Social Services Deputy Director

McDowell County•Department of Social Services, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of the Department of Social Services is to administratively direct and oversee the agency’s delivery of social services programs to individuals and families in the county. The Department ensures that services and programs are delivered in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, program policies, and applicable standards. The purpose of this position is to manage a complex child welfare and adult services system, ensuring that programs meet all applicable rules, regulations, mandates, and policies established by law, state and agency policy, and program guidelines. The position is responsible for ensuring that child welfare and adult services teams meet state and agency outcomes. Responsibilities include establishing and revising workflows, priorities, policies, and procedures for Foster Care Services/Programs and Adult Services Programs; delegating work assignments; and promoting effective time-management practices. The position provides direct supervision and involvement in operational matters while also participating in short- and long-range planning for Foster Care Services and Adult Services. The position works under the direct supervision of the DSS Director. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The employee may also receive after-hours contact for supervisory consultation from Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adult Services on-call staff. This is an exempt position.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of the methods and principles of casework supervision and training.
Considerable knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to specific casework and community problems.
Considerable knowledge of behavioral and socioeconomic problems and their treatment.
Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and community resources in McDowell County.
Considerable knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies governing social work programs.
Skill in supervising, training, and orienting lower-level social workers, program managers, social work supervisor, and social workers.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.
Ability to plan, organize, and execute work effectively.
Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and three years of social work or counseling experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and four years of social work or counseling experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or
Master’s degree in a counseling field and four years of social work or counseling experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or
Four-year degree in a human services field or related curriculum, including at least 15 semester hours of coursework related to social work or counseling, and five years of social work or counseling experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or
Graduation from a four-year college or university and six years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, or a related human services field providing experience in casework, group work, or community organization, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or
An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Nice To Haves

Annual continuing education in Child Welfare Services and other related programs is beneficial to the supervisory and managerial responsibilities of this position.

Responsibilities

Works with assigned program managers and social work supervisors to ensure effective delivery of social services and appropriate allocation of staff and other resources.
Coordinates with other divisions within the department and organizations throughout the community such as McDowell County Sheriff’s Department, Department of Juvenile Justice or McDowell County Schools.
Provides input into agency planning processes as a member of the management team.
Serves on local committees to provide input regarding new procedures that affect the delivery of social services at the local level.
To coordinate these community programs, creating a strong partnership with McDowell Social Services.
Consults with the DSS Director regarding the planning and implementation of new activities, suggestions tor ideas to grow services and support to those in the community.
Keeps the DSS Director informed of trends, changes, and problems affecting assigned programs.
Confers with assigned program managers and supervisors regarding issues affecting program goals, objectives, policies, and the delivery of child protective services.
Meets regularly with DHHS CQI and DHHS Regional Child Welfare Specialist to ensure compliance with DHHS regulations.
Recommend changes in organizational structure and workflow when appropriate.
Delegates daily operational matters to program managers and supervisors within McDowell DSS Social Services Programs.
May recommend budgetary needs to the DSS Director for services, programs, and resources based on input from program supervisors and DHHS assigned Local Business Liaison, who supports reimbursements for both Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services.
Ensures program managers and supervisors provide necessary on-the-job training.
Arrange training provided by NC DHHS staff and other professionals.
Provides orientation for new employees and ensures onboarding procedures are followed.
Assesses training processes and makes modifications as needed to support social services.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and county laws, regulations, policies, and professional ethics through ongoing communication and consultation with supervisors, staff, community professionals, and state officials.
Reviews the quality and quantity of work performed by assigned staff by: Analyzing information gathered through conferences with program managers, supervisors and staff. Reviewing records Reviewing statistical and program data. Monitoring compliance with applicable standards and requirements.
Conference with program managers and supervisors regarding initial employee disciplinary actions.
Approves and participates in verbal warnings.
Makes recommendations and participates in written warnings.
Makes recommendations for dismissal to the DSS Director.
Participates in the interviewing and selection of new employees.
Recommends the hiring of supervisors to the DSS Director.
Evaluates the performance of supervisors and Program Managers through written and verbal supervisory conferences.
Other duties may be assigned as needed.