ALEXANDER COUNTY
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
DEPARTMENT: Department of Social Services
POSITION: Director of Social Services
SALARY RANGE: Grade 82 $67,797.25 - $95,795.74
POSTING DATES: 6-30-2015 through 7-17-2015
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The Board of the Alexander County Department of Social Services is
seeking a dynamic, experienced, and engaging leader for the position of Director for the DSS
agency. Alexander County is nestled in the scenic foothills of North Carolina, within an easy 20minute drive of Interstates 40 and 77, but offers the “small town” quality of life that makes the
area desirable for long-term residency.
The Director position serves as the overall administrator of the County Department of Social
Services and is responsible for administering local/state/federal programs, as established by
North Carolina General Statute 108A-14 in accordance with applicable federal and state rules.
The Director is also responsible for budget preparation and administration, approval and
execution of contracts, serving as the Socials Services Board’s secretary and executive officer,
appointment, supervision, discipline and discharge of county social services employees, along
with other powers and duties. The Director oversees an annual budget of approximately fifty six
million dollars ($56,000,000.00) and maintains direct involvement in conflict/complaint
resolutions, staffing and personnel issues for a staff of seventy-seven (77) full-time employees.
The work also involves representing the agency with government officials, other human services
providers, and a variety of community stakeholder groups to influence the decision making
process ensuring adequate resources for program maintenance, expansion, and the delivery of
comprehensive services. The Director is appointed by and reports to a local board of social
services.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Applicants must possess a thorough knowledge of the
legal and philosophical basis for public assistance programs along with a theoretical knowledge
base of the field of social work. Applicants must have an extensive knowledge of management
principles applicable to the operation of a large 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. Applicants
must be able to demonstrate an ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing difficult
problems and making sound decisions based on policy and law. Applicants must possess ability
to direct employees in providing agency programs in an efficient and professional manner.
Applicants must possess the ability to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with
departmental staff, other service agencies, the general public, as well as county, state, and federal
officials. Applicants must be able to develop and manage an agency budget comprised of local,
state and federal funds.
Pre-employment screening including drug and alcohol testing, criminal background check and a physical
are required following a conditional offer of employment. Alexander County does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of service.
ALEXANDER COUNTY
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A master’s degree in social work 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.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Application must be submitted before the closing date to Alexander
County Human Resources, 621 Liledoun Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681. Applications can be
obtained from Human Resources or downloaded from the County’s website. You may also
submit your application online by clicking the “Online Application” link. Only qualified
applicants will be referred for an interview.
Pre-employment screening including drug and alcohol testing, criminal background check and a physical
are required following a conditional offer of employment. Alexander County does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of service.