Social Services Assistant Director I (Albemarle)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Charlottesville, VA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Social Services performs complex professional and administrative work leading, directing, and managing a multi-program division. The division’s primary focus is either promoting self-sufficiency and administering public assistance benefits or ensuring adult and/or child safety, wellbeing, and permanency. Working with a second Assistant Director, this position oversees all services programs of the Albemarle Department of Social Services, including some combination of Child Protective Services, Family Preservation Services, Family Support, Foster Care and Adoption, Adult Protective Services, and Self-Sufficiency. The position ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, supports staff in providing competent, holistic service, exercises independent judgment within established policies and procedures, and participates on the department’s senior management team. The Assistant Director directly supervises program managers, supervisors, and project leaders in an inclusive team environment. Work is typically performed in an office setting, with occasional extended periods at computer terminals and occasional travel beyond the county for training or meetings. The position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule subject to the County’s Remote Work Policy and operational and service needs. County staff must reside in Virginia. The position requires driving under the County’s safe driver policy, occasional overnight travel, and may require assisting with management of emergency shelters. The candidate may be subject to criminal history and central registry background checks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two years of appropriate, related experience in a Human Services area, as specified in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Considerable experience in the assigned program area or human services programs.
Completion of required training.
Work experience developing, implementing, monitoring, or managing case plans and overseeing caseload management.
Experience managing and supervising professionals involved in social services programs.
Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Thorough knowledge of public assistance and social services organizations and administration, including strategic planning, personnel, public relations, and fiscal management.
Knowledge of current social, health, legal, economic, and community issues and services relating to jurisdiction residents, and of federal, state, and local rules and regulations affecting department services.
Knowledge of trauma-informed, equitable social casework philosophy and methods.
Ability to supervise professional and non-professional employees; collect, organize, and analyze data; communicate effectively orally and in writing; express complex ideas; establish effective working relationships; plan and direct a large staff; lead and facilitate a high-performing team; and lead through an equity and inclusion lens.
Must drive and meet the eligibility requirements of the County’s safe driver policy.
Must be willing to travel occasionally overnight and may be required to assist in managing emergency shelters for the public.
May be subject to criminal history and central registry background checks.
Must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree.
Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct the work of a large staff, fostering a positive work environment where employees feel valued and understand their contributions to department goals.
Lead and provide management oversight for planning and performance in high-risk, high-liability program areas with substantial fiscal impact.
Establish program-operation policies and procedures and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies and regulations.
Develop and/or advocate for needed services and reallocation of resources and staffing.
Research and evaluate program effectiveness using data and analytics.
Direct, supervise, and coordinate professional and administrative staff workloads to ensure high-quality service and professional, empathetic, responsive customer experiences.
Develop, plan, and evaluate training needs for staff providing family services and benefit administration.
Coach and develop program managers’ and supervisors’ trauma-informed, inclusive, high-performance leadership and supervisory skills.
Provide ongoing coaching and consultation to supervisors on difficult problems and complete their performance appraisals.
Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting applicants, and make recommendations concerning hiring, salary, promotion, transfer, discipline, or termination.
Serve on state, regional, or local committees and task forces, management teams, and the Department Leadership Team; represent the Department with government agencies and community groups.
Serve in emergency operations and help plan, organize, and execute emergency services as assigned by the Director or Deputy Director.
Carry out special projects and assignments for the Deputy Director and/or Director and serve as backup to them.
Perform related tasks as assigned.