SOCIAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

State of Arkansas; Fayetteville (AR); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The Social Services Supervisor/Expert role within the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) leads social service programs, provides guidance to staff, and drives strategic planning to improve outcomes for Arkansas children and families.

This position requires four years of experience in human services, including one year in supervision, with mandatory background and maltreatment registry checks. State benefits, pension, and holidays are included.

Qualifications

• Four years of work experience in human services or public service programs.
• At least one year in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate social services staff.
• Develop and implement policy and program initiatives to improve service delivery.
• Coordinate with government agencies, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
• Lead statewide social services initiatives and high-priority programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and agency regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Case management

Crisis intervention

Staff development

Policy development

Job description

Position Number: 22110675
County: Washington
Posting End Date: September 14, 2026

The Social Services Supervisor/Expert 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 frontline practice, the Social Services Supervisor/Expert 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

Class Code: SSP17P

Pay Grade: SGS08

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

Job Summary

The Social Services Supervisor/Expert is responsible for overseeing social service programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal policies, and providing guidance to staff. This role involves strategic planning, program evaluation, and supervision of case management to improve service delivery and client outcomes. The Supervisor/Expert serves as a subject-matter authority in social work practices, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.

Primary Responsibilities

The assignment of supervisory duties is determined by the hiring agency's operational needs. Non-supervisory roles will serve as senior technical experts. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate social services staff. Develop and implement policy and program initiatives to improve service delivery. Conduct program audits and quality assurance to ensure compliance. Provide expertise in crisis intervention, case management, and legal compliance. Coordinate with government agencies, community organizations, and advocacy groups. Lead statewide social services initiatives and high-priority programs. Oversee compliance with federal, state, and agency regulations. Provide technical expertise in crisis management, program development, and inter-agency collaboration.

Knowledge and Skills

Case management and service coordination. Knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. Knowledge of Arkansas social service laws, policies, and regulations. Proficiency in data management, reporting, and documentation. Familiarity with trauma-informed care and cultural competency. Understanding of behavioral health and protective services. Leadership and mentorship skills for supervisory roles.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of four years of work experience in human services programs or public service work, including one year in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Required to have a background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

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.