If you are a dynamic leader and strategic thinker seeking an exciting opportunity in the human services field, Cabarrus County, located in central North Carolina, invites you to apply to lead its Social Services Department as its next Social Services Director. The ideal candidate is a seasoned, trauma-aware human services professional who can navigate the inherent challenges associated with social service program delivery in a mid-sized county on the outskirts of a major metropolitan area (Charlotte, NC). Innovation when curating programs to meet the needs of county residents eligible for social services resources, and experience in supporting departmental reorganization, facilitating efforts to educate and streamline during transitions, are essential characteristics of the successful candidate.
About the Organization, Department and Position:
Cabarrus County, operating under the Council-Manager form of government, is supported by a county staff team of nearly 1,500 and a FY24 budget of $451.5M. Learn more about Cabarrus County here.
The Cabarrus County Department of Social Services 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 people who are blind. The Department receives advocacy, advice, and council from the five-member Human Services Advisory Board. Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The Director of Social Services meets regularly and liaises with this board.
Reporting to one of two Assistant County Managers, the Social Services Director (with the support of two deputy directors) leads a professional staff of nearly 400 and is accountable for a budget of almost $60 million. The Social Services Director oversees three direct reports: a Child Welfare Deputy Director, an Economic Services & Customer Service Deputy Director, and an Adult and Aging Program Administrator.
The Social Services Director, as defined in NCGS 108A-14 and other North Carolina General Statutes, plans and directs the delivery of all social service programs; collaborates with community partners and leaders to implement an integrated human service delivery model to improve the economic, health, and food security of Cabarrus residents; facilitates capacity and service delivery improvements for all program areas; provides leadership and direction for program development and standards, analyses and operations; develops, manages, and oversees the department budget; ensures compliance with local, state and federal regulations; and prepares and maintains systems, records and files. The Social Services Director leads a team to achieve the expectations outlined in the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the administration of child welfare and adult protective services, among other responsibilities.
The next Social Services Director will prioritize the department’s collaborative partnerships, including supporting the sustainability and growth of the successful Dream Center. Created in 2019 by Multiply Church, the Dream Center provides a centralized location for more than 13 providers addressing poverty, homelessness, behavioral health, and human trafficking, among others.
Qualifications:
A master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Work or Human Services, or a related field, and a minimum of five years of leadership experience at a program administrator/division director level or higher within a Department of Social Services is required. The county will also consider a four-year degree with coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field and at least seven years of leadership experience at a program administrator/division director level or higher within a Department of Social Services. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Salary and Benefits: The starting salary for this position is dependent upon qualifications and experience with an anticipated starting salary from $140,500 to $165,000. The compensation structure for the County is currently under review. Cabarrus County offers a generous benefits package, including an award-winning health and wellness program that helps employees succeed with an employee clinic, supportive resources, an employee health & wellness center, fitness classes, and exercise facilities.
To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Social Services Director – Cabarrus County, NC title.
• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the Cabarrus County employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by January 25, 2024 to be considered during the first round of reviews.
• The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on February 22 – 23, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.
Cabarrus 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.”
