Job Description

The Isle of Wight Department of Social Services Board is seeking a dynamic, dedicated and experienced human services professional to lead a Level II social services department in Isle of Wight , Virginia. Operating with a team of 40 employees, Isle of Wight Department of Social Services is known for its effective management, sound financial practices, and dedication to fostering a safe, healthy community where citizens can thrive, remain productive, and achieve self-sufficiency.

Agency Mission: To enhance the quality of life by strengthening families and individuals, promoting safety and self-sufficiency through agency programs and community partnerships.

Isle of Wight County, Virginia is distinguished by its rich historical legacy, strong sense of community, and a well-balanced blend of rural charm and economic growth. Established in 1634, it is among the oldest counties in the United States and possesses a deeply rooted heritage. The County maintains a longstanding tradition of agricultural excellence, supporting local businesses and contributing to regional sustainability. Robust public services—including social services, public safety, and education—further enhance its standing as an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. Residents and visitors alike benefit from a high quality of life characterized by scenic landscapes, abundant recreational opportunities, and a welcoming, close-knit community.

The Social Services Director II is the second level in the group for Social Services Directors. Employees are responsible for all social service and financial program areas in a moderate size office with varied and complex programs and for supervising managers.

General work tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Establishes the goals and objectives for the Department of Social Services;

• Administers the Social Services Benefits Programs and Service Programs;

• Authorizes, coordinates and directs the programs of multiple divisions;

• Communicates the mission of the agency and duties of each division;

• Manages and coordinates workflow of division managers;

• Works with Board of Social Services in the preparation of agenda of administrative matters;

• Recommends policy and legislation changes through the presentation of reports and budget items, impact statements and directives;

• Makes short-term and long-term decisions based on needs/problems, data, state and national trends and directives, and task force findings;

• Obtains and manages the agency's resources;

• Prepares agency budgets;

• Tracks expenditures, anticipates trends and redirects resources based on priority of needs;

• Authorizes expenditures for special funds;

• Determines need for new programs/services or need to modify existing ones;

• Interviews, hires, and reassigns staff as needed;

• Communicates Social Services program;

• Acts as a department spokesman with public and liaison on legislative issues; serves on committees and the board and gives presentations as needed or requested;

• May delegate responsibilities of typical personnel matters and daily operation of the agency to division managers;

• Approves special placements of children pending formal action by the Board of Social Services; communicates and plans with other human services administrators; and interprets policy and programs to other agencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE - Considerable knowledge of: the current social, economic, and health issues relating to clients in jurisdiction; Social Security Act; laws and regulations on administration of welfare services; social services offered in the county or city; available public and private resources and services for the needy; social work case load management; methods and techniques of counseling with clients; literature, trends and developments in the field of human services administration; and basic principles of community organization and supervision. Comprehensive knowledge of: management practices and principles of supervision; business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources; principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, and personnel information systems; program planning, fiscal management and program funding sources; organization and structure of local, State and Federal government, and volunteer agencies, particularly regarding human services; and research methods and statistical analysis.

SKILL - Skill in operating office equipment including the personal computer and related equipment.

ABILITY - Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with diverse groups of persons; conduct research; plan and direct social services programs of varied natures; interpret and implement policies and regulations and enforce local, state and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.Supervise the work of division managers that supervise multiple program and administrative supervisors; mobilize community support and generate community awareness of programs offered in the county; establish and implement effective management and administrative programs and procedures; 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 the human services field, behavioral science, counseling, business or public administration or related field supplemented with professional experience in social work or other human services field with considerable supervisory or other management work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS: Leadership experience in a DSS setting with familiarity of the County of Agency or surrounding areas.

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 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.

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.

Agency Address

17100 Monument Circle, Suite A, Isle of Wight, VA 23397

In-Person Interview

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.