Human Services Director

Position Objectives

Directs all activities of McDowell County’s Human Services Agency (HSA), which includes the Department of Social Services, McDowell Transit, McDowell County Senior Center, and the Veterans Services Officer. Responsible for administering State human
service programs. The HSA Director is appointed and dismissed by the County Manager with the advice and consent of the Board of Commissioners serving in their capacity as the HSA Board. A primary focus of the HSA Director will be advocacy of the
Agency, including establishing a collaborative operational approach and cohesive strategy intended to increase efficiency and performance. This position is a critical role within the senior leadership team for McDowell County, responsible for preserving and
protecting the operational funding and other resources available through federal and
state programs.

 

This position requires after-hours work, attending trainings and meetings, and representing the agency.

Duties & Responsibilities

 

Operations

• Oversee all departments serving under the HSA umbrella and provide executive support to Program Administrators, Program Managers, and Unit Directors on a daily basis.

 

Performance Management

• Fiduciary responsibility to maintain fiscal viability of all HSA operations, ensuring financial success on all fronts. Serves as primary champion for establishing a “continuous improvement” mindset throughout all HSA personnel, operations and supporting systems.

 

Team Building

• Establish and utilize collaborative approach across operational components, helping to co-create a new group identity that encompasses all departments and emulates the HSA shared vision.

 

Collaboration

• Responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders both inside and outside of the operation that supports strategic objectives.

• Special projects and initiatives as assigned by the County Manager or HSA Board.

 

Key Accountabilities

 

• Operations

• Strategic Planning and Execution for HSA key goals and initiatives.

• Change Management through Organizational Development (including systems, process and people that make up the infrastructure).

• Establishing operational standards across all functional areas of HSA.

• Building operational efficiency and excellence within HSA programs, services and systems.

• Reinforce ethical and professional organizational values among all personnel and practices.

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Performance

• Fiscal Planning and Budget Management for HSA (annual planning and administration of fiscal budget).

• Commitment to County-wide performance improvement (core competency improvement across HSA operation).

 

Policy Administration & Enforcement

• Recordkeeping and Regulatory Compliance (custodial responsibilities, funding alliances, process and protocol); ensuring non-interrupted flow of incoming resources.

• Staff Development and Training, including succession planning.

• Performance Management, including annual goal setting.

 

Team Building

• Workforce Planning & Development, including appointing staff with the County Manager’s approval.

• Establish effective forums for communication.

• Coordination of funding opportunities (established incoming and potential for future funding).

• Pursuance of grant opportunities, including research and appropriating grant writing resources.

• Leveraging of shared resources (across HSA and other County operations).

• Conflict Resolution

• Building high-performance culture within HSA.

• Collaboration.

• Relationship Building

• Identify and pursue resource opportunities.

• Manage relationships with outside agencies or entities and serve as chief liaison.

• Expand collaborative network of shared resources.

• Public education regarding services provided.

• Communicate effectively with HSA Board leaders/members; act as secretary and staff to the HSA Board under the direction of the County Manager.

• Demonstrate positive dealings with citizens, general public and other stakeholders; consistent follow- through in handling citizen complaints or concerns.

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Additional Job Duties

• Performs related duties as required and other duties as instructed by the County Manager.

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Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to understand, embrace, and advocate the HSA concept, intent and mission.

• Must have leadership credibility.

• Ability to plan, communicate, and execute strategic plans, including measuring and evaluating strategy, results and impact.

• Ability to embrace individual department identities while establishing shared organizational goals and objectives.

• Must be highly organized with strong time management skills.

• Ability to manage complex budgets; understanding of financial principles.

• Understanding of regulatory demands and requirements; current legislative awareness.

• Must be able to balance vision, strategic goal-setting and development within a cohesive plan for improvement.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, individually and in groups with a variety of stakeholders.

• Must have a passion for developing people, with the ability to engage people at multiple levels within and across functional areas.

• Ability to create collaborative environment that leverages in-house experience and capability within a culture that is resistant to change.

• Ability to effectively coach others towards success and cohesive work flow.

• Must have strong interpersonal skills with ability to engage others effectively.

• Ability and willingness to delegate appropriately.

• Ability to build trust and credibility through effective listening and consistent interaction and services.

• Understanding of negotiation principles; ability to effectively create win/win outcomes.

• Ability to demonstrate diplomacy and tact.

• Must be comfortable creating and making effective presentations to individuals and groups of all sizes and diversity.

• Ability to articulate complex concepts and present them in understandable terms; skills in adjusting to audience needs and interests.

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Minimum Requirements

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Minimum four-year college degree in relevant field of study (MBA, MPA preferred)
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience within a public service-oriented organization in a leadership role
 

Experience in:
human service fields
working across functional boundaries.
making critical decisions with high-impact potential.
full-spectrum of budget planning process.
overseeing individual and group performance.
communicating at the organizational level key strategic initiatives, projects or changes.
participating in succession planning and employee development.
building and supporting programs and plans that result in a culture of strong commitment to excellence.
coaching others in ways that create heightened engagement.
working under stress in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.

serving as Ambassador, or other Advocate-type of role.
developing and making presentations.
working collaboratively with the general public or service agencies.
marketing and/or sales.
working collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal.

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The ability to perform all duties associated with the position including, but not limited to lifting, prolonged standing, driving, sitting, bending, stooping, and operating or performing work with associated tools and machines. 

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Benefits

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Benefited after 30 days

Medical, dental, and life insurance
Sick, vacation, and holiday pay
Membership in the Local Government Retirement System

Supplemental retirement 401k/457