Social Services Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The purpose of the Department of Social Services is to administratively direct and oversee the agency's delivery of social services programs to individuals and families in the county. The Department ensures that services and programs are delivered in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, program policies, and applicable standards. The purpose of this position is to manage a complex child welfare and adult services system, ensuring that programs meet all applicable rules, regulations, mandates, and policies established by law, state and agency policy, and program guidelines.

The position is responsible for ensuring that child welfare and adult services teams meet state and agency outcomes. Responsibilities include establishing and revising workflows, priorities, policies, and procedures for Foster Care Services/Programs and Adult Services Programs; delegating work assignments; and promoting effective time- management practices. The position provides direct supervision and involvement in operational matters while also participating in short- and long-range planning for Foster Care Services and Adult Services.

The position works under the direct supervision of the DSS Director. Work Schedule The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

The employee may also receive after-hours contact for supervisory consultation from Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adult Services on-call staff. This is an exempt position. A.

Planning The position: Works with assigned program managers and social work supervisors to ensure effective delivery of social services and appropriate allocation of staff and other resources. Coordinates with other divisions within the department and organizations throughout the community such as McDowell County Sheriff's Department, Department of Juvenile Justice or McDowell County Schools. Provides input into agency planning processes as a member of the management team.

Serves on local committees to provide input regarding new procedures that affect the delivery of social services at the local level. To coordinate these community programs, creating a strong partnership with McDowell Social Services. Consults with the DSS Director regarding the planning and implementation of new activities, suggestions tor ideas to grow services and support to those in the community.

Keeps the DSS Director informed of trends, changes, and problems affecting assigned programs. B. Organizing and Directing The position: Confers with assigned program managers and supervisors regarding issues affecting program goals, objectives, policies, and the delivery of child protective services.

Meets regularly with DHHS CQI and DHHS Regional Child Welfare Specialist to ensure compliance with DHHS regulations. Recommend changes in organizational structure and workflow when appropriate. Delegates daily operational matters to program managers and supervisors within McDowell DSS Social Services Programs.

C. Budgeting The position may recommend budgetary needs to the DSS Director for services, programs, and resources based on input from program supervisors and DHHS assigned Local Business Liaison, who supports reimbursements for both Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services. D.

Training The position: Ensures program managers and supervisors provide necessary on-the-job training. Arrange training provided by NC DHHS staff and other professionals. Provides orientation for new employees and ensures onboarding procedures are followed.

Assesses training processes and makes modifications as needed to support social services. E. Setting Work Standards The position ensures compliance with federal, state, and county laws, regulations, policies, and professional ethics through ongoing communication and consultation with supervisors, staff, community professionals, and state officials.

F. Reviewing Work The position reviews the quality and quantity of work performed by assigned staff by: Analyzing information gathered through conferences with program managers, supervisors and staff. Reviewing records Reviewing statistical and program data.

Monitoring compliance with applicable standards and requirements. G. Counseling and Disciplining The position: Conference with program managers and supervisors regarding initial employee disciplinary actions.

Approves and participates in verbal warnings. Makes recommendations and participates in written warnings. Makes recommendations for dismissal to the DSS Director.

H. Other Personnel Functions The position: Participates in the interviewing and selection of new employees. Recommends the hiring of supervisors to the DSS Director.

Evaluates the performance of supervisors and Program Managers through written and verbal supervisory conferences. Other duties may be assigned as needed. IV.

OTHER POSITION CHARACTERISTICS 1. Accuracy Required in Work The position requires an ongoing working knowledge of federal and state general statutes, as well as federal, state, and local policies and rules governing the delivery of foster care social work services, adult services social work services, and other programs for which the Department is responsible. The position is responsible for ensuring that staff receive all training required by law, including training regarding new policies and procedures.

The work is frequently affected by changes in policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and laws. Accuracy also requires regular follow-up and review of work performed by assigned staff to ensure adherence to state laws, regulations, and policies governing social services programs. 2.

Consequence of Error Ineffective or poorly prepared work in this position could result in inappropriate decisions that lead to ineffective interventions or failure to intervene appropriately with individuals and families receiving services from the Department or who have come to the attention of the Department. Such circumstances could create liability for both the Department and the County. Errors in budgetary matters could result in insufficient funding for services and adversely affect the Department's ability to provide necessary services.

Failure to ensure that assigned staff receive required and continuing education and training could result in inappropriate supervisor or worker actions on client cases and could contribute to repeated child or adult harm or death, as well as the loss of federal and state funding supporting child welfare, child protective services, foster care, and adult services programs. 3. Instructions Provided to Employee Annual continuing education in Child Welfare Services and other related programs is beneficial to the supervisory and managerial responsibilities of this position.

Other sources of instruction include, but are not limited to: The written job description. Verbal consultations and written communications with the Program Administrator and other agency management team members. DHHS policy changes and administrative letters (DCDL) regarding policy updates and program changes.

Participation in agency and regional supervisory meetings and conferences. Technical assistance and instruction provided by designated DHHS officials responsible for oversight of the social work and related social services programs assigned to this position. 4.

Guides, Regulations, Policies, and References Used The employee utilizes and follows: NCDHHS Manuals and Administrative Letters. Services Information System (SIS) Manual. North Carolina General Statutes.

County Personnel Handbook. State monthly program and case management reports. Other applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, and guidelines.

5. Supervision Received The individual in this position reports directly to and is supervised by the DSS Director. Supervision may include, when necessary, joint consultation with designated NCDHHS staff who have mandatory oversight of Foster Care and Adult Services programs.

Supervision is provided through individual supervisory consultations. 6. Variety and Purpose of Personal Contacts The employee is administratively and professionally responsible for the services provided by assigned staff.

The position typically involves almost daily contact with: Social work supervisors. Social workers (Foster Care/ Guardianship) CAP and in-home aide providers. Program Managers SA In Home Specialists Staff Accounting Tech.

Other agency personnel The DSS Director The employee also interacts with community professionals from other human service agencies, school officials, court officials, and other community partners. The employee may interact directly with clients regarding concerns about the delivery of services or questions about agency and community resources. Contacts may occur through: Telephone calls.

Office visits. Staff meetings. Community boards and committees.

Training and professional development activities. Email and other written communication. The employee also gathers and analyzes programmatic information and advises the DSS Director regarding service patterns, trends, resources, and needs.

The position interacts with NCDHHS staff through telephone calls, emails, periodic meetings, and training settings related to the supervisory and managerial responsibilities of the position. 7. Work Environment and Conditions The position is housed in the DSS building and primarily performs office / community-based work.

Due to the involuntary nature of the Department's protective services responsibilities, the position may occasionally involve interaction with volatile individuals 8. Safety for Others The position is responsible for ensuring that assigned staff follow appropriate safety policies and procedures, including protocols related to specific client situations such as domestic violence, substance abuse, and other potentially hazardous circumstances. Dynamics of Work This position involves frequent changes in methodology, guidelines, policies, and program requirements.

These changes require Program Managers and supervisors to understand and accurately communicate updated information to assigned social services staff and to demonstrate flexibility in adapting work practices to meet the needs of the agency and assigned program areas. KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The employee should possess: Considerable knowledge of the methods and principles of casework supervision and training. Considerable knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to specific casework and community problems.

Considerable knowledge of behavioral and socioeconomic problems and their treatment. Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and community resources in McDowell County. Considerable knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies governing social work programs.

Skill in supervising, training, and orienting lower-level social workers, program managers, social work supervisor, and social workers. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely. Ability to plan, organize, and execute work effectively.

REQUIRED MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Applicants must meet one of the following combinations of education and experience: 1. Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and three years of social work or counseling experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or 2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and four years of social work or counseling experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or 3.

Master's degree in a counseling field and four years of social work or counseling experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or 4. Four-year degree in a human services field or related curriculum, including at least 15 semester hours of coursework related to social work or counseling, and five years of social work or counseling experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or 5. Graduation from a four-year college or university and six years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, or a related human services field providing experience in casework, group work, or community organization, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or 6.

An equivalent combination of training and experience. How to Apply PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENING AND BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CREDIT ONLY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. No additional information will be solicited by the McDowell County; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience.

McDowell County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the County to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, political affiliation or national origin. The County will interactively work with disabled applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations that will allow the individual to perform essential job functions.

McDowell County participates in E-Verify. Applications are available: on our website: www.mcdowellhrportal.org- under "Job Opportunities" McDowell County Administration Building: 25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752 Applications can be submitted: Online at www.mcdowellhrportal.org in person at the County Administration building: 25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752 or by Mail to: McDowell County Human Resources 60 East Court Street Marion, NC 28752 or by email to: employment@mcdowellgov.com