SOCIAL SERVICES COUNTY MANAGER I

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

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Maternity leave

Paid state holidays

Job summary

The Social Services County Manager I at the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) oversees daily operations in a small county DHS office, guiding frontline staff to deliver SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and child and adult protective services with compliance and quality service.

You will coach staff, manage performance, interpret policies, support workforce planning, budget tracking, and represent DHS in community meetings and emergency preparedness efforts.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal social services laws and eligibility programs.
• Ability to manage budgets, analyze data, and supervise staff.
• Strong leadership, partnership-building, and policy interpretation skills.
• Effective communication with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate day-to-day operations and frontline staff.
• Ensure timely processing of eligibility determinations and case management activities.
• Provide guidance, support, and performance feedback to staff.
• Enforce DHS policies and regulatory requirements to ensure program compliance.
• Manage client service escalations and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Participate in workforce planning, staff scheduling, and budget tracking.
• Represent DHS in community meetings and emergency preparedness initiatives.

Skills

Policy interpretation

Staff leadership

Budget & data analysis

Communication

Crisis & conflict management

Job description

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Position Number: 22100039
County: Pope
Posting End Date: September 25, 2026

The Social Services County Manager I plays a vital leadership role within the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS). DCFS is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. Through quality case management, staff development, and support of front line practice, the Social Services County Manager helps promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of Arkansas children and youth. This position is responsible for coaching and supporting child welfare staff, strengthening decision-making and practice skills, and helping ensure quality services and positive outcomes for children and families.

Preferred Qualifications:

Four years of experience in a child welfare or human service program or a related field, including two years in a supervisory or leadership capacity. 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: Social Services County Manager I

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.