Director of Social Services

Order#: NY1701876 Director of Social Services Distinguishing Features of the Class: The work involves responsibility for managing a Division in the Department of Social Services that administers programs such as protective and preventive services to children and families, adult protective and preventive services, long term health care, foster care, adoption, domestic violence services and other related programs. The incumbent in this position develops policies and procedures, in accordance with State and Federal laws and rules, relative to standards and practices in service delivery. The work also involves planning and coordinating service delivery of several units in the Division. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Commissioner of Social Services with wide leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in planning and carrying out the details of the work. General supervision is exercised over the work of Case Supervisors-Grade B and other subordinate staff. Does related work as required. Typical Work Activities: Develops and recommends policies and procedures to comply with State and Federal laws, regulations and mandates with regard to the delivery of social services programs in a county; Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the various functions of the Division; Interprets State and Federal laws and regulations as they relate to service programs and advises the Commissioner of Social Services for budget purposes; Supervises subordinate staff in administering casework services, which are consistent to the laws and regulations; Conducts individual and/or group conferences with Case Supervisors to discuss updates and revisions to the laws and regulations and the impact such revisions may have on the policies and procedures relative to social services programs; Conducts interviews with potential employees, makes recommendation for hiring and subsequent unit assignments; Meets with the public and non-public agencies and advises them regarding program development, gaps in service and service delivery; Conducts various Children and Family Services in-services at local schools, hospitals, agencies and organizations so as to educate the public on reporting procedures, mandates, etc.; Manages and oversees special departmental projects; Monitors service contracts and plans by maintaining on-going contact with agencies and obtains status reports on programs administered. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS either: A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Masters Degree and two (2) years of supervisory or administrative experience in a public or private human services agency OR B. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelors degree and two (2) years of social casework counseling experience and two (2) years of experience which must have been in a supervisory capacity or administrative experience in a public or private human services agency.