Social Services Director I (craig County)

Social Services Director I (Craig County)

Craig County, Virginia offers a serene and welcoming environment ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life and a deeper connection to nature. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, it features affordable land, low population density, and easy access to outdoor recreation, making it especially appealing for those wishing to make closer community connections. Residents enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community that fosters genuine neighborly support. Whether you're drawn to its scenic beauty or its rural charm, Craig County provides a tranquil lifestyle with the benefits of space, affordability, and community spirit.

The Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking an experienced, passionate human services professional to lead a small-sized social services department located in beautiful Craig County. Craig County Department of Social Services exists to assist the agency's clients in overcoming adverse circumstances in order to triumph over difficult situations caused by poverty, abuse, and neglect, in order that they can meet their basic human needs. It is the intent of the Craig County Department of Social Services to provide our citizens with access to adequate, affordable, high-quality human/social services. It is the department's goal to provide these services in a timely, courteous, and friendly manner, and to empower our citizens to be the best they can be.

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.

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.

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.
• Develop policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to meet the 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.
• Prepare reports and make presentations as needed.
• Research and develop 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: Considerable knowledge of: the current social, economic, health issues and programs relating to clients in the jurisdiction; Social Security Act; laws and regulations on the administration of welfare services; available resources and services for the needy; office management practices and principles of supervision; social work caseload 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 in operating office equipment including the personal computer and related equipment.

Demonstrated ability to: work effectively with others; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a 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.

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 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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer