Social Services Director (Appomattox)

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Appomattox (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Appomattox County Department of Social Services seeks an experienced human services professional to lead a Level I Social Services Department in rural Appomattox County, Virginia. The Social Services Director I will supervise staff, manage budgets, ensure program compliance, and coordinate with boards and community partners to deliver services and protective programs for residents.

A Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field and supervisory experience are required, with preference for advanced

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of social, economic, health issues impacting clients in the jurisdiction.
• Experience in administration of welfare services and supervision of staff.
• Ability to plan, direct and evaluate social services programs and budgets.
• Familiarity with laws, regulations, and agency relationships at local/state/federal levels.
• Experience in grants, reporting, and research with an emphasis on outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs social service programs in a small office.
• Develops department budget and monitors expenditures.
• Performs human resources duties and supervises staff.
• Plans program implementation and ensures quality of service.
• Prepares reports and presents findings to the board and partners.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Policy interpretation

Staff supervision

Budget planning

Contract negotiation

Community partnerships

Analytical reasoning

Research and evaluation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Appomattox County Department of Social Services is seeking an experienced, passionate human services professional to lead a Level I Social services Department located in rural Appomattox County, nestled near the center of Virginia, between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Tidewater region to the east.

The mission of Appomattox County Department of Social Services is to help the citizens of Appomattox County achieve a realistic and attainable level of self-sufficiency within a safe, healthy environment. We will accomplish this by using our strengths and resources in a caring, professional manner, while providing a network of protection, support, and temporary financial assistance.

The Social Services Director I is the first level in the group. Employee is responsible for all social service and financial programs in a small office and directly supervise line staff and/or supervisors. Incumbent is responsible for all human resource functions as prescribed by the local board of Social Services.

General work tasks include but not limited to:

• Plans, organizes, and directs social service programs in a small office.
• Develops department budget and monitors expenditures.
• Performs human resource duties as prescribed by the locality.
• Plans and coordinates implementation of programs.
• Ensures quality of services and maintenance of records/files.
• Develops policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to meet the needs of clients and department.
• Develops plans to meet changing regulations and program requirements.
• Supervises staff, including performance planning and evaluation.
• Collaborates with community partners, such as County Administrator, department directors, and other social service agencies.
• Prepares reports and makes presentations as needed.
• Researches and develops agency resources, such as grants.
• Conducts staff conferences.
• Plans case studies and directs staff development projects.
• Conducts program appeals hearings and renders written decisions.
• Makes recommendations for changes in the interest of improving operations.
• Interprets and explains programs, regulations, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Ensure the local board of social services is kept abreast of agency operations and schedule meetings with the board, as requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

Considerable knowledge of the current social, economic, health issues and programs relating to clients in the jurisdiction; Social Security Act; laws and regulations on the administration of welfare services; available resources and services for the needy; office management practices and principles of supervision; social work caseload management; methods and techniques of counseling; basic principles of community organization and supervision; organization and structure of local, State and Federal government, and volunteer agencies, particularly regarding human services; strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources, leadership, and coordination of people and resources; human resource principles and procedures such as recruitment/selection, training, salary administration and benefits, and information systems; literature, human services trends (administration, planning, fiscal management, funding sources); and statistical analysis.

Skill in operating office equipment including the personal computer and related equipment.

Demonstrated ability to: work effectively with others; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a diverse group of persons; conduct research; plan and direct social services programs; interpret and implement policies and regulations compliant with local, state, federal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations; supervise the work of employees; mobilize community support and generate community awareness of programs; represent the agency before the Boards or Councils; provide reasoning and application of logical thinking for problem solving; provide leadership in system designs, personnel management, and budget formulation; negotiate contracts to support program and policy objectives; and analyze, initiate, concentrate and be creative with ingenuity.

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field and a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia) as this position is the direct supervisor of Family Services.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in a related field supplemented with professional experience in social work with supervisory or other management experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

Acceptable background checks and a valid driver's license allowing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of Virginia is required.

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, OMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

This investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment), and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2-1601.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.

All offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Driving record must meet local agency policy requirements.

Employee must be willing to work in a local emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.