If you are a compassionate social work professional, eager to utilize your keen strategic planning, collaboration, and visionary skills in your next career, Cleveland County, located in the foothills of the beautiful North Carolina Blue Ridge mountains, is seeking its next DSS Director. The ideal candidate canwork effectively within the demands of an organization which follows State of NC Health and Human Services regulations. This position is governed by the Board of Commissioners and reports directly to the Cleveland County Manager. The successful leader has a track record of partnering and collaborating with staff, community, regional partners, the DSS Advisory Board, County Manager, and County Commissioners to carry out the mission of the department: provide children a safe, permanent family, protect, and serve vulnerable disabled adults, aid families to become self-sufficient, and help eligible families obtain medical and food assistance. The primary theme that unites each of these statements is Citizen Advocacy.
About the Organization, Department, and Position:
Cleveland County operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Its Board of Commissioners upholds the county's values of High Performance, Courage, Teamwork, Integrity, and Innovation. The county's strategic focus areas of citizen engagement, economic development, public safety, fiscal sustainability, and community wellness guide and govern the work of its departments. A team of 780 full time with an additional 150 part time employees are supported by the county’s FY 23 – 24 budget of $146.7 million.
The Cleveland County Department of Social Services, governed by the Board of Commissioners, provides services and programs for children, families, and adults including but not limited to: Adoption Services, Adult Services, Child Day Care, Child Protective Services, Child Support, Energy Assistance, Foster Care, Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid, Program Integrity, Work First, and services for the blind. The Director reports to the County Manager. With guidance from the DSS Advisory Board, the DSS Director manages the department’s $22 million budget and oversees 182 full-time and 12 part-time employees. The DSS Director has seven direct reports: Deputy Director, Assistant to the DSS Director, 2 DSS Attorneys, Business Officer II, Economic Services Administrator, and Management Analyst.
The DSS Director supports staff in delivering agency services and provides leadership and direction for program development. This position establishes program standards and monitors and evaluates the quality-of-service delivery systems. The next DSS Director will positively represent the department with government officials, community members, other human services providers, and various advocacy groups. Through their collaborative efforts, the DSS Director will ensure adequate resources for program maintenance and expansion while providing quality delivery of services.
This position is for the culturally competent professional with a community relations mindset who loves engaging with others, connecting resources, and enhancing services. Through research, strategic efforts, and collaboration with key partners, including the county's health department, the next DSS Director will expand the county's resources to further enhance the department's funding, programs, and services for children, families, and adults.
Qualifications:
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 is required; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicants must understand the organizational structure of a social services department and applicable county policy, as well as state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Residence within Cleveland County is preferred.
Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for this position is $111,702 (min) - $178,724 (max). The hiring salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. View Cleveland County's comprehensive benefits here.
All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the Cleveland County employment application portal, nor any other external website.
Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
Applicants should apply by September 25th, 2023.
The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on October 26th – 27th, 2023. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
Cleveland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select “Client Openings," and scroll down to “Important Information for Applicants.”
