Social Services Assistant Director I (Albemarle)

The Assistant Director of Social Services performs complex professional and administrative work leading, directing, and managing the work and outcomes of a multi-program division whose primary focus is either in promoting self-sufficiency and administering public assistance benefits or in ensuring adult and/or child safety, wellbeing, and permanency. This position, in conjunction with a second Assistant Director, will oversee all services programs of Albemarle Department of Social Services. Service programs overseen by this position will include some combination of Child Protective Services, Family Preservation Services, Family Support, Foster Care and Adoption, Adult Protective Services and Self-Sufficiency. This position ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations and creates an environment where staff are supported in their efforts to provide competent, holistic service. This position exercises independent judgment within established policies, guidelines, and procedures and participates as a member of the department’s senior management team.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provides direct supervision of program managers/supervisors and project leaders in an inclusive team environment.

Essential Functions:

• Plans, organizes, and directs the work of a large staff of employees and fosters a positive work environment where employees feel valued and understand their contributions to department goals;
• Leads and provides management oversite for the planning and performance for high-risk, high liability program areas that carry substantial fiscal impact;
• Establishes policies and procedures for the program operations to include ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local policies and regulations.
• Develops and/or advocates for the addition of needed services and reallocation of resources and staffing. Supervises, researches, and evaluates the effectiveness of program operations using data and analytics; Plans, directs, supervises, and coordinates the workload of professional and administrative staff to ensure the highest level of quality services and to provide every customer with an experience that is professional, empathetic, and responsive;
• Develops, plans, and evaluates training needs for all staff providing family service and benefit administration functions.
• Directs and coaches the development of trauma-informed, inclusive high-performance leadership and supervisory skills of program managers/supervisors. Provides ongoing coaching and consultation for all supervisors around difficult problems; completes performance appraisals of program managers/supervisors;
• Participates in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting applicants for positions; and effectively makes recommendations for hiring, salary, promotion, transfer, disciplinary actions, or termination of employment;
• Serves on state, regional, or local committees or task forces in specified program areas, serves on Management Teams and on the Department Leadership Team; represents the Department on various committees, government agencies, and community groups;
• Serves in emergency operations; involved in planning, organizing, and executing emergency services as assigned by Director or Deputy Director;
• Carries out special projects and assignments for the Deputy and/or Director and serves as backup to the Deputy Director and Director;
• Performs related tasks as assigned.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the practices of public assistance and social services organizations and of the 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 the jurisdiction;
• Significant knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations affecting the department's services;
• Significant knowledge of trauma-informed, equitable, social casework philosophy and methods of practice;
• Ability to assume supervisory responsibility for professional and non-professional employees;
• Ability to collect, organize and analyze data;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, other community agencies, and state and local governments;
• Ability to express complex ideas effectively;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, elected officials, subordinates, and community partners;
• 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.

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
• Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs. Completion of required training.
• Work experience in developing/implementing/monitoring/managing case plans and overseeing caseload management. Experience managing and supervising professionals involved in social services programs. Any combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Workers in this position are required to drive and they must meet the eligibility requirements of the County’s safe driver policy.
• Workers must be willing to travel occasionally overnight and may be required to assist in managing emergency shelters for the public. The candidate may be subject to criminal history and central registry background checks.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Work is typically performed in an office setting with occasional extended periods at computer terminals.
• Occasional need to travel beyond the county for training or meetings is required.
• Frequent contact with staff of the state department of social services is necessary as is frequent contact with other departments within the County and officials of both the County and outside agencies.

Remote Work:

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County’s Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Albemarle County Core Values:

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through

Community: We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.

Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.

Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.

Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.

Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.

**PLEASE INCLUDE COVER LETTER, RESUME AND THREE REFERENCES

Contact Information:

For questions related to this posting, please contact: Kiersten Trader

ktrader@albemarle.org