Social Services Director II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Franklin, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Franklin City Department of Social Services Board is seeking a dynamic, dedicated and experienced human services professional to lead a Level II social services department in Franklin City, Virginia. The City of Franklin, Virginia, invites accomplished, collaborative, and visionary public service leaders to apply for the position of Director of Social Services. This is an outstanding opportunity to lead an organization dedicated to improving lives, strengthening families, and protecting the well-being of one of Virginia's most welcoming and resilient communities. Located in the heart of Southeastern Virginia along the scenic Blackwater River, Franklin combines the warmth of a close-knit community with the opportunities of a growing regional center. Rich in history and tradition, Franklin continues to invest in a vibrant future that values economic growth, educational excellence, and an outstanding quality of life. The City is guided by a clear mission: To protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people who live, work, and visit the City of Franklin by providing quality services in an effective and cost-efficient manner. Franklin's Vision by 2030 reflects an unwavering commitment to maintaining its small-city identity while becoming a regional hub for economic opportunities, first-class education, a job-ready workforce, and balanced housing options. If you are an innovative public sector executive who believes that strong communities begin with strong families and responsive public services, we encourage you to consider this exceptional leadership opportunity. Join a City that values integrity, collaboration, service, and innovation. Join a community where your leadership will make a lasting difference.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of the current social, economic, and health issues relating to clients in jurisdiction
Considerable knowledge of Social Security Act
Considerable knowledge of laws and regulations on administration of welfare services
Considerable knowledge of social services offered in the county or city
Considerable knowledge of available public and private resources and services for the needy
Considerable knowledge of social work case load management
Considerable knowledge of methods and techniques of counseling with clients
Considerable knowledge of literature, trends and developments in the field of human services administration
Considerable knowledge of basic principles of community organization and supervision
Comprehensive knowledge of management practices and principles of supervision
Comprehensive knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources
Comprehensive knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, and personnel information systems
Comprehensive knowledge of program planning, fiscal management and program funding sources
Comprehensive knowledge of organization and structure of local, State and Federal government, and volunteer agencies, particularly regarding human services
Comprehensive knowledge of research methods and statistical analysis
Skill in operating office equipment including the personal computer and related equipment
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with diverse groups of persons
Demonstrated ability to conduct research
Demonstrated ability to plan and direct social services programs of varied natures
Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement policies and regulations and enforce local, state and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations
Demonstrated ability to supervise the work of division managers that supervise multiple program and administrative supervisors
Demonstrated ability to mobilize community support and generate community awareness of programs offered in the county
Demonstrated ability to establish and implement effective management and administrative programs and procedures
Demonstrated ability to represent the agency before the Boards or Councils
Demonstrated ability to provide reasoning and application of logical thinking for problem solving
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in system designs, personnel management, and budget formulation
Demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts to support program and policy objectives
Demonstrated ability to analyze, initiate, concentrate and be creative with ingenuity
Master's degree in the human services field, behavioral science, counseling, business or public administration or related field supplemented with professional experience in social work or other human services field with considerable supervisory or other management work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities
Acceptable background checks
A valid driver's license allowing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of Virginia
Fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI)
Local agency checks
Employment verification and references
Verification of education (relevant to employment)
Credit checks (relevant to employment)
Other checks requested by the hiring authority

Nice To Haves

Leadership experience in a Virginia DSS setting with familiarity of the City and Agency or surrounding areas
Extensive experience in the Virginia Social Services System
Familiarity with Family Services programs: Child Protective Services, Prevention Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Adult Services and Adult Protective Services, Domestic Violence Programs
Familiarity with Benefit Programs: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Energy, Child Care, IV-E
Familiarity with the Children’s Services Act
Significant budget experience
Familiarity with VDSS Non-Deviating Human Resources Policy
Understanding of the legislative process and how it affects our business
Ability to create and sustain community partnerships
Ability to speak to large groups about Social Services Programs
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budget management, and organizational improvement
Proven ability to work effectively with governing boards, elected officials, community partners, and state agencies

Responsibilities

Establishes the goals and objectives for the Department of Social Services
Administers the Social Services Benefits Programs and Service Programs
Authorizes, coordinates and directs the programs of multiple divisions
Communicates the mission of the agency and duties of each division
Manages and coordinates workflow of division managers
Works with Board of Social Services in the preparation of agenda of administrative matters
Recommends policy and legislation changes through the presentation of reports and budget items, impact statements and directives
Makes short-term and long-term decisions based on needs/problems, data, state and national trends and directives, and task force findings
Obtains and manages the agency's resources
Prepares agency budgets
Tracks expenditure, anticipates trends and redirects resources based on priority of needs
Authorizes expenditures for special funds
Determines need for new programs/services or need to modify existing ones
Interviews, hires, and reassigns staff as needed
Communicates Social Services program
Acts as a department spokesman with public and liaison on legislative issues
Serves on committees and board and gives presentations as needed or requested
May delegate responsibilities of typical personnel matters and daily operation of the agency to division managers
Approves special placements of children pending formal action by the Board of Social Services
Communicates and plans with other human services administrators
Interprets policy and programs to other agencies