SOCIAL SERVICES CHIEF 2

State of Nevada; West Virginia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Holidays

Retirement plan (PERS)

Job summary

The State of Nevada seeks a Social Services Chief 2 to provide statewide leadership for child welfare programs. You will oversee policy development, program operations, and compliance with federal and state requirements, directing staff in research, regulation analysis, and statewide policy presentation.

Travel up to 25% may be required. In this role, you will supervise professional staff, coordinate with district and regional offices, and help ensure accurate reporting and quality improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years of professional social services experience including supervision.
• Two years of required experience must include supervision of staff at paraprofessional level or above.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Establish and monitor unit goals to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Analyze data and trends; determine resources and advise on program goals and objectives.
• Coordinate resources with chiefs and regional managers; set performance indicators and monitor progress.
• Develop state plans, policies and support systems to maximize federal participation.
• Oversee policy changes to systems; respond to inquiries and implement changes.
• Negotiate and monitor cooperative agreements and contracts; adjust reimbursement rates as needed.
• Draft legislative proposals and assess fiscal/operational impact for approvals.
• Develop operating budgets and monitor revenues and expenditures; propose actions for shortfalls.
• Supervise staff; conduct evaluations; ensure training and provide guidance as needed.
• Serve as liaison with groups and officials to explain policies and gather input.
• Promote program goals; coordinate activities across units and agencies.
• Perform related duties; oversee statewide social services program design and evaluation.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, health or social science, public or business administration or related field

Job description

• No Nevada state income tax.

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE***

Job Summary

The Social Services Chief 2 in the Family Programs Office provides statewide leadership in administering child welfare programs by overseeing policy development, program operations, and compliance with federal and state requirements. The role directs staff in research, regulatory analysis, drafting, and presenting statewide policies and procedures while ensuring that agencies receive consistent guidance and technical assistance. It contributes to major statewide and federal reports, including the APSR, CFSP, CFSR-related documents, and budget justifications, and ensures these are produced accurately and on time. The Social Services Chief 2 supports statewide quality improvement through case reviews, data evaluation, audits, and technical assistance activities, and coordinates statewide teams and collaborative efforts to streamline processes, improve operations, and strengthen program implementation. The position requires strong leadership, analytical ability, and communication skills, along with knowledge of the child welfare safety model, foster care, adoption, ICWA, CAPTA-related activities, and specialized service areas. It also demands adaptability, responsiveness, and effective oversight of assignments, deadlines, and evolving program needs. Travel up to 25 percent may be required.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Social Services Chiefs are assigned programmatic responsibilities which include interpretation of program regulations and requirements; quality assurance; development and implementation of automated systems; preparation and distribution of program policies, procedures, standards and guidelines; entering into contracts with service providers; proposing short and long term goals and objectives; preparing draft bills; and testifying before the legislature. At the higher levels in the series, incumbents may also supervise subordinate Social Services Managers who oversee subordinate supervisors and professional staff engaged in the direct delivery of social services to clients. However, positions allocated to the Chief series spend the preponderance of time managing the overall design, analysis, development, and evaluation of social services programs.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, health or social science, public or business administration or related field and four years of professional social services experience which included directing social services or the operation of a program unit; coordinating program activities with officials and representatives of other agencies; interpretation and application of complex federal regulations, writing program policies, procedures, and reports; and conducting research and preparing recommendations for management. Two years of the required experience must have included supervision of staff at a paraprofessional level or above; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Job Duties

Establish and monitor the accomplishment of unit and program goals and objectives to ensure programs are administered in compliance with federal and State regulations and in accordance with the goals and objectives of the agency.

Analyze and review data and reports regarding program participation and quality assurance activities; analyze economic and demographic trends and statistical data; determine the availability of resources; consult with administrators regarding agency and program goals and objectives.

Coordinate resources and activities with other chiefs and district or regional office managers; establish performance indicators and goals and objectives; monitor staff activities to determine progress in meeting goals and objectives and assess the quality of work performed; determine the impact and effectiveness of completed projects and assignments and plan for future changes or activities.

Direct the development and ensure implementation of State plans, policies, procedures, and support systems to maximize federal financial participation; review and interpret federal and State rules and regulations; research or direct staff to research the financial and operational impact to programs.

Analyze requested changes to computer and accounting systems and establish appropriate priorities; oversee the development of new or revised policies and procedures and secure administrative approval; respond to inquiries and requests for assistance in the implementation of policies, procedures and system changes; make decisions on unusual cases and operational issues; monitor program quality and compliance through review of management reports and results of on-site reviews.

Manage the development, negotiation and monitoring of cooperative agreements and program contracts to ensure services are provided and operations are conducted within program parameters; oversee the development of agreements, contract documents and amendments; evaluate and adjust reimbursement rates; conduct periodic reviews of personnel, equipment and program operations; meet with contractors and program personnel to evaluate performance and resolve problems associated with requirements set forth in agreements or contracts; determine whether financial reimbursement should be withheld in situations of non-compliance.

Develop or participate in the development and justification of legislative proposals to include drafting proposed legislation; determine fiscal and operational impact; gain the approval and support of administrative staff and present the agency's position to the legislature as requested.

Develop or participate in the development of operating and program budgets and monitor approved budgets; develop cost estimates and justification for new or expanded programs, purchase of equipment, and additional personnel; provide recommendations to administrators for incorporation into the agency budget; present budget proposal to the Budget Office and legislature as assigned; monitor revenues and expenditures and recommend alternatives for program operations in shortfall situations.

Supervise professional personnel and support staff and may provide administrative supervision to higher level professionals in a specialized area related to program operations; participate in interviewing applicants and selecting personnel; delegate authority and responsibility to staff; develop work performance standards and complete performance evaluations; ensure appropriate training is provided; provide counseling and guidance and initiate or recommend disciplinary actions.

Serve as a liaison with a variety of groups and individuals, professional advisory groups, community groups, federal staff at the regional and national levels, district attorneys and judges, the media, agency and division administrators, district and regional managers, and government officials to provide and gather information and to explain program policies and procedures.

Promote program goals and objectives; facilitate advisory group meetings; coordinate program activities among units, State agencies, and local government or community agencies; negotiate solutions to problems and resolve conflicts; and consult with federal regional program administrators on complex program issues.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Under general direction, incumbents exercise direct control over the policy and system planning, development and monitoring aspects of a statewide social services program serving a targeted population such as elderly Medicaid clients.

Incumbents at this level supervise subordinate managers, supervisors and professional staff located in district or regional offices throughout the State. Fiscal responsibility at this level is characterized by development of budget requests, proposals, justifications, and amendments based on federal and State rules and regulations and agency policies and procedures.

Incumbents enter into contracts for services and interlocal agreements with other State agencies to provide services. Additionally, incumbents prepare and monitor budget balances in regard to services requested and provided; approve payments in accordance with established policies, regulations, and program requirements; and assess and reassess client needs.

This level in the series is distinguished from the Social Services Chief I by the broader scope of responsibility; greater complexity of the programs monitored; the diversity of services provided by professional staff; and greater number and higher level staff supervised directly and indirectly.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Working knowledge of: methods and procedures of efficient administration; principles and practices of management and supervision; federal and State laws and regulations governing social and health care services; quality management principles; effective change management; effective management practices including budget development, resource allocation and personnel administration; federal and State laws and regulations which govern assigned programs; goals, objectives and federal guidelines for assigned social services programs; department, division, and unit goals, systems, programs, and policies related to the program assignment; principles and practices of social services administration; State and agency administrative regulations, policies, and procedures; methods of program administration, program terminology, and acceptable program practices.

General knowledge of: State budgeting and accounting practices.

Ability to: review and analyze legislative documents and correspondence; sell or promote ideas, programs, policies, and procedures to staff, administration, legal entities, and the public; formulate policies, program decisions, contracts and staffing plans; coordinate the work of a number of diverse work units using leadership, communication and negotiation skills; define cause and effect relationships in areas of program compliance; develop and manage a complex budget; coordinate the development and maintenance of automated systems; accurately evaluate program effectiveness and accountability and determine what changes are needed to improve the program; identify training and education needs and available resources that are applicable and effective.

Skill in: financial analysis and planning and budget administration.

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Benefits Include

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).

• State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The Following Are Legal Holidays
January 1.............................................. New Year's Day
Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday
Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day
June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day
July 4.................................................... Independence Day
First Monday in September.............. Labor Day
Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day
November 11........................................ Veterans' Day
Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day
Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day
December 25........................................ Christmas Day