Social Services Director I (Nelson County)

Nelson County, Virginia (Nelson County Fact Sheet) offers an exceptional opportunity to advance your career while embracing a lifestyle that balances professional growth with mountain living at its finest. Located in Virginia's stunning Blue Ridge Mountains just two hours from Washington, DC and 30 minutes from Charlottesville and Lynchburg, our community of approximately 15,000 residents enjoys small-town charm with big-city accessibility. (Community Profile)

The County’s investment of $8.3 Million in a new state of the art Department of Social Services Building, slated for completion in late 2026/early 2027 (Social Services Building Project – Nelson County Virginia) coupled with its investment in superior infrastructure including high-speed fiber internet access that rivals urban markets, makes Nelson County ideal for modern professionals who value both connectivity and quality of life. Our strategic location provides easy access to major metropolitan areas while offering year-round outdoor recreation including hiking the Appalachian Trail, world-class fishing on the James River, and exploring Virginia's premier craft beverage destinations along the renowned Nelson 151 and Nelson 29 craft beverage trails. 

Nelson County's economy thrives on a diverse mix of agriculture, tourism, light manufacturing, department of defense and emerging technology sectors, supported by a highly educated workforce and strong partnerships with the University of Virginia, higher educational institutions in Lynchburg and the community college system in both locations. The area attracts residents who appreciate authentic mountain culture, farm-to-table dining, award-winning craft beverages, and a genuine sense of community where neighbors know each other and civic engagement matters. With excellent schools, low crime rates, affordable housing compared to urban markets, and the kind of natural beauty that makes every commute scenic; Nelson County represents the perfect blend of professional opportunity and personal fulfillment. Discover why so many professionals are choosing to build their careers and raise their families in Virginia's Blue Ridge playground by visiting www.nelsoncounty.com to explore all that our remarkable community has to offer.

The Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and committed human services professional to lead a small-sized social services department located in beautiful Nelson County. Nelson County Department of Social Services exists to assist its clients in overcoming adverse circumstances caused by poverty, abuse, and neglect, in order to facilitate their ability to meet their basic human needs. It is the mission of the Nelson County Department of Social Services to provide our citizens with access to high-quality human/social services and to protect our most vulnerable citizens. It is the Department’s goal to provide these services in a timely, efficient, courteous, and friendly manner, and to empower our citizens to thrive as productive members of our community. 

The Social Services Director I is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all social service and financial programs and services in this small office.  The Director also directly supervises staff and/or supervisors and collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to promote holistic care, manage case documentation, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Incumbents are responsible for all human resource functions as prescribed by the local board of Social Services. Nelson County’s local board is constituted by a Local Government Official – the County Administrator, who is supported by a Local Social Services Advisory Board. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Social Services Director I is the first level in the group for Social Services Directors. Employees are responsible for all social service and financial programs in a small office and directly supervise line staff and/or supervisors. Incumbents typically are responsible for all human resource functions as prescribed by the local board of Social Services. The Social Services Director I level is distinguished from the Social Services Director II class by the latter having responsibility for a moderate size office whose local program requirements and complexity require management through first line managers. 

 General Work Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Plans, organizes, and directs social service programs in a small office; 
• Develops department budget and monitors expenditures; 
• Performs human resource duties as prescribed by the local board of social services; 
• Plans and coordinates implementation of programs; 
• Ensures quality of services and maintenance of records / files; 
• Develops policies, procedures, rules and regulations to meet the needs of clients and the department; 
• Develops plans to meet changing regulations and program requirements; 
• Supervises staff, including performance planning and evaluation; 
• Collaborates with community partners, such as County Administrator, Sheriff’s Department, Commonwealth Attorney, Multi-Disciplinary Team, department directors and other social service agencies; 
• Prepares reports and make presentations as needed; 
• Researches and develops agency resources, such as grants; 
• Conducts staff conferences; plans case studies, and plans and directs staff development projects; 
• Conducts program appeals to hearings and renders written decisions; 
• Makes recommendations for changes in the interest of improving operations; 
• Interprets and explains programs, regulations, procedures and eligibility requirements.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE - Considerable knowledge of: the current social, economic, health issues and programs relating to clients in the jurisdiction; Social Security Act; laws and regulations on administration of welfare services; available resources and services for the needy; office management practices and principles of supervision; social work case load management; methods and techniques of counseling; basic principles of community organization and supervision; organization and structure of local, State and Federal government, and volunteer agencies, particularly regarding human services; strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources, leadership, and coordination of people and resources; human resource principles and procedures such as recruitment/selection, training, salary administration and benefits, and information systems; literature, human services trends (administration, planning, fiscal management, funding sources); and statistical analysis.

 SKILLS - Skill in operating office equipment including the personal computer and related equipment.

 ABILITIES - Demonstrated ability to: effectively lead a department in fulfilling its mission, work effectively with others; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a diverse group of persons; conduct research and analyze results; creatively plan and direct social services programs; interpret and implement policies and regulations compliant with local, state, federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations; supervise the work of employees; mobilize community support and generate community awareness of programs; 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.

 EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE - Master's degree in a related field supplemented with professional experience in social work with some supervisory or other management experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Special Requirements

Acceptable background checks and a valid driver's license allowing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of Virginia are required.  Applicants will 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 the 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 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. 

Special Instructions To Applicants

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume. Please refer to your account for the status of your application and this position.
 

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided within the application and/or resume. 

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.