Division Director - Benefit Programs

Hanover County Government•Ashland, VA

About The Position

Hanover County Department of Social Services is seeking a results-driven Division Director of Benefit Programs to lead program operations, develop staff, ensure program integrity, and implement solutions that improve access to essential benefits. This executive-level professional position plans, organizes, and manages eligibility programs that provide direct social services to Hanover County residents. Programs include SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Auxiliary Grants, Child Care, Fraud, Title IV-E Foster Care, VIEW, PIPP, and Energy Assistance Programs. The Division Director reviews public assistance policies and assesses the effects of new programs and revisions on the agency, staff, and resources. The role is a member of the Management and Leadership Teams and provides expertise and support across agency operations. It reports to the Director of Social Services, directly supervises Benefit Programs Supervisors, the Fraud Investigator, and the Self Sufficiency Specialist, and indirectly supervises all employees within the division. The incumbent acts in place of the Director of Social Services when the Director is absent. The position may require work outside regular business hours and mandatory participation in the Citizen Emergency Response On-Call Plan. Working conditions include office and field environments and possible interaction with challenging family situations. The role is classified as exempt and does not accrue compensatory leave.

Requirements

Knowledge of human services program delivery.
Considerable knowledge of social, economic, and health issues relating to clients in the jurisdiction; the Social Security Act; laws and regulations governing welfare services; human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; customer and personal services; strategic planning, resource allocation, and human resources management; leadership and coordination of people and resources; and personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, and personnel information systems.
Ability to plan, direct, implement, and monitor assigned programs.
Ability to supervise and direct the work of supervisors.
Ability to represent the Social Services Director before boards, staff, committees, and government meetings.
Ability to analyze problems and develop logical conclusions.
Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with other division directors, county staff, government officials, community partners, private providers, and the public.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Computer literacy; Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are preferred.
Bachelor’s degree required, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
At least three years of related experience in eligibility and/or social services, including at least one year in a supervisory or management position.
Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License.
Child Protective Services background check.
Twelve-month probationary period.
Mandatory participation in the Citizen Emergency Response On-Call Plan.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in public administration or a related field.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Supervise management staff and perform related human resources functions, including completing paperwork and evaluating training opportunities and needs.
Act in place of the Director of Social Services when the Director is absent.
Plan, organize, and direct staff and programs, and conduct meetings as necessary.
Review and evaluate agency and program policies; advise and consult with program supervisors on operational and policy issues, courses of action, and procedures.
Interpret federal, state, and local financial assistance programs, make policy recommendations, and ensure compliance with existing policies.
Consult with and advise the Director of Social Services on major operational and program matters.
Plan and coordinate implementation of specialized divisional administrative or operational programs.
Lead or participate in special projects.
Prepare reports as needed; compile data, maintain records, and submit reports as requested.
Assist with development of the department budget.
Coordinate audits and prepare audit narratives as needed.
Build positive relationships with community organizations and agencies, and provide consultation and education to agencies and community groups.
Monitor programs for compliance with federal and state standards.
Identify and seek resources for program development, and track and report expenditures.
Perform related work as assigned.