DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES - (Child Welfare and Aging & Adult Services) - 40010526 1

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General Description

The purpose of this job is to assist in agency-wide operations and works in concert with the Director in the management of the Child Welfare and Aging & Adult services divisions.

This position reports directly to the Social Services Director and works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies (including state wide mandates, programs, performance measures) and reports major activities to executive level administrators through conferences and reports.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the administrative and financial operations of the department.
• Provides leadership and direction of the agency's Child Welfare division which includes adult protective services, crisis services (mandated & non-mandated), special assistance In-Home, guardianship, licensing and community contracts
• Provides leadership and direction of the agency's Aging & Adult services division which includes investigations/assessment, licensing, foster care and adoptions.
• Assists the Director, Budget office and Assistant Directors prepare the annual budget and ensures mandates, new initiatives, data analysis, trends, outcomes measures, staffing and unmet needs are all used to inform the budget development processes.
• Evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of programs based on established program objectives; and implements strategies to correct any identified problems in conjunction with program administrators, statewide liaisons and Director.
• Makes changes in the organizational structure, assignments, methods and workflow in conjunction with director to enhance efficiency.
• Ensures training of standards and requirements in federal and state mandated programs.
• Develops and maintains effective external relationships and represent the ideas, concerns, and viewpoint of the County Social Services Director on boards, committees, and work groups at local, regional, and state levels.
• Identifies learning opportunities to ensure appropriate services and programs are available.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of the organization and structure of local, state and governmental agencies
• Documented success in providing leadership support to execute level management
• Knowledge of the department’s organization, operation and objectives; of purchasing practices and procedures; and contract administration.
• Experience operationalizing new federal or state mandates at the county social services level
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public and business administration.
• Proficient in organizing resources and establishing priorities
• Knowledge of project management principles, practices, techniques, and tools
• Extensive supervisory experience and skill in personnel management with the ability to foster a cooperative work environment
• Knowledge of federal and state legislative processes and legislation/law impacting the social/human services field
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, written & presentation)
• Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple events
• Ability to analyze and interpret intellectual information and to develop accurate and descriptive abstracts and summaries
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Knowledge of communication principles, media and public relations techniques
• Ability to use independent judgement and to manage and impact confidential information
• Expertise in social work programs and public assistance is required, particularly focused on program management and policy
• Ability to maintain working relationships with administrative supervisors, associates, and social, medical, civic, and religious organizations

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field, supplemented by six (6) years of progressively responsible experience; or possession of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

A master’s degree in social work, human services or public administration and ten years of progressively responsible executive level managing multiple program areas at the division level or larger within a county or state governmental entity is preferred. Experience with Child Welfare redesign and mandate implementation and change management 

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. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.