Social Services Director

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Skill in the principles of leadership and management; in working cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness; in setting priorities, developing a work schedule, monitoring progress towards goals, and tracking details, data, and information and activities; in determining strategies to move the organization forward, setting goals, creating and implementing action plans, and evaluating outcomes; and in assessing options and actions based on trends and conditions and the vision and values of the organization.

• Knowledge of complex human behaviors, social theory, social organization and structure, social deviance and control with an emphasis on specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems; of the principles of leadership and management; of financial management, project and human resources management; of appropriate local, tribal, state, and federal statutes with an eye to full compliance and risk management;

Ability to be flexible, versatile, and tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency; to understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure that one’s own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and values of this organization; to establish and maintain a positive working relationship with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the department; to speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques; to develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create innovative programming to meet critical social trends; to anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters; to influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization; to assess situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risks and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interest of the organization; and to assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages three subordinate supervisors who supervise a total of 20 employees in the Emergency Shelter, receptionist, and the George Prothro Medical Pharmacy. Also directly supervises two non-supervisory employees and one contract physician and one part-time nurse. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Sociology, social work, or a related field; seven years of satisfactory, full-time paid employment in social work or a related field; including four years in a supervisory capacity; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of satisfactory, full-time paid employment of a progressively responsible nature in the field of social work or similar activity for one year of the required education, with a maximum substitution of four years.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.