Social Services Manager - Adult Services

New Hanover County; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 79,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k contributions

Retirement plan

Flex time and telework

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Education leave

Insurance options

Wellness center

Professional development

Job summary

New Hanover County is seeking an experienced Social Services Manager for the Adult Services unit to lead staff, oversee programs, and ensure safe, healthy outcomes for adults in our community.

You will provide direction, ensure regulatory compliance, manage budgets, build partnerships, and champion professional development in a collaborative, service-oriented environment. This role requires strong leadership, crisis guidance, and a commitment to public service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work required.
• Seven years of progressively responsible professional social work experience.
• Two years of supervisory experience required.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and develops staff by assigning work, evaluating performance, and handling personnel actions.
• Provides leadership on complex client situations and crises as a senior resource for staff.
• Oversees Adult Services programs, monitors performance, reviews cases, and ensures accurate welfare data in state systems.
• Ensures compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and standards through monitoring and updates.
• Oversees program fiscal activities, including budgeting and monitoring expenditures.
• Coordinates services and partnerships with vendors and community organizations to support clients.
• Builds and maintains community relationships by representing the department on boards and initiatives.
• Performs other related duties and maintains attendance and disaster reporting as required.

Skills

Staff supervision

Program management

Regulatory compliance

Community engagement

Public service

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Job description

Are you an experienced social services professional looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable adults in our community? New Hanover County is seeking a Social Services Manager for the Adult Services unit to join our Social Services Department and provide leadership, direction, and oversight for programs that promote the safety, health, stability, and independence of adults in our community.

The Social Services Manager oversees social work staff, programs, and services within the Department of Social Services and ensures services are delivered in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards. In this role, you will provide leadership for Adult Services programs, support staff in addressing complex client situations, and help ensure vulnerable adults receive the services and protections they need to remain safe and healthy.

This position works in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, innovation, professional development, accountability, and excellent customer service. The Social Services Manager plays an important role in connecting adults with services and resources while ensuring staff have the guidance, training, and support necessary to effectively serve clients and protect those who may be at risk.

The essential duties for this role include:

• Supervises and develops staff by assigning and reviewing work, conducting performance evaluations, ensuring appropriate training, and making hiring, disciplinary, and other personnel recommendations.
• Provides leadership and consultation on complex client situations and crises, serving as an expert resource to social work staff, helping resolve elevated concerns, and providing consultation outside regular business hours when needed.
• Oversees Adult Services programs and service delivery by establishing goals and objectives, monitoring program performance and standards, reviewing cases and documentation, and ensuring accurate client welfare information in state systems.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards by monitoring requirements, adjusting procedures as needed, and coordinating case monitoring and responses for state and federal reviews.
• Oversees program fiscal activities, including analyzing statistical and program data, determining program costs, assisting with annual budget preparation, and monitoring expenditures.
• Coordinates services and partnerships with vendors, community organizations, and service providers by assessing community needs, developing service agreements, monitoring performance, and ensuring appropriate resources are available to support clients.
• Builds and maintains community and professional relationships by representing the department on boards and committees, participating in state and local initiatives related to adult protection and client safety, responding to inquiries and complaints, and participating in media requests as appropriate.
• Performs other related duties, including maintaining regular and predictable attendance and reporting for emergency/disaster assignments as required.

Why Join New Hanover County Social Services?

New Hanover County Social Services is committed to providing high-quality services and resources that strengthen individuals, families, and our community. Our department works alongside residents, community organizations, service providers, and other County departments to connect individuals with resources that promote safety, stability, independence, and quality of life.

As a Social Services Manager supporting Adult Services, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of dedicated professionals while helping shape the delivery of services that directly impact some of the most vulnerable adults in our community. You will work closely with social workers, community partners, service providers, County leadership, and other stakeholders to identify needs, address challenges, and develop effective solutions.

This position combines people leadership, social services expertise, program management, regulatory compliance, community engagement, and public service in a role where your work can make a meaningful difference every day.

A Career with Impact

New Hanover County is committed to hiring talented professionals who are passionate about public service and making a difference in the community. Our employees work in an innovative, collaborative, and employee-focused environment where professional expertise, new ideas, and a commitment to serving others are valued.

Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship, and accountability guide the way we serve our community and work with our customers.

If you're an experienced social services professional who is passionate about supporting adults in our community, developing employees, and leading programs that make a difference, we invite you to join the New Hanover County Social Services team.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change in the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve.

If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

Living in New Hanover County, NC:

New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

Hours:

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.

• Must be available to report for emergency work assignment during emergency situations.
• Provides consultation to staff outside business hours for elevated calls and crises situations.

Salary Information:

The target hiring range for this position is $79,291 - $107,043.00. The full salary range for an incumbent hired into this position is $79,291 to $134,795. Starting salary will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, and budget. Candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience may be considered for a starting salary above the target hiring range, but not to exceed the maximum of the salary range.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement System;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional level social worker experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Valid North Carolina Driver License required by first date of employment with good driving record.

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.