Social Services Director II (Halifax)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Halifax, VA

About The Position

The Halifax County Department of Social Services Board is seeking a dynamic, dedicated and experienced human services professional to lead a Level II social services department in Halifax, Virginia. Halifax County Virginia is a large, growing county in Southside Virginia organized in 1752 with its county seat in the Town of Halifax. The County is known for its rural, industrial, and historical character. The large predominantly rural county (817.73 square miles) is home to several industrial facilities including Hitachi Energy, Presto, Xperion, Dollar General Distribution Center, and others, plus numerous hometown shops and businesses. Educational opportunities in Halifax County range from Pre-K to12 public schools, including a new high school, with specialized academics to advanced higher education and career training largely driven by the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC). Inclusive in SVHEC are colleges of choice such as Averett University, Longwood University, Danville Community College, Southside Community College, and others. Halifax County offers various resources for residents, including information on adventure, entertainment, and recreational activities that include walking trails, as well as Buggs Island Lake and Staunton River State Park for fishermen and campers. Diversity in religious opportunities and choices are available. The county encourages community engagement through events and local initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. It is the home to the Virginia International Raceway, South Boston Speedway, Berry Hill historical mansion, and Henrietta Lacks, a world renown figure for the HELA cells. Increased cultural activities in the arts are evident; the Prizery and other centers provide opportunities for arts and entertainment. Halifax County, Virginia, features vibrant communities like South Boston, offering a blend of rural charm and modern amenities, along with resources for residents to engage with their community. South Boston is located just minutes from the North Carolina state line, making it a strategic location for residents. The downtown area features a vibrant strip with local shops, restaurants, and big-box retailers, providing residents with a variety of shopping and dining options. Halifax County/South Boston is centrally located between two larger urban areas: Danville, VA which houses Caesar’s Entertainment and Raliegh/Durham, North Carolina. Both cities have major universities and medical centers. The Halifax County Department of Social Services will promote the well-being of individuals and families. With dignity and respect, we will seek to empower, maximize potential, and encourage self-sufficiency of all people. “We are people helping people.” JOB DESCRIPTION: The Social Services Director II is the second level in the group for Social Services Directors. Employees are responsible for all social service and financial program areas in a moderate size office with varied and complex programs and for supervising managers.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of: the current social, economic, and health issues relating to clients in jurisdiction; Social Security Act; laws and regulations on administration of welfare services; social services offered in the county or city; available public and private resources and services for the needy; social work case load management; methods and techniques of counseling with clients; literature, trends and developments in the field of human services administration; and basic principles of community organization and supervision.
Comprehensive knowledge of: management practices and principles of supervision; business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources; principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, and personnel information systems; program planning, fiscal management and program funding sources; organization and structure of local, State and Federal government, and volunteer agencies, particularly regarding human services; and research methods and statistical analysis.
Skill in operating office equipment including the personal computer and related equipment.
Demonstrated ability to: work effectively with others; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with diverse group of persons; conduct research; plan and direct social services programs of varied natures; interpret and implement policies and regulations and enforce Local, State, Federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations; supervise the work of division managers that supervise multiple program and administrative supervisors; mobilize community support and generate community awareness of programs offered in the county; establish and implement effective management and administrative programs and procedures; represent the agency before the Boards or Councils; provide reasoning and application of logical thinking for problem solving; provide leadership in system designs, personnel management, and budget formulation; negotiate contracts to support program and policy objectives; and analyze, initiate, concentrate and be creative with ingenuity.
Master's degree in 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.
Employees must meet residency requirements which include residing in Halifax or adjourning counties.
Acceptable background checks and a valid driver's license allowing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of Virginia are required.
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, OMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
This investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment), and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2-1601.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.
All offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Driving record must meet local agency policy requirements.
Employees must be willing to work in a local emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Responsibilities

Establishes and communicates 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 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 (state and county)
Tracks expenditures, 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; and interprets policy and programs to other agencies.
Creates a culture of trust within the community and among the staff and clients
Other duties as needed.