Director of Community Services

Seminole County/Board of County Commissioners•534 W. Lake Mary Blvd. Sanford, FL

About The Position

Coordinates the administration of assigned County divisions, ensuring that directives, decisions, policies, resolutions, ordinances, and regulations issued by the Board of County Commissioners and County Manager are implemented. Plans, coordinates, and manages community-based programs and services to meet community needs, comply with applicable regulations, and achieve measurable outcomes. Implements plans and actions consistent with the direction of County leadership and develops strategies and short- and long-range recommendations for the County Manager. Responds to residents’ concerns and complaints. The position requires leadership, operational management skills, and experience in community engagement. Directs and coordinates programs in Community Assistance, Community Health, Housing Development, Veteran Services, Compliance, and Accounting, as well as the strategies, activities, and personnel of the Community Services Department. Develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures; ensures program compliance; supports program development and service delivery; manages resources; and strengthens partnerships to improve residents’ quality of life. Exercises final authority over personnel matters for assigned staff. Prepares and presents the Department’s annual budget, maintains compliance with the adopted budget, identifies alternative funding sources, and schedules work to meet the County budget process. Serves as liaison to boards and councils as assigned and may perform alternate duties during emergencies as essential personnel. A master’s degree in Public Administration, Social Services, or a closely related field and seven years of experience are required, although comparable education, training, or experience may be substituted. Salary depends on qualifications, with additional compensation based on licensure.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Social Services, or a closely related field and seven years of experience; comparable education, training, or experience may be substituted.
Knowledge of public social services theories, practices, and principles, including grant writing and administration, management practices, and budgeting methodologies.
Experience working with CDBG, HOME, SHIP, CSBG, ESG, Shelter Plus Care, and LIHEAP grant programs.
Knowledge of community development; community health, including mental health and substance use initiatives; affordable housing; homelessness; socioeconomic conditions; and the needs of disadvantaged populations.
Ability to provide recommendations to County management and guidance to staff on relevant community-service issues.
Ability to plan, initiate, and oversee long-range goals for program areas, including capital improvements, rehabilitation/reconstruction, and opioid settlement-funded programs, while meeting state and federal expenditure deadlines.
Ability to identify community needs and develop appropriate responses or initiatives.
Ability to work effectively with diverse residents and local partners.
Ability to plan, organize, and direct operations effectively.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with staff, supervisors, elected officials, and the public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County personnel, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, the business community, and the public.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
Complete Seminole County-required training and any position-specific departmental training.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations governing departmental programs is preferred.
Additional compensation is based on licensure; a specific license requirement is not stated.

Responsibilities

Direct and coordinate programs within Community Assistance, Community Health, Housing Development, Veteran Services, Compliance, and Accounting.
Direct and coordinate the strategies, activities, and personnel of the Community Services Department.
Develop, recommend, and implement policies and procedures.
Ensure programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations and organizational policies.
Provide leadership and support for program development and service delivery internally and externally.
Ensure effective service delivery, appropriate resource management, and stronger partnerships to improve residents’ quality of life.
Exercise final authority over hiring, performance evaluations, terminations, disciplinary actions, and commendations for assigned personnel.
Respond to residents’ concerns and complaints, research issues, and develop appropriate responses.
Prepare and present the Department’s annual budget and ensure compliance with the adopted budget.
Identify and evaluate new and alternative funding sources.
Establish schedules to meet the County’s budget-process requirements.
Serve as liaison to boards and councils as assigned.
Perform other assigned or necessary duties, including alternate duties during emergencies when required.