SOCIAL SERVICES COUNTY MANAGER III

Date: May 1, 2026

Req ID: 57017

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72201

Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $76,334.96

Position Number: 22180536
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: May 14, 2026

Job duties:

The Social Services County Manager III position serves as the liaison between DCFS and law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), U.S. Marshalls, Arkansas State Police, and local law enforcement agencies.

The position is responsible for communicating, engaging, building and strengthening relationships with these law enforcement agencies and DCFS. Scheduling and being present statewide to facilitate meetings between the local DCFS team and local law enforcement agencies to improve collaboration.

The position will lead over all work with Children’s Advocacy Centers, Multidisciplinary teams, and the Crimes Against Children Division who handles both the hotline and severe maltreatment investigations.

This position is also responsible for managing and implementing services for the Human Trafficking Grant that DCFS was awarded by the Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime. The current grant is approximately $700,000, and DCFS just applied for the next phase of the grant for approximately $1,000,000 in funding. This position is responsible for administering the grant, monitoring the budget as well as ensuring quality services and identifying gaps in services.

This position serves as the DCFS lead on the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council and the VALOR missing child taskforce which focuses on the recovery of high-risk missing children especially those missing from foster care. This position also works closely with the Morgan Nick Foundation and all law enforcement agencies to quickly locate foster children that have run away from their current placement and once the child is recovered assists with getting them the appropriate services.

The position is responsible for monitoring missing children 24/7 and providing immediate notification to DCFS leadership when a child is missing. The position also works closely with the local team to ensure they are appropriately reporting missing children to law enforcement and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with both child welfare and law enforcement, strong communication skills and ability to cultivate and build relationships between multiple agencies, time management skills, ability to be on call as needed to update on missing foster children to executive leadership.

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 III

Class Code: SSP14C

Pay Grade: SGS10

Salary Range: $76,335 - $112,976

Job Summary

The Social Services County Manager III serves as the highest-level administrator responsible for the direction, supervision, and evaluation of all social service operations in a large or high-volume county within the State of Arkansas. This position oversees the implementation and management of multiple state and federal human services programs, including but not limited to economic assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF), adult protective services, and case management services. This managerial role ensures high-quality service delivery, operational efficiency, compliance with policy and regulatory standards, and promotes community engagement and collaboration to address county-specific human service needs.

Primary Responsibilities

Direct the delivery and administration of public assistance and protective service programs at the county level. Supervise all county-level program supervisors, team leads, and administrative staff, ensuring consistent training, professional development, and performance management. Develop and monitor county budgets and operational plans, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource allocation align with strategic goals. Interpret and implement state and federal policy changes, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and performance standards. Respond to audits, inquiries, and investigations related to program integrity or client concerns. Collaborate with local government agencies, service providers, community organizations, and advocacy groups to coordinate services and identify unmet needs. Promote equitable service delivery, cultural competency, and responsiveness to underserved and vulnerable populations. Analyze county-specific service data and trends to inform policy recommendations and process improvements. Represent DHS at community forums, advisory boards, and public engagement sessions within the county. Facilitate emergency response and continuity of operations plans during crises, natural disasters, or major service disruptions.

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 complex 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 four years of experience in human services, social services, public administration, or a related field, including two years in a leadership capacity.

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.