ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE & SUPPORTS DIVISION

Recruitment #23-139-4112

Job Description

The Department of Family Services (DFS) is seeking qualified applicants who are drawn to a fast-paced, innovative environment for the position of Assistant Director of the Public Assistance and Supports Division.

The Assistant Director will promote the DFS mission in supporting individuals and families in the community to live their best lives while advocating for those most vulnerable and respecting their right to self-determination. This position is responsible for directing, organizing, and monitoring a variety of State & Federal Assistance Programs to include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Subsidy Child Care Assistance Program ,and Energy Assistance. In addition, this position will oversee family and community programs such as Customer Services, the Subsidy Child Care Program, Community Support Services, the Homeless Assistance Team, and the Information & Referral Program. This position will be responsible for improving collaborations, consistency, and efficiencies to support better outcomes for those who are served by the Department, as well as supervision of the Program Managers in these areas. The ideal candidate is someone who has direct programs experience overseeing federal and state public assistance programs and/or programs for homeless individuals and families, as well as customer services teams and/or wraparound case management team(s). This candidate is also experienced in formulating local policies and procedures for assigned program or administrative area and can interpret Federal, State and local policies and translate those policies to action at the local family services department level.

Further, the successful candidate will have experience developing operational objectives for assigned offices or programs in order to meet management goals.They will have experience in the following areas: developing and implementing appropriate reports and reporting systems necessary for administrative or program control and evaluation activities; supervising and managing activities within assigned area of responsibility; monitoring work for compliance with the state Virginia Department of Social Services and other state and federal programs. Finally, they will have direct human services experience with departments of social services. This candidate will also have service delivery experience to include managing a large team (50+ staff). They will have experience supervising supervisors or higher-level staff. They will be a self-starter who sees the big picture and can execute the smaller picture; possess experience and comfort presenting to a large audience; can effectively problem solve, implement solutions, and lead others through short- and long-term change management. A leader who is comfortable working with budgets and data, and effectively manages up and down to provide transparency to the operations. The ideal candidate is someone who can add immediate value to the Department of Family Services, projects, and customers.

The Assistant Director's responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

  • Analyzing the ongoing performance and Departmental impact of assigned programs or operations. 
  • Monitoring procedures, case quality assurance and program integrity, accuracy and precision of work.
  • Developing plans, methods, and procedures to correct or improve programs and functions.
  • Establishing necessary controls for determining staff performance quality and output and monitors performance evaluations.
  • Reviewing and analyzing complaints to determine whether or not further consideration is warranted.
  • Acting as liaison with legal, social, and/or health agencies and organizations in matters affecting clients.
  • Executing delegated authority from the Department Deputy Director in a sound and professional manner and in compliance with County applicable policies.
  • Preparing responses to inquiries from the County Administrator, Board of Supervisors, state and federal agencies, and the public both timely and effectively.
  • Drafting, presenting, and coordinating information and actions items for the Board of Supervisors.
  • Representing the Department at state and local meetings.
  • Ensuring program area customers' needs are met timely and courteously by meeting monthly performance metrics established by the State and County 100% of the time.
  • Empowering Program Managers and Supervisors to engage in effective performance management; provide continuous feedback to facilitate employee development and optimal job performance through weekly one-on-ones and if needed, performance management tools such as Performance Improvement Plans or Corrective Action Plans.
  • Implementing best practices, create Standard Operating Procedures, and continuously assess for process improvements; ensure employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to be successful in their roles.
  • Partnering closely with the Quality Assurance team to ensure staff are following internal and external compliance standards and expectations.
  • Collaborating with County representatives on program expectations, requirements and resolving customer escalations. - Reviewing and submitting accurate, timely reports to the Deputy Director.
  • Ensuring all Family Services staff enter data and case details for all customers into multiple PCG, County, and State databases.
  • Providing policy guidance and feedback to Community Services and Outreach Program Managers and Supervisors, and staff.
  • Serving as a credible expert and trusted adviser to the Department Director and Deputy Director, Department staff, County Administration, and other internal and external stakeholders on a variety of matters associated with the above program areas.
  • Leading staff through organizational change and transitions.
  • Engaging with Executive department leadership team, County personnel and community partners in a professional, courteous, and timely manner.
  • Fulfilling other duties and special project responsibilities as assigned by the Deputy Director.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.

Job Requirements

Master's degree in Business, Public Administration, or department-related area; Five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible work experience including three (3) years in a supervisory or management role preferably in a government setting; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

  • Successful candidates must also be available for duty beyond the normal workday which includes nights, weekends, and holidays, as required to perform functions of the position.
  • This position is considered essential personnel and will require report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency (e.g., weather, transportation, disaster).
  • May also be required to work and may be assigned to an alternate worksite(s) within the county to carry out duties that support operational needs. 
  • This position must be able to commute between the four DFS site locations, located throughout Loudoun County. 

Post Conditional Offer Contingencies

Criminal, credit, and DMV background checks required. Valid driver's license and good driving record required (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification); additional checks may be required depending on assigned department. Senior/management certification in area related to assigned department and active membership in job- related professional organizations preferred.


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