At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve. We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

The Virginia Department of Social Services is excited to share that we are looking for a Director of Benefit Programs to help join and lead our team!

The Director of Benefit Programs leads and oversees the administration of essential public services and programs in Virginia in support of VDSS’ mission, priorities, and commitment to the Commonwealth. Serving as a key advisor to the executive team, the Director advances the vision and long-term direction of the Benefit Programs division and oversees its legislative, budgetary, operational, and workforce functions to ensure compliance, performance excellence, culture leadership, and the effective stewardship of resources.

The Director leads a team of professionals responsible for critical public assistance and workforce programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid Assistance (MA), Energy Assistance Programs (EAP), Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) and workforce development programs including Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) and SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T). The Director oversees all service delivery models, including eligibility determination, case management, workforce services, and customer support channels, and leads efforts to modernize systems, streamline processes, and improve the customer experience across programs.

The Director ensures the systematic application of program policy, performance standards, and internal controls to promote consistency, accountability, and program integrity statewide. The Director also aligns policies with agency priorities and state and federal requirements while identifying, testing, and implementing innovative strategies to advance economic mobility and strengthen the economic security of low-income Virginians.

The Director builds and maintains strategic partnerships with federal agencies (including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), state leadership, local departments of social services, community action agencies and other community-based organizations, workforce services partners, and cross-functional staff within VDSS. The Director ensures effective coordination and alignment of all statewide benefit programs and leads the development and execution of major policy initiatives, regulatory updates, legislative proposals and strategic program enhancements, while working with internal and external stakeholders to anticipate emerging issues, ensure cohesive messaging, and guide high-profile initiatives that are critical in helping Virginians achieve and maintain independence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Human services program administration including public policy development, legislative processes, regulatory interpretation, and monitoring of federal guidance and directives
• Experience in leading crisis and change management, and building high-performing teams to deliver results
• Experience analyzing complex human services challenges, conducting deep-dive analysis, and proposing executive-level action plans
• Experience developing robust strategies and directing multi-dimensional operations including budget, technology and workforce solutions
• Advanced knowledge of areas related to economic mobility, economic security, food security, workforce services and human services transformation
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as state, federal, and local agencies, public officials, and community groups

Additional Considerations

• Experience managing human services programs in Virginia Social Services System
• Federal and state laws, funding, and regulations governing SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Child Care, and LIHEAP, including eligibility rules, quality assurance requirements, fiscal accountability, and reporting mandates
• Experience leveraging technology to advance program implementation and customer service

About Virginia Department of Social Services

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is one of Virginia's largest state agencies, with more than 13,000 combined state and local employees and a $2 billion budget supporting programs statewide. Together, we bring hope and help to over 2 million Virginians each year. The Virginia Social Services System is a team that serves the whole state. It includes: 120 local offices 5 Regional offices 31 Community action agencies

Connections working at Virginia Department of Social Services