Commissioner, Bureau for Social Services
About The Position
The Commissioner of the West Virginia Bureau for Social Services (BSS) is a high-level state government executive responsible for strategic direction, oversight, and operational management of the state's social welfare programs. The Commissioner directly leads and mentors deputy commissioners overseeing Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, youth services, adoption, foster care, and other initiatives supporting vulnerable citizens. The role operates in a highly visible public and political environment and calls for understanding of social work programs, financial management, and exceptional communication skills. The Commissioner engages extensively with lawmakers and the judicial system and serves as the primary public voice and advocate for the state's social service system. The position also oversees a complex state budget, builds stakeholder coalitions, and champions reforms to improve services and support the workforce.
Requirements
- A minimum of 7–10 years of progressive executive-level management experience within a complex human services delivery system, state agency, or large-scale nonprofit organization.
- Deep conceptual understanding of social work practices, trauma-informed care, systemic poverty, and frontline protective service work.
- Superior public speaking, presentation, and rhetorical skills, including the ability to explain complex policy, statistical data, and human dynamics to lawmakers and the public.
- Advanced working knowledge of state budgeting, public finance, federal grant allocation rules, and long-term fiscal planning.
- A constructive, diplomatic approach to working with state leaders and the legislature.
Nice To Haves
- A master’s degree in social work (MSW), public administration (MPA), or a closely related field.
Responsibilities
- Represent the Bureau before legislative committees, present data and program outcomes, and respond to lawmakers’ inquiries.
- Analyze proposed state and federal legislation affecting social services and develop legislative rules, policy revisions, and statutory recommendations.
- Build and maintain working relationships with legislators, legislative staff, and committee chairs to advance Department of Human Services goals.
- Deliver keynote addresses, presentations, and updates to community providers, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, and county-level staff.
- Direct deputy commissioners and executive staff overseeing child welfare, adult safety, foster care networks, and youth intervention programs.
- Champion initiatives to reduce frontline workers’ burnout and improve retention, informed by the pressures faced by protective service workers.
- Convene statewide task forces, judicial committees, and community roundtables to build consensus on systemic welfare reforms.
- Oversee a state budget funded through general revenue, dedicated line items, and federal matching grants.
- Allocate resources across programs to promote fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and measurable impact for vulnerable populations.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Life insurance plans.
- 15 days of paid vacation annually.
- 18 days of paid sick leave annually.
- 13 paid state holidays annually.
- Defined benefit retirement plan with pension income.
- Professional stability associated with a career in public administration.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
No Education Listed
