SOCIAL SERVICES COUNTY MANAGER I

State of Arkansas; Newport (AR); On-site; USD 63,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Paid state holidays

Maternity leave

Job summary

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Social Service County Manager is responsible for coordinating departmental operations within a smaller county facility, ensuring delivery of services like SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and protective services. The role requires training, in-State travel, and strong interpersonal skills to maintain positive client and staff relationships.

Salary ranges $63,086–$93,367 with state pension benefits, holidays, and maternity leave.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, public administration, or related field plus two years of relevant experience.
• At least three years of experience in human services, social services, public administration, or related field.
• Two years in supervisory capacity.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coordinate, and monitor day-to-day operations and staff in public assistance and protective services.
• Ensure timely processing of eligibility determinations and case management.
• Provide guidance, support, and performance feedback to frontline staff.
• Interpret and enforce DHS policy manuals and federal/state regulations to ensure program compliance.
• Manage client service escalations, mediate disputes, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Participate in workforce planning, staff scheduling, and basic budget tracking.
• Act as a liaison between the county office, community partners, and central DHS divisions.
• Maintain accurate records, prepare required reports, and contribute to audits and quality assurance.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Budgeting

Data analysis

People management

Policy interpretation

Communication

Time management

Crisis management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in sociology/psychology/public administration

Job description

Position Number: 22101139
County: Jackson
Posting End Date: October 21, 2026

Job Summary:

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Social Service County Manager is responsible for coordinating departmental operations within a smaller county facility. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Initial and on-going training is required and may also require in-State travel (day and or night stays).

Requires the ability to multi-task, problem solve and prioritize.

Must be able to escort clients to and from the lobby multiple times a day. Must be able to sit, type, and talk on the phone for long periods of time. Requires some standing at the multi-functional device for scanning and copying.

Sufficient interpersonal skills to ensure a positive relationship with clients and coworkers.

Preferred Qualifications:

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, public administration, or a related field plus two (2) years of experience in a human services or related field, including one (1) year in a supervisory capacity. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER 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 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: Social Services County Manager I

Class Code: SSP12C

Pay Grade: SGS08

Salary Range: $63,086 - $93,367

Job Summary

The Social Services County Manager I is responsible for the coordination and daily oversight of social service program operations in a small county DHS office. This role ensures the efficient delivery of essential services such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and child and adult protective services by supervising frontline staff and maintaining compliance with applicable regulations. As the first-tier manager, this position serves as a direct link between community needs and DHS administrative goals.

Primary Responsibilities

Supervise, coordinate, and monitor day-to-day operations and staff in the administration of public assistance and protective services programs.Ensure timely and accurate processing of eligibility determinations and case management activities.Provide guidance, support, and performance feedback to frontline staff, including caseworkers and eligibility specialists.Interpret and enforce DHS policy manuals and federal/state regulations to ensure program compliance.Manage client service escalations, mediate disputes, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.Participate in workforce planning, staff scheduling, and basic budget tracking.Act as a liaison between the county office, community partners, and central DHS divisions.Maintain accurate records, prepare required reports, and contribute to internal audits and quality assurance efforts.Support community engagement activities and represent DHS at local meetings or emergency preparedness initiatives.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of state and federal laws related to social services, public assistance, protective services, and eligibility programs.Knowledge of budget development, resource allocation, data analysis, and personnel management.Ability to develop partnerships, lead large and diverse teams, and interpret policies.Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, evaluate programs, and think critically.Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.Skilled in crisis management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.

Minimum Qualifications

At least three years of experience in human services, social services, public administration, or a related field.

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.