Social Services Director (Appomattox)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Appomattox, VA

7d•$102,000

About The Position

Appomattox County Department of Social Services is seeking an experienced human services professional to lead a Level I Social Services Department in rural Appomattox County, Virginia. The department’s mission is to help county residents attain a realistic level of self-sufficiency in a safe, healthy environment by providing protection, support, and temporary financial assistance. The Social Services Director I is the first-level director for a small office, responsible for all social service and financial programs and for directly supervising line staff and/or supervisors. The position also performs human resource functions as prescribed by the local Board of Social Services. The Director plans and directs programs, manages the department budget, ensures service quality and record maintenance, develops policies and procedures, and works with community partners and the local board. The role may require work in a local emergency shelter during a natural disaster or other emergency. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a human services field, or a bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two years of appropriate, related experience in a human services area, as specified in the Virginia Administrative Code. A master’s degree in a related field and professional social work experience with supervisory or management experience are preferred. Acceptable background checks and a valid Virginia driver’s license are required; offers are contingent on satisfactory results of required checks and screenings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, or a bachelor’s degree in any field and at least two years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area, as specified in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Considerable knowledge of current social, economic, and health issues and programs relating to clients in the jurisdiction; the Social Security Act; laws and regulations governing welfare services; resources and services for people in need; office management and supervision; social work caseload management; counseling techniques; community organization; local, state, and federal government and volunteer agency structures; strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources, leadership, and coordination; human resource procedures; human services trends, funding sources, and statistical analysis.
Skill in operating office equipment, including a personal computer and related equipment.
Ability to work effectively with others and communicate orally and in writing with diverse groups.
Ability to conduct research; plan and direct social services programs; interpret and implement policies and regulations consistent with applicable laws and rules; and supervise employees.
Ability to mobilize community support, raise awareness of programs, and represent the agency before boards or councils.
Ability to apply logical reasoning to problem solving; provide leadership in system design, personnel management, and budget formulation; negotiate contracts; and analyze, initiate, concentrate, and work creatively with ingenuity.
Acceptable background checks and a valid driver’s license permitting operation of a motor vehicle in Virginia.
Meet local agency driving-record policy requirements.
Submit to required background checks and screenings; all offers are contingent on satisfactory results.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field supplemented with professional social work experience and supervisory or other management experience.
Equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct social service programs in a small office.
Develop the department budget and monitor expenditures.
Perform human resource duties as prescribed by the locality.
Plan and coordinate implementation of programs.
Ensure service quality and maintenance of records and files.
Develop policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to meet client and department needs.
Develop plans to meet changing regulations and program requirements.
Supervise staff, including performance planning and evaluation.
Collaborate with community partners, including the County Administrator, department directors, and other social service agencies.
Prepare reports and make presentations as needed.
Research and develop agency resources, such as grants.
Conduct staff conferences.
Plan case studies and direct staff development projects.
Conduct program appeals hearings and render written decisions.
Recommend changes to improve operations.
Interpret and explain programs, regulations, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
Keep the local Board of Social Services informed about agency operations and schedule board meetings as requested.
Work in a local emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency, as required.