COUNTY SS DIRECTOR

This is directive/managerial work in serving as the executive officer of the county board of social services executing the authority of the board as defined in GS 108A-14. As agency director, employees direct other managers/supervisors, professional, paraprofessional, and support staff in the delivery of agency services and provide leadership and direction for program development, establishing program standards and monitoring and evaluating quality of service delivery systems. Employees supervise budget activities and may maintain direct involvement in conflict/complaint resolution, staffing and personnel issues and serve as the principle spokesperson for the agency relative to program issues. Work also involves representing the agency with government officials, other human services providers, and a variety of advocacy groups to influence the decision making process in order to insure adequate resources for program maintenance and expansion and the delivery of comprehensive services. Reports to the County Manager and County Commissioners. The normal work schedule includes Monday through Friday 8AM -5 PM, with potential for afterhours or weekend work regarding departmental related events or emergencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCITIONS:
Evaluate the organization's structure to support a collaborative, cross-trained working environment; Implement innovative strategies to recruit and retain skilled employees; and build a training and succession program that promotes skill and knowledge development and positions staff for promotional opportunities.
Assess factors affecting morale, such as staffing levels, compensation, and training, and implement changes to facilitate a cohesive culture of high morale that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, challenges staff to excel, and celebrates accomplishments.
Strategically prepare for Medicaid expansion through targeted education efforts that recruit eligible individuals while ensuring the department has adequate staffing to support the increased workload.
Reshape the community's perspective of the department through community immersion, intentional and
consistent education, marketing campaigns, and collaborative efforts with community partners.
Improve efficiency and efficacy of department operations by researching and securing a database system
that aligns with the department's needs and oversee the system's transition, education, and training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Thorough knowledge of the legal and philosophical basis for public welfare programs. Considerable knowledge of principles and practice of social work. Thorough knowledge of management principles, techniques, and practices. Knowledge of the agency's organization, operation and objectives and applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions; direct employees and programs in the various areas of responsibility; and develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, and with federal, state, and local officials.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
A master's degree in social work and two years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services; or a bachelor's degree in social work and three years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services, one of which must have been in Social Services; or graduation from a four year college or university and three years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services, two of which must have been in Social Services; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires sitting and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
None

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Cleveland County application must be submitted to the Cleveland County Human Resources Department at www.clevelandcounty.com.

SELECTION PROCESS:
Selection will be by structured interview. Applications will be reviewed to select the best qualfied applicants for admission to a structued interview.

Cleveland County isa Equal Opportunity Employer