SOCIAL SERVICES COUNTY MANAGER I

Date: Jun 5, 2026

Req ID: 57391

Location:

Blytheville, AR, US, 72315

Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $63,085.98

Position Number: 22100050
County: Mississippi
Posting End Date: June 15, 2026

Job duties:

PROVIDES SUPERVISION IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRACTICE MODEL

• Recognizes and supports the parallel process of family-centered practice and frontline staff engagement when working with families.

• Conducts regular case reviews, case consultations and supervisory reviews to assess appropriateness and effectiveness of case management, ensure compliance with policy and child maltreatment laws and ensure prevention/permanency goals are achieved.

• Assists with case management activities (i.e., client/provider consultation, placement planning, case/court documentation, client transportation) as necessary.

• Promotes and supports an evidence-informed practice that leads to safety, permanency and well-being outcomes.

• Anticipates, addresses and manages change proactively to ensure optimal workflow and team functioning.

• Assists and supports frontline staff in applying knowledge gained from training, policy updates and other education programs.

• Creates and provides a supportive work environment that positively impacts staff retention and includes: assessing staff skills; responding appropriately and in a timely manner; training to ensure staff development; ensuring accountability of self and others; coaching for performance; and role modeling best practices with co-workers and families.

• Demonstrates proficient or expert-level competency and understanding in case consultations and day-to-day practice.

• Promotes and guides self reflection, critical thinking and sound decision making with frontline practitioners.

• Establishes and communicates clear performance expectations; develops performance evalulations that promote skill development and enhance best practice with families; monitors performance and provides feedback on a regular basis.

• Ensures employee accountability and performance and addresses discipline issues in a constructive and timely manner.

SUPPORTS AND DEVELOPS TEAMWORK AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

• Develops and utilizes strategies to address and relieve stress, secondary traumatic stress and burnout.

• Anticipates threats and other issues related to both employee and client safety and develops interventions to manage these safety threats and risks appropriately.

• Develops forums for sharing and problem-solving within work units, Central Office and external stakeholders.

• Recruits foster families and other agency volunteers for engaging community partners.

• Educates community partners about child welfare.

• Participates in local community events to develop and sustain partnerships.

• Provides information about how the community can help support families involved in child welfare.

• Facilitates, develops and maintains community partnerships to develop resources.

PERFORMS ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

• Recruits potential applicants in a manner that is a "realistic job preview" and aligns with AR Practice Model.

• Selects qualified staff that have the competencies necessary to perform their jobs at or above the expected levels.

• Assigns cases based on skill and expertise of staff to manage caseloads effectively and efficiently.

• Reviews and approves, as appropriate, payment requests to ensure fiscal responsibility.

*completes monthly required reports and submits timely.

Preferred qualifications:

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology or a related field; plus five years of experience in a child welfare or human service program or a related field, including one year in a supervisory or leadership capacity. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Social Services Programs - Competitive

Classification: Social Services County Manager I

Class Code: SSP12C

Pay Grade: SGS08

Salary Range: $63,086 - $93,367

Job Summary

The Social Services County Manager I is responsible for the coordination and daily oversight of social service program operations in a small county DHS office. This role ensures the efficient delivery of essential services such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and child and adult protective services by supervising frontline staff and maintaining compliance with applicable regulations. As the first-tier manager, this position serves as a direct link between community needs and DHS administrative goals.

Primary Responsibilities

Supervise, coordinate, and monitor day-to-day operations and staff in the administration of public assistance and protective services programs. Ensure timely and accurate processing of eligibility determinations and case management activities. Provide guidance, support, and performance feedback to frontline staff, including caseworkers and eligibility specialists. Interpret and enforce DHS policy manuals and federal/state regulations to ensure program compliance. Manage client service escalations, mediate disputes, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Participate in workforce planning, staff scheduling, and basic budget tracking. Act as a liaison between the county office, community partners, and central DHS divisions. Maintain accurate records, prepare required reports, and contribute to internal audits and quality assurance efforts. Support community engagement activities and represent DHS at local meetings or emergency preparedness initiatives.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of state and federal laws related to social services, public assistance, protective services, and eligibility programs. Knowledge of budget development, resource allocation, data analysis, and personnel management. Ability to develop partnerships, lead large and diverse teams, and interpret policies. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, evaluate programs, and think critically. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving. Skilled in crisis management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.

Minimum Qualifications

At least three years of experience in human services, social services, public administration, or a related field.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.