Amherst County Department of Social Services is seeking an experienced human services professional to partner with the Social Services Director in leading a moderate-sized agency. The Assistant Director will participate in the overall management of human resources, budget & finance, and any other program area (Family Services, Benefit Programs, Administration) as requested by the Director.
This is the second management level in the occupational group for Social Services Assistant Director. Employees are responsible for reporting to the Director of Social Services and managing a major division having multiple administrative and program units.
Amherst County offers a generous benefit package which includes participation in the Virginia Retirement System including a traditional pension and deferred compensation with employer match, employer paid life and disability insurance, vacation and sick leave, affordable medical, dental and vision insurance, etc.
General Work Tasks:
- Supervises management staff; acts in the place of the Social Services Director when absent; plans, organizes and directs staff / programs;
- Conducts meetings as necessary;
- Directs, advises and consults with program managers on operational and policy issues and related courses of action and procedures;
- Writes, revises and interprets program and operational policy of the division and department;
- Consults with and advises the Social Services Director on major operational and program matters;
- Plans and coordinates the implementation of specialized divisional administrative or operational programs of the department;
- Participates in and leads special projects;
- Prepares reports as needed;
- Assists with development of department budget; and
- Coordinates audits and prepares audit narratives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of human services program delivery; assigned program areas’ policies, procedures and practices; the current social, economic, and health issues relating to clients in jurisdiction; Social Security Act; laws and regulations on administration of welfare services; human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; principles and processes for providing customer and personal services; business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources; and principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, and personnel information systems.
Skill in operating office equipment to include the personal computer and related equipment.
Demonstrated ability to plan, direct, implement, and monitor assigned programs; supervise and direct the work of managers; communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with diverse groups of persons; interpret complex rules and regulations; work effectively with others; represent the Social Service Director before the Boards, staff, and other committee assignment or government meetings; and to analyze problems and develop logical conclusions.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in social work, a behavioral science, counseling, business or public administration or related field supplemented with professional experience in social work or other human services field with some supervisory or other management work experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.