SOCIAL SERVICES COUNTY MANAGER I

State of Arkansas • Brinkley, AR

3d

About The Position

The Department of Human Services (DHS) County Administrator is responsible for coordinating departmental operations within a smaller county facility. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy including Fair Labor Standards Act. The Social Services County Manager I is responsible for the coordination and daily oversight of social service program operations in a small county DHS office. This role ensures the efficient delivery of essential services such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and child and adult protective services by supervising frontline staff and maintaining compliance with applicable regulations. As the first-tier manager, this position serves as a direct link between community needs and DHS administrative goals.

Requirements

• The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, public administration, or a related field plus two (2) years of experience in a human services or related field, including one (1) year in a supervisory capacity. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB-RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
• Knowledge of the programs and services administered by the agency, ability to develop, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services, ability to research, interpret, and apply laws and departmental policies and procedures, knowledge of the principles and practices of human resource and organizational management, ability to plan work unit objectives and operational activities, and to assign and direct the work of others, knowledge of supervisory practices and techniques, ability to supervise a subordinate staff, knowledge of community referral resources, ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written information, knowledge of state budgetary practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to social services, public assistance, protective services, and eligibility programs.
• Knowledge of budget development, resource allocation, data analysis, and personnel management.
• Ability to develop partnerships, lead large and diverse teams, and interpret policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, evaluate programs, and think critically.
• Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.
• Skilled in crisis management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.
• At least three years of experience in human services, social services, public administration, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Some travel including overnight, lifting up to 20 pounds, frequent stooping and bending, ability to sit for extended periods of time including riding in a vehicle, extensive computer work utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, occasional overtime, ability to utilize current phone system, clear enunciation, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and motivates employees to accomplish work goals and tasks; provides workplace order and direction; available and accessible as a resource and support for others; gives consistent recognition to employees; is a resource for knowledge and skills
• Provides supervision of subordinate staff by assigning, prioritizing, coaching, and monitoring work assignments
• Performs casework and clerical tasks to assist staff and provide needed support
• Provides clear job duties and performance standards for staff in chain of command
• Ensures monthly performance reviews and annual personnel evaluations are completed timely and accurately for staff in chain of command
• Documents, prepares, and submits packets for disciplinary actions timely and accurately
• Reports vacancies, requests job requisitions, interviews applicants, obtains approval to fill, and completes and submits hire packets timely and accurately
• Reviews and routes all personnel packets timely and accurately (hire, LMR, 2nd language differential, resignation/retirement, disciplinary, termination, ADA, FMLA, etc.)
• Supervise, coordinate, and monitor day-to-day operations and staff in the administration of public assistance and protective services programs.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of eligibility determinations and case management activities.
• Provide guidance, support, and performance feedback to frontline staff, including caseworkers and eligibility specialists.
• Interpret and enforce DHS policy manuals and federal/state regulations to ensure program compliance.
• Manage client service escalations, mediate disputes, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Participate in workforce planning, staff scheduling, and basic budget tracking.
• Act as a liaison between the county office, community partners, and central DHS divisions.
• Maintain accurate records, prepare required reports, and contribute to internal audits and quality assurance efforts.
• Support community engagement activities and represent DHS at local meetings or emergency preparedness initiatives.

Benefits

• Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more.
• At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees