre-service training manual and curriculum to be used in the licensing process in coordination with the Director and takes the lead in assuring that foster families receive training.
7. Assists the Director in providing guidance and training in CPA processes and practices to new staff.
8. Works with Director to establish programmatic guidelines such as policies and procedures, new employee orientation and corresponding handbook, Memorandums of Understanding (MOU's) and 7.01 plans with Children's Administration.
9. Establishes and maintains essential government to government relationships with DCYF to assist in obtaining services that are critical to Indian families.
10. Maintains thorough and accurate files of all (licensed, certified and relative) foster  homes. Responsible for staffing all homes and files on a monthly basis with Director and/or Assistant Director.
11. Conducts CPS investigations in conjunction with LD,  on allegations against licensed homes and provides thorough and complete findings of referral to all parties (i.e. Director, CW, DCYF, LD, etc.)
12. Complete Rate Assessments when children come into care and every six months. Rate assessments include reviewing medical documents for diagnoses and interviewing tribal Case Worker to obtain most up to date information that the rate assessment tool takes into consideration.
13. Responsible for providing ongoing support and oversight of the Caregiver Support Specialist positions. Must review and approve all Caregiver Support Plans.
14. Review and approve Case Aide service referrals. Responsible for maintaining case aide schedule.
15. Attend CPA meetings with DCYF.
16. Document and maintain employee files and foster home files in accordance with CPA requirements for CPA audits.
17. Occasionally acts as backup for departmental staff in their absence.
18. Performs other duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position supervises staff within the Child Placement Agency program, Case Aides and Caregiver Support Specialists. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university in Social Work or a related field is required and a minimum of four years of experience in licensing foster homes or other satisfactory related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

A program manager must also have supervisory abilities that promote effective staff performance, and relevant experience, training and demonstrated skills in each area that he or she will be supervising or managing.

Other Knowledge Requirements:

• Must demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of WACs, RCWs and ICW relating to the Child Placement Agency;
• Must demonstrate ability to maintain LD licensing requirements for the Child Placement Agency within Children’s Services;
• Must demonstrate a thorough understanding of LD reporting and auditing requirements and processes;
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain positive government-to- government relationships between the Puyallup Tribe and other Puyallup Tribal Departments, other Tribal governments and state/federal agencies.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze and interpret contracts, WACs, RCWs, MOUs, etc. accurately and explain complex and technical issues as they relate to departmental issues. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedures. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from those working with the department and the Agency with courtesy and tact.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems, define situations and issues, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret WACs, RCWs, MOUs, etc. to ensure that the Agency is in compliance.

Licenses or Certificates

• Must have valid and unrestricted Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance. Driver’s License must not contain any restrictions that would otherwise prevent the employee from complying with the Tribe’s Vehicle Use Policy or operating a GSA vehicle.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification and HIV/AIDS training.
• Must pass a Washington State DSHS criminal history and CPS background inquiry upon hire and every two years thereafter unless otherwise indicated.
• First Aid and CPR certification must obtain within the first 30-days of hire.
• HIV/AIDS certification must obtain within the first 30-days of hire.
• BBP (Blood Borne Pathogens) certification must obtain within the first 30-days of hire.
• Mandated Reporting training must obtain within the first 30-days of hire and annually thereafter for all PTCS staff.

Other Requirements

• Must successfully pass a TB (tuberculosis) test upon hire.
• Willing to attend trainings ongoing for professional development.
• Must be 21 years old or 18-20 if enrolled in a BSW program.
• Adheres to the Child and Family Protection Code; Duty to Report Child Abuse and Neglect.
• Knowledge of child safety.
• Knowledge of Native American family dynamics.
• Sensitive to and familiar with the social/cultural needs of Tribal children and their families.
• Must maintain a strict level of confidentiality at all times.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• • Requires the ability to operate a typewriter, personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
  • Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
  • Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; talk or hear and use hands to finger, handle or feel.
  • The employee is frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms and taste or smell.
  • The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• • The noise level is low to moderate.
  • The physical exertion is low to moderate.
  • Work is performed in an office setting with regular local travel.
  • There are frequent employee contacts and interruptions during the day.
  • Position may be stressful at times due to the sensitive or confidential issues being addressed.
  • Requires local travel using the employee’s personal transportation.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

INDIAN PREFERENCE EMPLOYER AS REQUIRED BY LAW

Online Application Tips:

1.         If you are using a PC, use Chrome. If you are using a MAC, use Safari.

2.         Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, proof of Indian blood, etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded.

3.         Indian Hiring Preference – send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, email us at jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov or call (253) 573-7863.

4.         Provide 3+ references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members – mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co-workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, habits, and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov

5.         To add more employment, education, references, etc., click on the small + sign at the top right corner of the page.

6.         When entering salaries, only use numbers. Do not use any other characters (such as , . or $)

7.         After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission.

*Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic.

If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863

or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov.

3001 Puyalupabsh St. Tacoma, WA 98404