ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES - CATD- 40009350

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POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Durham County Department of Social Services is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the agency’s Customer Accountability & Talent Development Division (CATD) as Assistant Director. The CATD Assistant Director oversees Quality Assurance, Training, Leadership/Staff Development, Customer Information Center, and Public Information Officer for the agency. This position provides oversight and strategic leadership to a division that supports an agency of over 500 employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The incumbent is responsible for assisting the County Director of Social Services and the Deputy Director with creating, communicating, executing, and sustaining internal and external strategic initiatives to support continuous improvements of the agency’s major programs, effective delivery of the departmental budget and the enhancement of collaborative relationships on the local, state and national level. Functioning as a key senior executive the incumbent under general direction of the Deputy Director, plans, organizes, coordinates and directs administrative and financial operation of the agency including strategic planning and organization development. In the absence of the Director or Deputy Director this position can serve as “acting” director.  The incumbent is responsible for representing the Department, on behalf of the Director or Deputy Director in public presentations, meetings with public/elected officials and in matters relating to consumer information and complaints.

 KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Expertise in Social Work programs and Public Assistance (with focus on management and policy conformity)
• Quality Management: Coordinate Quality Management and monitoring activities, including file reviews, data roll-up, and analysis of trend data to ensure quality and improve processes
• Ability to perform at a high level of autonomy or with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of federal and state legislative processes and legislation/law impacting DSS
• Knowledge of the Adult Learning strategies and Instructional Methodologies
• Knowledge of project management principles, practices, techniques, and tools
• Knowledge of communication principles, media and public relations techniques
• Knowledge of Medicaid or Food and Nutrition Services or Aging and Adult Services, or Child Welfare.
• Knowledge in Continuous Quality Improvement processes
• Advanced verbal, written, public speaking and critical thinking skills
• Ability to direct and supervise a staff of employees engaged in staff development
• Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple projects and events
• Ability to develop and maintain highly effective working relationships with a diverse audience
• Ability to initiate and install administrative programs/procedures and evaluate their effectiveness
• Ability to analyze and interpret intellectual information and to develop accurate and descriptive abstracts and summaries
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment
• Ability to use independent judgment to manage and impact confident information
• Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong technical skills (MS Office, Database Management and Presentation Software)
• Ability to prepare and present an annual division budget
• Provide quality control review and oversight of project deliverables

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

A master’s degree in social work or public administration and five years of supervisory experience in the delivery of training and client services; or a Bachelor’s degree and seven years supervisory experience in the delivery of training, social work programs & client services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

A master’s degree in social work or public administration and ten years of progressively responsible mid-level or higher administrative and training experience. Experience managing multiple program areas at the division level or larger within a county or state governmental entity is preferred. Prior experience in a Department of Social Services Continuous Quality Improvement is also preferred.

• Is a visionary and innovative leader 
• A global thinker who understands the “Big Picture”
• Proactive and approaches their work with the end in mind
• Seeks first to understand, then to be understood
• Has a “Win-Win” mentality
• Advocate for continual learning and development

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.