SOCIAL SERVICES COUNTY MANAGER II

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Social Services County Manager II is responsible for coordinating departmental operations within a medium county facility. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy. The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. 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. Job Summary The Social Services County Manager II is responsible for overseeing daily operations and service delivery of social service programs within a mid-sized county. This position manages supervisory staff, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, monitors performance metrics, and coordinates community outreach and client engagement efforts. The manager plays a critical role in ensuring that vulnerable populations receive timely, equitable, and effective services.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in human services, social services, public administration, or a related field, including one year in a leadership capacity.
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 complex 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.

Nice To Haves

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, public administration, or a related field plus three (3) years of experience in a human services or related field, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.

Responsibilities

Direct and supervise social services program teams and office operations across multiple units (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, protective services, case management).
Assist in the development and execution of service delivery plans, workflows, and performance standards to align with agency goals.
Oversee client intake, eligibility, and case management processes, ensuring quality and compliance.
Manage and mentor supervisors, social workers, caseworkers, and administrative staff.
Ensure adherence to state and federal laws, DHS policy manuals, confidentiality standards, and ethical practice.
Conduct routine audits of staff performance, caseload distribution, and service quality metrics.
Support the County Manager III or higher-level administrator with reporting, budget preparation, and policy implementation.
Engage with stakeholders, including courts, healthcare providers, schools, and nonprofits to ensure comprehensive client support.
Serve as the point of contact for community relations, emergency service coordination, and client escalations when necessary.