Social Services Director I (King and Queen)

The King and Queen Department of Social Services Board is seeking an innovative, community-focused and dedicated human services professional to lead a Level I social services department in King and Queen Court House, Virginia.

King and Queen County is a very rural county with a rich history. The County was established in 1691 and is named for King William III and Queen Mary II of England. The County has a total area of 326 square miles, of which 315 square miles is land and 11 square miles is water. Measuring 72 miles in length, it is known as the longest county in the state of Virginia. Driving through the County, there are many farms and breath-taking natural scenery to enjoy. King and Queen County contains no incorporated towns or cities and remains one of Virginia’s most sparsely populated counties. The population is approximately 7,000. If you desire to work in a country setting, King and Queen County is the perfect place for you.  

The Children's Services Act program is housed within the Department of Social Services and is supervised by the Social Services Director. The Social Services Director reports directly to the County Administrator. There is also a 5-member Social Services Advisory Board representing each of the districts in the County.

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.

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 needs of clients and department; 
• Develops plans to meet changing regulations and program requirements; 
• Supervises staff, including performance planning and evaluation;   
• Collaborates with community partners, such as County or City Administrator, department directors and other social service agencies;  
• Prepares reports and makes 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 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, 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. 

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

ABILITY - 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; 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; and analyze, initiate, concentrate and be creative with ingenuity. 

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. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Work experience in a Local Department of Social Services (LDSS).

Considerable documented progressive leadership experience in a human services organization.

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 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.

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.

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.