Social Services Director – Lenoir County, NC

Developmental Associates • Lenoir County, NC

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lenoir County Department of Social Services (DSS) is seeking a collaborative and relationship-focused Social Services Director to champion organizational excellence and build upon its recent momentum. Having successfully cleared a state Corrective Action Plan, stabilized its Child Welfare program, significantly improved staffing and workloads, and fostered a positive workplace culture, Lenoir County DSS is primed for its next chapter. This department plays an essential role in connecting residents with life-changing resources. Reporting directly to the Board of Social Services, the Social Services Director serves as the executive officer to the Board, providing strategic leadership and administrative oversight for one of the County's largest and most complex departments. Partnering with County leadership, the DSS Board, state officials, community partners, and an experienced Executive Leadership Team, the next Director will lead a dedicated staff and passionately serve a community known for its resourcefulness and creativity. Furthermore, the Director will aggressively advocate to strengthen services and identify future program and funding opportunities that benefit the residents of Lenoir County. Through more than 70 programs and services, the Lenoir County Department of Social Services (DSS) is dedicated to improving the lives of Lenoir County residents by providing economic assistance, employment services, child support enforcement, professional social work services, and numerous specialized programs that address a wide range of social and economic needs. The Director manages a $14.34M budget (2027) and leads a department of 146 employees. Oversees vital community services including public assistance, child welfare, foster care, adoption, and adult protective services with the support of seven direct reports—spanning administration, business operations, personnel, and program management. Exemplifies the department’s mission and fosters a professional, compassionate culture dedicated to protecting resident dignity and enhancing the quality of life for children, families, seniors, and adults in need. As a critical leader for the community, the Director provides steady, reliable stewardship when it matters most. Because crises don't keep business hours, this role serves as a dependable beacon of leadership, ensuring the agency is prepared to respond to emergencies and protect vulnerable residents 24/7/365.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work and two years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in social work and three years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services, one of which must have been in Social Services; OR
• Graduation from a four-year college or university and three years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services, two of which must have been in Social Services; OR
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Social Services budgeting and personnel administration under the State Human Resources Act
• Prior experience as a County Director of Social Services
• Compassionate leader who balances accountability with support by establishing clear expectations, recognizing accomplishments, and supporting employee growth and retention
• Experienced social services professional with strong Child Welfare knowledge and the ability to provide effective leadership across all departmental programs and services
• Effective communicator who fosters transparency, promotes open and consistent communication throughout the organization, and effectively advocates for the department with employees, state officials, community partners, and County leadership
• Organized and effective leader who balances competing priorities, uses data to inform decisions, and ensures every division receives the leadership, support, and oversight needed to succeed
• A person of integrity who cares about the residents of Lenoir County, understands the community's unique challenges, and is committed to addressing community needs while being a responsible steward of public resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Lenoir County Department of Social Services.
• Serve as the executive officer to the Board of Social Services.
• Partner with County leadership, the DSS Board, state officials, community partners, and the Executive Leadership Team.
• Lead a dedicated staff and serve the community.
• Advocate to strengthen services and identify future program and funding opportunities.
• Improve the lives of Lenoir County residents by overseeing economic assistance, employment services, child support enforcement, professional social work services, and specialized programs.
• Manage a $14.34M budget and lead a department of 146 employees.
• Oversee public assistance, child welfare, foster care, adoption, and adult protective services.
• Foster a professional, compassionate culture dedicated to protecting resident dignity and enhancing quality of life.
• Ensure the agency is prepared to respond to emergencies and protect vulnerable residents 24/7/365.
• Build and strengthen relationships with residents, state officials, elected leaders, employees, and community partners.
• Foster an agency culture of trust, accountability, and open communication.
• Support employee retention, maintain a healthy organizational culture, and ensure divisions receive leadership, training, development, and recognition.
• Provide strategic operational and fiscal leadership by ensuring compliance, maximizing funding, and maintaining effective oversight of departmental programs and services.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain a cohesive Executive Leadership Team that promotes collaboration, consistency, communication, accountability, and professional growth.

Benefits

• Health and Dental Insurance
• County contribution to Health Savings Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Sick and Annual Leave
• Participation in the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System (NCLGERS) which includes a 6% pre-tax employee contribution
• Participation in a 401(k) plan with a 2.5% County Contribution based on salary
• 457 and Roth 401(k) plans
• Prior service may be recognized through adjusted leave accrual rates and initial leave balances, consistent with established policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director