DHS DIVISION MANAGER

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

3d•$103,991 - $153,907•Onsite

About The Position

The DHS Division Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a major division/office within the Arkansas Department of Human Services. This role is responsible for managing human service programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating interagency collaboration, and directing initiatives that improve the well-being of Arkansans. The Division Manager leads multidisciplinary teams, establishes priorities, and ensures effective service delivery to meet the needs of clients and communities. This position is responsible for supervising the 10 area directors across the state and is responsible for day-to-day management of the field staff statewide. The position needs to ensure effective coaching, performance evaluation, and professional development of staff. The position requires strong leadership, engagement, and communication skills. It’s a very complex position that requires managing day-to-day complex situations in child welfare, including an understanding and competency with data, while simultaneously, managing crisis and moving the state forward in change processes and overcoming system barriers. This position must be able to inspire and lead staff, work effectively with community partners and people who have lived experience in child welfare. The position must monitor state and area performance metrics, service outcomes, and client and stakeholder satisfaction, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. This position is required to be on-call and responsive 24 hours a day to staff and external partners.

Requirements

At least five years of experience in human services, public administration, program administration, or a related field, including two years in a leadership capacity.
Knowledge of personnel policies and labor laws, strategic planning, and public sector frameworks.
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing human services and public administration, principles of fiscal management, and resource allocation.
Ability to develop partnerships, lead large and diverse teams, and evaluate programs.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, develop and coordinate financial plans, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of state and federal laws related to social services, public assistance, child welfare, and eligibility programs.
Knowledge of budgets, resource allocation, data analysis, and personnel management.
Ability to communicate effectively, develop partnerships, and lead large teams.
Ability to analyze programs, remain ethical and uphold confidentiality, and interpret legal documents.
Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.
Skilled in crises management, conflict resolution, public speaking, and personnel and budget analysis.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic planning, policy development, and program execution.
Manage operations including budgeting, staffing, risk management, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
Supervise high-level administrative and program staff; delegate responsibilities to ensure efficient service delivery.
Analyze performance metrics, service gaps, and emerging issues to inform upper leadership.
Represent the division/office in executive-level meetings, legislative hearings, and public forums.
Ensure continuous quality improvement initiatives are implemented and sustained.
Oversee the development of training programs, workforce development initiatives, and succession planning.
Direct crisis response and emergency preparedness initiatives.
Coordinate with DHS executive leadership to align division/office goals with department-wide strategic objectives.