Social Services Director I (Lunenburg)

Hiring Range: $70,000 to Commensurate with Experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

The Lunenburg County Department of Social Services Board is seeking an experienced and passionate human services professional to lead a Level I social services department in Lunenburg, Virginia.

Lunenburg County is proudly and historically known as the "Mother of Counties." After being formed from Brunswick on May 1, 1746, Lunenburg went on to provide territory for the formation of nine other counties after 1753-Charlotte, Patrick and Henry-hence, the title, "Mother of Counties." The first Lunenburg Courthouse was located in what is now Mecklenburg County.

Lunenburg County boasts a rural and small town feel with a low cost of living. The great outdoors in Lunenburg County offers abundant hunting, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, biking, jogging, hiking and camping. The population is 11,936 according to the 2020 census.

The Social Services Director I is the first level in the group for Social Services Directors. The Social Services Director I is 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 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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 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 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.

Additional Considerations:

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.

Experience working at a Local Department of Social Services (LDSS).

Experience in units or long-term experience in one unit.

Documented ability to direct performance.

Special Requirements:

Acceptable background checks and a valid driver's license allowing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of Virginia is 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 to 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.

Employee must be willing to work in a local emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions

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.