Director of Social Services

Description

Social Services Director III

Department of Social Services

Full-Time, 12 months

Exempt, VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Albemarle County is a High Performing Organization whose mission is to enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds. We strive to provide every customer with an experience that is professional, empathetic, and responsive and believe that public service is a worthy calling. It is larger than any single individual and requires a network of committed and talented individuals working together to achieve excellence.

THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Department of Social Services (ACDSS) is an award-winning human service organization with the motto “listening to the need … working together for solutions.” With a strong focus on metrics, teamwork, and creating leaders at all levels, ACDSS is a model of a high performing organization. As an agent of public service, DSS seeks to catalyze change in the community to move towards the opportunity of a quality life for all.

ACDSS provides services that promote self-sufficiency and support individuals and family well-being. This mission is set within the context of the department’s core values: Equity and Inclusion, Hope, Respect, Opportunity, and Self-Determination. Services focus on protective and support services, education, prevention and early intervention programs, employment and child care services, and financial assistance programs.

ACDSS works closely with partner housing and human services agencies in the community, the School Division, and other departments within Albemarle County Local Government Division.

The Albemarle County Department of Social Services deviates from the Virginia Department of Social Services Human Resources Polices for purposes of classification and compensation, and also follows most general County Human Resources policies.

The Social Services Director

The Social Services Director for Albemarle County will perform complex professional and administrative work in directing the activities of the Human and Social Services functions of the County. They will create an environment where staff members are supported in their efforts to provide competent, holistic, equitable and inclusive services. They will exercise direct supervision over most management/supervisory personnel. Indirect supervision is exercised over all other personnel.

Key Attributes of Our Ideal Candidate

Essential functions and responsibilities of the Director of Social Services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Demonstrates integrity, honesty, and respect and is able to build and maintain trust with others
• Is guided in all things – personally and professionally – by a strong moral compass
• Fosters a culture of diversity within the workforce; respects and values the diversity of the community
• Commits to continuous learning / improvement in diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence
• Considers cultural competencies in customer service approach
• Encourages and values diversity of thought and includes these thoughts in decision making processes
• Encourages innovation risk taking and learning
• Problem-solver who facilitates collaborative solutions
• Seeks and is receptive to feedback or input from others, utilizes information to motivate, implement change
• Exhibits understanding of local concerns, addresses concerns from community and staff, clearly communicates areas of consensus and shared vision, articulates thoughtful solutions
• Embraces high performing organization principles by encouraging continuous improvements an approachable, empathetic, and effective communicator at all levels, actively listens, provides opportunities for feedback
• Makes people-development and evaluation a priority, consistently having one-on-one development discussions to meet both individual career goals and the organization’s goals by coaching, establishing clear expectations and creating accountability
• Makes decisions in the best interest of the organization based on meaningful performance metrics and data
• Is committed to transparency through disclosure, clarity, and accuracy in communications with stakeholders
• Has a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and passion for the work and is not deterred by obstacles
• Provides clear direction and sets the tone with a compelling vision for the future to build on success and continuously improve by providing quality service to residents

Essential Functions

Essential functions and responsibilities of Director of Social Services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes and directs the work of a large staff of employee
• Manages and coordinates workflow of deputy director and/or assistant directors that supervise multiple division managers
• Researches and develops resources for mandated social service and county-specific human services programs
• Plans and monitors program implementation and oversees agency and department budget
• Reviews and makes recommendations on policies, rules and procedures
• Evaluates Departmental and programmatic needs and advocates for same
• Evaluates human service-related needs of the county’s most vulnerable population and advocates for same
• Ability to assist with fostering a positive work environment where employees feel valued and understand their contributions to the department goals
• Demonstrates and follows the Albemarle County Pillars of High Performance as we are all stakeholders, who share leadership, ownership, and responsibility for the County’s vision, mission, core values, and strategic goals
• Will follow the Leadership Philosophy, demonstrate the Core Values, and use the Business Operating Principles as a guide for operating process and how the work is accomplished
• Will provide every customer with an experience that is professional, empathetic, and responsive
• Promotes cultural understanding and competency and an organizational climate of equity and inclusion
• Advises County Executive and Deputy County Executive, Board of Supervisors and other county officials on social service issues and prepares reports and recommendations
• Represents the department in community wide programs and collaborative efforts to include Thomas Jefferson Coalition for the Homeless, the regional Prisoner Reentry Council and the Pre-K partnership with Albemarle County Public Schools
• Oversees the county’s Office of Housing programs and functions
• Serves on statewide boards, task forces, and committees on behalf of the Department
• Performs other duties as needed

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in human services field, counseling, social work, public administration or a related field, and significant management and leadership experience in social work, community or other human services organization or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid appropriate driver’s permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Requires Central Registry check and may require criminal background check.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of principles and methods of administration including strategic planning, organizing, directing, personnel, public relations and fiscal management
• Thorough knowledge of the current social, health, legal, economic and community issues and services relating to residents in jurisdiction
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local welfare policies and programs and the laws on which they are based
• Significant knowledge of casework philosophy, methods and practices
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials employees, community agencies, the public and various community officials
• Ability to interpret and analyze technical and statistical information and to prepare and present technical oral and written reports
• Ability to mobilize community support and generate community awareness of programs offered in the county
• Ability to express complex ideas effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to plan, organize and direct a large staff of professional and support employees
• Ability to lead and facilitate in a high performing team environment
• Ability to lead through an equity and inclusion lens

THE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Administrative work typically in an office setting. Frequent walking and some lifting of light objects. Regular use of computer and ability to operate a vehicle for meetings outside the office and community. Frequent contacts made at all organizational levels (internally and externally) for purpose of achieving organizational goals and mission. Regular contact with citizens, highest appointed and elected officials and others influential in the community.

THE SALARY RANGE

The salary range for this position is $98,629 – $160,955 per year. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum, experience and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Wednesday, May 12, 2021

PROCESS: Applications are accepted online only through the state system: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/221525.

To access the job profile in full, visit: https://www.albemarle.org/home/showdocument?id=8668&t=637546253646703311.

EOE/EEO

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.