DSS Director

Sampson County is seeking a passionate advocate, an innovative, and mission-driven leader to be their next Department of Social Services (DSS) Director. The ideal Social Services Director is a strong, and motivated leader with the creativity and skills to effectively lead the department during a turbulent time nationally. Coming on the heels of a global pandemic, the next DSS Director has the opportunity to lead the Sampson County DSS through establishing a supportive, encouraging workplace culture that embraces growth while improving high staff turnover, enhancing staff training and development, and navigating changes within state mandates for social service program eligibility. As of April 2018, the Sampson County Board of Commissioners assumed direct control of the Sampson County Board of Social Services. The Commissioners elected to appoint an Advisory Committee to the Sampson County Department of Social Services comprised of 5 members.  The DSS Director works with the Social Services Advisory Board and reports directly to the County Manager’s Office acting on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. Sampson County DSS has a budget of $12.8M and 150 employees serving across 3 divisions of programs: Adult, Child, and Family Services, Child Support, and Economic Programs and Services. The successful candidate should possess a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) 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 an equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicants must have an extensive knowledge of management principles applicable to the operation of a human service delivery system. Applicants must also have an understanding of the organizational structure of a department of social services and applicable county policy as well as state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Salary and Benefits: Expected hiring range begins at $87,456 depending on qualifications.  Residency within the County is required within a negotiated timeline. To confidentially apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates, and click on the DSS Director – Sampson County title. To learn more about the selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select “Client Openings” and scroll down to “Important Information for Applicants.” All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal – NOT the County Application portal, nor any other external website; it is not sufficient to send only a resume. Resumes and cover letters as well as unofficial transcripts must be uploaded with the application. Application review begins May 4^th, 2022. Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluation on June 13^th and 14^th, 2022. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate. Sampson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The recruitment and selection process are being managed by Developmental Associates, LLC.