Supervisor, Social Services (Protective)

Summit County Children Services; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit County Children Services in Akron seeks a Supervisor, Social Services to guide key case decisions, strengthen staff performance, and ensure adherence to standards in child welfare.

The role builds strong partnerships with courts, law enforcement, schools and community providers; it directs crisis responses, approves safety and service plans, monitors data quality, and supports policy implementation while maintaining a focus on child safety, permanency, and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or related field with 5 years relevant experience in the field of child welfare; OR bachelor’s degree in social work or related field with ten (10) years relevant experience in the field of child welfare required.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• LSW/LISW or LPC/LPCC preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assigns and oversees child welfare cases to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective protective actions.
• Guides caseworkers in assessing safety, risk, and family needs; approves safety plans, service plans, and major case decisions.
• Ensures documentation is entered in a timely manner and accurately reflects case activities; monitors data entry and compliance with requirements.
• Provides direction during crises and consults on complex cases involving legal, clinical, or procedural issues.
• Promotes a supportive, accountable team environment focused on child safety, well-being, and effective service delivery.
• Collaborates with courts, law enforcement, schools, service providers, and community partners; represents the agency in multidisciplinary meetings.
• Maintains continuity of services during staff absences.
• Supports implementation of policies, monitors data to improve outcomes, and contributes to planning and improvement initiatives.
• Produces reports, completes special projects, participates in agency meetings and initiatives.
• Builds strong working relationships and prioritizes multiple demands while meeting deadlines.
• Adheres to all agency policies and procedures and supports the Agency’s mission, vision & guiding principles; completes mandatory training and stays current on trends.

Education

Master’s degree in social work or related field

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

LSW/LISW or LPC/LPCC preferred

Job description

The Supervisor, Social Services, drives high-quality practice by guiding key case decisions, strengthening staff performance, and ensuring adherence to standards. The supervisor builds strong partnerships, supports effective service delivery, and helps create a responsive, collaborative environment focused on child safety, permanency, and wellbeing.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Other duties may be assigned.

Education & Experience

Master’s degree in social work or related field with (5) years relevant experience in the field of child welfare; OR bachelor’s degree in social work or related field with ten (10) years relevant experience in the field of child welfare required.

Prior supervisory experience preferred.

LSW/LISW or LPC/LPCC preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Assigns and oversees child welfare cases to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective protective actions. Guides caseworkers in assessing safety, risk, and family needs; approves safety plans, service plans, and major case decisions.
• Ensures documentation is entered in a timely manner and accurately reflects case activities; regularly monitors data entry and accuracy; monitors compliance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
• Provides direction during crises and consults on complex cases involving legal, clinical, or procedural issues.
• Promotes a supportive, accountable team environment focused on child safety, well-being, and effective service delivery.
• Collaborates with courts, law enforcement, schools, service providers, and community partners; represents the agency in multidisciplinary meetings.
• Maintains continuity of services during staff absences.
• Supports implementation of policies, monitors data to improve outcomes, and contributes to planning and improvement initiatives.
• Produces reports, completes special projects, participates in agency meetings, and initiatives.
• Builds strong working relationships and prioritizes multiple demands while meeting deadlines.
• Adheres to all agency policies and procedures and supports the Agency’s mission, vision & guiding principles; Maintains professional and technical knowledge by completing mandatory training requirements, attending educational workshops. Monitors and stays current on child welfare trends, regulations, best practices, and emerging issues through review of professional resources, publications, training opportunities, and relevant communications
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in alignment with agency policies and laws, including assigning work, evaluating performance, and resolving issues.
• Proactively prepares for supervisory meetings with requisite Department Directors including but not limited to, reviewing cases for compliance prior to supervisory meetings, providing problem solving alternatives, seeking assistance as needed, and following Department Director or other Senior Leadership directions.