Social Services Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

Gates County Department of Social Services is recruiting for a County Social Services Director to serve as the chief executive officer of the agency. This is directive and managerial work in serving as the executive officer of the Gates County Board of Social Services, executing the authority of the Board as defined in G.S. 108A-14. Gates County DSS is a non-consolidated county agency that operates independently under the governance of its locally appointed Board of Social Services. The Director provides executive leadership and direction for program development, establishes program standards, and monitors and evaluates the quality-of-service delivery systems. The Director is responsible for the fiscal management of a cost-allocated, federally reimbursed annual budget of over $2 million; the direct supervision of 22 employees including Quality Assurance Caseworker, Supervisors, Social Workers, Income Maintenance Caseworkers, and support staff; and serves as the principal spokesperson for the agency on program and policy matters.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The County Social Services Director is appointed by and reports directly to the Gates County Board of Social Services. The Director serves as executive officer to the Board and acts as its secretary in accordance with G.S. 108A-14.

WORK SCHEDULE

Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Director is expected to attend Social Services Board meetings and other governmental or community meetings as required. The nature of the position may occasionally require response to agency matters outside of regular business hours.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties and responsibilities are established and defined in G.S. 108A-14 and include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serve as executive officer to the Gates County Board of Social Services and act as its secretary;

• Appoint necessary personnel of the County Department of Social Services in accordance with the merit system rules of the State Human Resources Commission;

• Administer the programs of public assistance and social services established under G.S. Chapter 108A in accordance with pertinent federal and state rules and regulations;

• Plan, prepare, and develop a multi-million-dollar Annual Social Services Budget in accordance with federal cost allocation and cost distribution requirements and in conformity with the North Carolina Fiscal Control Act and Local Government Commission finance laws, rules, and policies;

• Monitor and control the financial activities of all programs and services administered by the Department, including oversight of federal reimbursement claims, match requirements, and program allocations;

• Direct Supervisors, Quality Assurance Caseworker, Social Workers, Income Maintenance Caseworkers, and support staff in the delivery of agency services across all program areas;

• Provide leadership and direction for program development; establish program standards; and monitor and evaluate the quality-of-service delivery systems;

• Serve as the principal spokesperson for the agency relative to program, policy, and administrative issues before the Board of Social Services, county officials, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and other stakeholders;

• Represent the agency with government officials, other human services providers, and advocacy groups to influence the decision-making process and ensure adequate resources for program maintenance and expansion;

• Maintain involvement in conflict and complaint resolution, staffing and personnel matters, and oversight of agency operations;

• Lead, Manage and Oversee Emergency Shelter Operations;

• Any additional Duties as needed/assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the legal and philosophical basis for public welfare programs and applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing the delivery of public social services;

• Considerable knowledge of principles and practice of social work and the delivery of client services;

• Thorough knowledge of management principles, techniques, and practices, including fiscal management, personnel administration, and program oversight;

• Knowledge of the agency's organization, operation, and objectives as well as applicable provisions of the North Carolina General Statutes, federal regulations, and NCDHHS program policy;

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing complex situations and making administrative and programmatic decisions;

• Ability to direct employees and programs across multiple areas of agency responsibility;

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Social Services, county officials, state and federal agency representatives, community partners, advocacy groups, and the general public.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• A master's degree in social work and two years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services; or

• A 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.

SPECIAL NOTE

This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to identify essential functions per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Examples of work listed are primarily essential functions of the majority of positions in this class but may not be applicable to all positions.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates must submit the following:

• A completed State of North Carolina Application Form (PD-107);

• An unofficial college transcript;

• A current resume.

Submit application materials to:

Gates County Board of Social Services

Attn: Warren Perry, Assistant County Manager

115 Court Street Gatesville, NC 27938

Email: wperry@gatescountync.gov