Roanoke County, Virginia, is currently seeking an experienced professional to serve as an Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services (DSS). This role provides a unique opportunity for a dynamic leader with comprehensive experience across social services, including benefits administration, service delivery functions, and ancillary support services. The Assistant Director will directly support the Director and other Assistant Directors in managing and guiding approximately 140+ dedicated staff, including social workers, benefits advisors, administrative personnel, and other support roles, toward excellence in service delivery and departmental effectiveness. 

Roanoke County seeks a leader who thrives in challenging environments, possesses a deep commitment to public service excellence, and has the ambition to evolve into future leadership opportunities. Join us in making a meaningful impact in our community by enhancing lives through responsive, compassionate, and effective social services.

 Core Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the full spectrum of social services, including family assistance programs, child welfare, adult services, public benefits such as Medicaid and SNAP, and workforce development.
• Lead and supervise ancillary support functions to ensure robust and efficient departmental operations.
• Develop, mentor, and retain talent by cultivating a positive, inclusive workplace culture that supports professional growth, stability, and job satisfaction.
• Serve as a collaborative team leader who actively promotes departmental teamwork, cohesion, cooperation, and collective achievement of goals.
• Implement best practices in workforce management, emphasizing engagement, professional development, and performance management.
• Collaborate closely with the Director to identify innovative strategies and policy improvements to enhance the quality and effectiveness of social services provided to County residents.
• Represent the department effectively in inter-agency and community collaborations to foster strong partnerships and enhance service integration.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, public administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Extensive experience (minimum of 5 years) across multiple social service disciplines, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of benefits administration, case management practices, and service delivery.
• Proven leadership experience managing diverse teams, particularly social workers, benefits advisors, and administrative personnel, with a track record of successful team building and employee retention.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a supportive and motivating environment conducive to professional growth and departmental stability.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A visionary leader committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and preparing for potential future advancement.

About County of Roanoke Social Services Department

From the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Roanoke County government strives to reflect the innovative spirit of a growing community of over 90,000 residents. Since its founding in 1838, the county has transitioned from rural and agrarian to suburban, industrial, and commercial, meeting the needs of a changing landscape with a mission to be a government in partnership with its citizens. Today, the County of Roanoke remains dedicated to promoting economic development, maintaining excellent, award-winning schools, ensuring public safety, and providing ample recreational and leisure opportunities for residents of all ages. Adaptive administration, regional cooperation, and public-private partnerships are leading the way. Our employees share a common goal - to be excellent stewards of the resources entrusted to us by county citizens and to add value to those resources through the delivery of a broad spectrum of efficient, quality services.

Connections working at County of Roanoke Social Services Department