DHS DIVISION MANAGER

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 104,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Maternity leave

Paid state holidays

Career development

Job summary

The Arkansas Department of Human Services seeks a DHS Division Manager to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a major division. You will guide human service programs, ensure regulatory compliance, coordinate interagency collaboration, and direct initiatives that improve Arkansans’ well-being.

This role requires inspiring leadership, strong data literacy, crisis management, and the ability to work with diverse communities and partners.

Qualifications

• Five years in human services/public administration/program administration or related field
• Knowledge of state and federal laws governing human services and public administration
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities and partners
• Time management, organization and problem solving skills

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, policy development, and program execution.
• Manage operations including budgeting, staffing, risk management, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Supervise high-level administrative and program staff; delegate responsibilities to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Analyze performance metrics, service gaps, and emerging issues to inform upper leadership.
• Represent the division/office in executive-level meetings, legislative hearings, and public forums.
• Ensure continuous quality improvement initiatives are implemented and sustained.
• Oversee the development of training programs, workforce development initiatives, and succession planning.
• Direct crisis response and emergency preparedness initiatives.
• Coordinate with DHS executive leadership to align division/office goals with department-wide strategic objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Data analysis

Budgeting

Job description

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Anticipated Starting Salary: $103,991.06

Position Number: 22099328
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: September 10, 2026

This position is responsible for supervising the 10 area directors across the state and is responsible for day-to-day management of the field staff statewide.

The position needs to ensure effective coaching, performance evaluation, and professional development of staff. The position requires strong leadership, engagement, and communication skills. It's a very complex position that requires managing day-to-day complex situations in child welfare, including an understanding and competency with data, while simultaneously, managing crisis and moving the state forward in change processes and overcoming system barriers.

This position must be able to inspire and lead staff, work effectively with community partners and people who have lived experience in child welfare. The position must monitor state and area performance metrics, service outcomes, and client and stakeholder satisfaction, and ensure complience with state and federal laws and regulations. This position is required to be on-call and responsive 24 hours a day to staff and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of state and federal laws related to social services, public assistance, child welfare, and eligibility programs. Knowledge of budgets, resource allocation, data analysis, and personnel management. Ability to communicate effectively, develop partnerships, and lead large teams. Ability to analyze programs, remain ethical and uphold confidentiality, and interpret legal documents. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving. Skilled in crises management, conflict resolution, public speaking, and personnel and budget analysis.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Social Services Programs – Competitive

Classification: DHS Division Manager

Class Code: SSP04C

Pay Grade: SPC07

Salary Range: $103,991 - $153,907

Job Summary

The DHS Division Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a major division/office within the Arkansas Department of Human Services. This role is responsible for managing human service programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating interagency collaboration, and directing initiatives that improve the well-being of Arkansans. The Division Manager leads multidisciplinary teams, establishes priorities, and ensures effective service delivery to meet the needs of clients and communities.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead strategic planning, policy development, and program execution.Manage operations including budgeting, staffing, risk management, and compliance with state and federal regulations.Supervise high-level administrative and program staff; delegate responsibilities to ensure efficient service delivery.Analyze performance metrics, service gaps, and emerging issues to inform upper leadership.Represent the division/office in executive-level meetings, legislative hearings, and public forums.Ensure continuous quality improvement initiatives are implemented and sustained.Oversee the development of training programs, workforce development initiatives, and succession planning.Direct crisis response and emergency preparedness initiatives.Coordinate with DHS executive leadership to align division/office goals with department-wide strategic objectives.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of personnel policies and labor laws, strategic planning, and public sector frameworks.Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing human services and public administration, principles of fiscal management, and resource allocation.Ability to develop partnerships, lead large and diverse teams, and evaluate programs.Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, develop and coordinate financial plans, and make sound decisions under pressure.Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.

Minimum Qualifications

At least five years of experience in human services, public administration, program administration, or a related field, including two years in a leadership capacity.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.