TCSEPP Manager: Social Work Research & Public Service - UTK

Lead the work. Serve with purpose. Strengthen family outcomes.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville—College of Social Work, through the Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (SWORPS)—is hiring a TCSEPP Manager to lead implementation of the Tennessee Child Support Employment and Parenting Program (TCSEPP) across an assigned region (East, Middle, or West Tennessee). In this role, you’ll build and sustain an evidence-informed and trauma-informed practice that assists, supports, and advocates for non-custodial parents involved with the child support system, helping the program deliver consistent, high-quality services across multiple judicial districts.

Reporting to the Regional Director, the Manager works with a high degree of independence while staying closely aligned with TCSEPP standards and expectations. A major focus of the position is supervising and coaching TCSEPP Coordinators—supporting hiring and training, setting clear expectations for accurate and timely work, and helping staff navigate complex participant situations. The Manager also serves as a key connector across systems, building strong working relationships with child support offices, court partners, and community agencies to support referrals and effective collaboration.

In addition to leadership and outreach, the TCSEPP Manager is responsible for program monitoring, quality assurance, and reporting. This includes overseeing data collection requirements, conducting regular case reviews to ensure services align with the TCSEPP Practice Model and Practice Guide, analyzing program data to track progress, and coordinating with an evaluator to support reporting to funders. The Manager also helps balance coordinator caseloads and reviews program services and documentation processes to strengthen quality and efficiency across the region.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

• Lead and support a team of TCSEPP Coordinators across multiple counties/judicial districts, making sure they have what they need to do strong, consistent work.
• Help interview, hire, onboard, and train Coordinators; provide day-to-day guidance, coaching, and problem-solving support.
• Set clear expectations and follow through—review work for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness; address performance issues; and complete performance evaluations and documentation.
• Plan and run regular staff meetings and development sessions to keep the team aligned and growing.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with child support offices, attorneys, court staff, and community partners to support referrals, resolve concerns, and strengthen collaboration.
• Represent TCSEPP in the community by attending/participating in coalitions and collaborative efforts and giving presentations locally and at conferences when needed.
• Help create and keep program/outreach materials up to date and regularly check whether outreach and program activities are working.
• Oversee quality assurance and required data collection—make sure tracking is complete and accurate.
• Conduct routine case reviews to ensure services match the TCSEPP Practice Model/Guide and share results with the Regional Director.
• Use program data to monitor progress toward goals, identify issues early, and adjust as needed.
• Coordinate with the evaluator to provide information for reports to funders and to capture the program’s impact.
• Monitor referrals and help balance Coordinator caseloads to maintain service quality across districts.
• Review program and outreach services for quality and efficiency and oversee program and fiscal documentation processes.
• Handle other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, three additional years of experience in any of these areas can be substituted.
• Experience: Three years of experience with direct service/case management and 2 years’ experience with program planning, coordination, and supervision. One year employee management and/or coaching experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Strong written and oral communication skills, presentation skills; analytical and evaluative skill; effective time management; strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, data management, and email/Internet systems. Leadership skills including ability to motivate others, strong interpersonal skills, excellent problem identification and resolution skills, and conflict management skills.

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

• Experience: Five years of experience with direct service program planning, coordination, and supervision. Three years of employee management and/or coaching experience. Experience with child support systems and programs.
• Education: Master’s degree preferred
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of the TN Child Support program; Knowledge of the TCSEPPS Practice Model and Practice Guide; Skill with Tennessee child support system software; Knowledge of Tennessee judicial districts and court systems; Ability to work with participants in a field work setting

Work Location:

• This position is hybrid and requires travel throughout Carter, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington Counties, TN (and occasional travel outside this area on a limited basis). Applicants must live within two hours of the assigned counties.

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR11 - Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Starting salary: $61,000

• UT has a full benefits package including comprehensive heath insurances, strong retirements options including employer matching, generous time off including the week between Christmas and New Years, tuition waivers and hundreds of additional discounts and benefits. Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division:

Since 1975, the Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (SWORPS) has served as the community outreach arm of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's College of Social Work — partnering with public, private, and nonprofit organizations across Tennessee and beyond. Our mission is to build partnerships that leverage applied research, technology, and human connection to improve lives, guided by a vision of thriving communities with improved outcomes for all.

Now celebrating 50 years of impact, SWORPS continues to be guided by five core values: Innovation, Access, Understanding, Collaboration, and Integrity. Joining SWORPS means becoming part of a mission-driven team that bridges communities and transforms lives — not just through our work with partner agencies, but through hands-on community engagement across the state.

Our team — proudly known as "SWORPees" — is organized into divisions focused on Applied Research & Evaluation, Field-Based Services, and Technology & Development, all supported by a dedicated business office that keeps our operations running smoothly.

Learn more about SWORPS and some of our programs and resources by visiting our webpage: https://www.sworps.tennessee.edu/