Assistant Director of Social Services

County Of Albemarle•Charlottesville, VA

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Social Services performs complex professional and administrative work leading, directing, and managing a multi-program division. In conjunction with a second Assistant Director, this position oversees all services programs of the Albemarle Department of Social Services. Programs overseen include some combination of Child Protective Services, Family Preservation Services, Family Support, Foster Care and Adoption, Adult Protective Services, and Self-Sufficiency. The position ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and supports staff in providing competent, holistic service. It exercises independent judgment within established policies, guidelines, and procedures and participates as a member of the department’s senior management team. The Assistant Director directly supervises program managers, supervisors, and project leaders in an inclusive team environment. The role plans and directs staff and program operations, oversees high-risk and high-liability programs with substantial fiscal impact, establishes operational policies and procedures, and evaluates effectiveness using data and analytics. It also develops staff training and leadership capabilities, coaches supervisors, participates in staffing decisions, represents the department on committees and with community partners, and supports emergency operations and special assignments for the Director or Deputy Director. Work is typically performed in an office setting, with occasional extended periods at computer terminals and occasional travel beyond the county for training or meetings. The position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule in accordance with County policy and operational needs. County staff must reside in Virginia. The role requires driving, occasional overnight travel, and may require assisting with management of public emergency shelters. The candidate may be subject to criminal history and central registry background checks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two years of appropriate and related Human Services experience, in accordance with Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Considerable experience in the assigned program area or human services programs.
Completion of required training.
Experience developing, implementing, monitoring, or managing case plans and overseeing caseload management.
Experience managing and supervising professionals involved in social services programs.
Knowledge of public assistance and social services organizations and administration, including strategic planning, personnel, public relations, and fiscal management.
Knowledge of social, health, legal, economic, and community issues and services relevant to residents in the jurisdiction, and of applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Knowledge of trauma-informed, equitable social casework philosophy and practice.
Ability to supervise professional and non-professional employees; collect, organize, and analyze data; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to express complex ideas, build effective working relationships, plan and direct a large staff, lead high-performing teams, and lead through an equity and inclusion lens.
Must be eligible to drive under the County’s safe driver policy.
Must be willing to travel occasionally overnight and may be required to assist in managing public emergency shelters.
May be subject to criminal history and central registry background checks.
Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree.
Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct the work of a large staff and foster a positive, inclusive work environment.
Lead and provide management oversight for planning and performance in high-risk, high-liability program areas with substantial fiscal impact.
Establish program operational policies and procedures and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies and regulations.
Develop or advocate for needed services and the reallocation of resources and staffing.
Research and evaluate program operations using data and analytics.
Coordinate professional and administrative staff workloads to provide high-quality, professional, empathetic, and responsive services.
Develop, plan, and evaluate training needs for staff performing family service and benefit administration functions.
Coach program managers and supervisors in trauma-informed, inclusive, high-performance leadership and supervisory practices; provide consultation on difficult problems and complete performance appraisals.
Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting applicants, and make recommendations on hiring, salary, promotion, transfer, discipline, or termination.
Serve on state, regional, and local committees and task forces, Management Teams, and the Department Leadership Team; represent the department with agencies and community groups.
Serve in emergency operations and help plan, organize, and execute emergency services as assigned by the Director or Deputy Director.
Carry out special projects and assignments for the Deputy Director or Director and serve as backup to them.
Perform related tasks as assigned.