Dss Director

Stokes County•Danbury, NC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Stokes County, located just north of Winston Salem, North Carolina, is seeking a collaborative social services professional to serve as its next Department of Social Services Director. The next Director will lead a dedicated team in delivering essential services to children, adults, and families, balancing regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, and effective leadership. The DSS Director works closely with County leadership, the Board of Commissioners, and community partners to support high-quality service delivery, staff development, and transparent communication in service to Stokes County’s most vulnerable citizens. The Stokes County Department of Social Services (DSS) is committed to promoting the health, well-being, and safety of the county’s most vulnerable populations while delivering services in a responsive and compassionate manner that preserves dignity and integrity. The department provides programs to protect children and seniors, support families and individuals toward self-sufficiency, and serve those who are aged, young, sick, or economically disadvantaged. Through education, outreach, and awareness, DSS personnel assist individuals and families in achieving independence while also preventing and addressing abuse, neglect, exploitation, and inappropriate institutionalization, reflecting their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. The Stokes County Department of Social Services provides programs and services to protect children and seniors and promotes self-sufficiency for families and individuals. Committed to enhancing the quality of life of the County’s residents, the department provides programs and services that help the vulnerable, the aged, the young, the sick, and the economically disadvantaged. Through education and awareness, we assist and enable individuals and families to become self-sufficient. We also provide assistance in the prevention and correction of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Reporting to a five-member Social Services Board, the Director manages the department’s $12.6M budget while leading a team of 88 full-time employees. The Director will unite the team around the department’s mission to serve each individual and family in a respectful, confidential, timely, and compassionate manner while advocating for the unmet needs of our most vulnerable population. The department prides itself on providing hope and the opportunity for stability and security for the individuals and families they are fortunate to serve.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work (MSW) and two years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services; or
Bachelor’s degree in social work and three years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services, one of which must have been in Social Services; or
Graduation from a four-year college or university and three years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services, two of which must have been in Social Services; or
An equivalent combination of training and experience.
Applicants must have extensive knowledge of management principles applicable to the operation of a human service delivery system.
Applicants must also understand the organizational structure of a department of social services and applicable county policy as well as state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Responsibilities

Stabilize and strengthen the workforce by reducing turnover, filling critical vacancies, and providing opportunities for staff growth, clear structure, and advancement.
Develop and unify leadership and teams across all locations, ensuring consistent expectations, collaborative relationships, and alignment in departmental goals and responsibilities.
Ensure program compliance and high-quality service delivery by understanding state and federal mandates, monitoring performance, and supporting staff while aligning resources effectively with program needs.
Manage budgets and resources responsibly by aligning positions and funding with actual service needs, collaborating with Finance and county leadership, and ensuring accountability and transparency in all operational decisions.
Is a compassionate, strategic leader who can navigate the complex demands of social services in Stokes County while fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and excellence.
Demonstrates resilience and adaptability, guiding the department through shifting priorities, staffing challenges, and evolving community needs while keeping staff focused on mission-critical work.
Implements change thoughtfully and strategically, including responding to legislative and funding shifts, exercising sound judgment about what to change and when, and minimizing disruption to staff morale.
Ensures high-quality, timely service delivery, establishing appropriate quality control practices, following up on cases as needed, and confirming that all required actions, documentation, and outcomes meet established standards.
Is a good listener and leads with empathy, integrity, and transparency, creating an environment where staff feel heard, valued, and supported during periods of uncertainty, policy change, or high workloads.
Supports, empowers, and develops staff, creating meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement, recognizing the value each employee brings, trusting team members to perform their roles without micromanaging, and investing in professional development to support long-term retention.
Model professionalism, fairness, and emotional intelligence, remaining approachable and visible, engaging with staff at all levels, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and fostering a workplace culture where employees feel respected as people—not just positions—while being mindful of personal challenges that may affect their work.
Builds and sustains strong relationships across the organization and community, fostering collaboration and trust with staff, managers, county departments, elected officials, and community partners, including repairing strained relationships.
Serves as a credible and collaborative partner to county leadership, using data-driven rationale to advocate for DSS needs while working constructively with Finance and administration.
Communicates clearly, confidently, and diplomatically, translating complex policy, program, and budget information into understandable terms and advocating effectively for departmental needs.
Delivers effective public presentations, confidently educating the Board of Commissioners and other stakeholders on DSS programs, priorities, and policy or funding changes.
Demonstrates a deep commitment to the community and equitable service delivery, leading with compassion for vulnerable populations and ensuring services are delivered confidentially, responsibly, and within legal and resource constraints.