Social Services Assistant Director I (Albemarle)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Charlottesville, VA

11d•$109,109 - $120,595•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Social Services performs complex professional and administrative work leading, directing, and managing a multi-program division. The division focuses on promoting self-sufficiency and administering public assistance benefits, or on ensuring adult and/or child safety, wellbeing, and permanency. In conjunction with a second Assistant Director, this position oversees all services programs of the Albemarle Department of Social Services, including 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 fosters an environment where staff are supported 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. It directly supervises program managers, supervisors, and project leaders in an inclusive team environment. The role is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule under the County’s Remote Work Policy, subject to operational and service needs. County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The role typically operates in an office setting, with occasional extended periods at computer terminals and occasional travel beyond the county for training or meetings. Overnight travel may occasionally be required, and the employee may be required to assist in managing emergency shelters.

Requirements

A 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 experience in a Human Services area, as specified in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Considerable experience in the assigned program area or human services programs and completion of required training.
Work experience developing, implementing, monitoring, or managing case plans and overseeing caseload management.
Experience managing and supervising professionals involved in social services programs; equivalent combinations of training and experience may provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Must be able to drive and meet the eligibility requirements of the County’s safe driver policy.
Must be willing to travel occasionally overnight and may be required to assist in managing emergency shelters for the public.
May be subject to criminal history and central registry background checks.
Thorough knowledge of public assistance and social services organizations, administrative principles and methods, strategic planning, personnel, public relations, and fiscal management.
Thorough knowledge of current social, health, legal, economic, and community issues and services relating to residents in the jurisdiction.
Significant knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations affecting department services.
Significant knowledge of trauma-informed, equitable social casework philosophy and methods of 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 effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, elected officials, subordinates, and community partners.
Ability to plan, organize, and direct a large staff of professional and support employees, lead and facilitate a high-performing team, and lead through an equity and inclusion lens.
Applicants are asked to include a cover letter, resume, and three references.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct the work of a large staff, fostering a positive work environment where employees feel valued and understand their contributions to department goals.
Lead and provide management oversight for planning and performance in high-risk, high-liability program areas with substantial fiscal impact.
Establish policies and procedures for program operations and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies and regulations.
Develop or advocate for needed services and reallocation of resources and staffing; research and evaluate program effectiveness using data and analytics.
Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate professional and administrative staff workloads to ensure high-quality services and professional, empathetic, responsive customer experiences.
Develop, plan, and evaluate training needs for staff providing family service and benefit administration functions.
Coach and develop program managers’ and supervisors’ trauma-informed, inclusive, high-performance leadership and supervisory skills; provide ongoing consultation on difficult problems and complete performance appraisals.
Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting applicants, and make recommendations regarding hiring, salary, promotion, transfer, disciplinary actions, and termination.
Serve on state, regional, and local committees or task forces; participate on management and department leadership teams; and represent the Department with government agencies and community groups.
Participate 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 those roles.
Perform related tasks as assigned.