SOCIAL SERVICES MANAGER

Date: Jul 27, 2026

Req ID: 58748

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72201

Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $69,395.04

Position Number: 22110222
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: August 10, 2026

This position will have responsibility for statewide practice implementation and operational oversight of the Division's core practice framework while also serving as the lead for multiple strategic and compliance initiatives. These responsibilities require continuous coordination with leadership, field staff, external partners, and federal stakeholders and cannot be absorbed by existing staff without significantly impacting statewide operations. This position will assume the responsibilities previously assigned to the Program Administrator responsible for: Structured Decision Making (SDM), Safety Organized Practices (SOP), Team Decision Making (TDM), practice implementation, and practice guidance, practice consultation, and ongoing monitoring of practice fidelity.

In addition to those existing responsibilities, this position will also oversee the Division's Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) efforts, coordinate federal initiatives and compliance activities, monitor federal guidance and legislative changes, support implementation of new laws and federal requirements, respond to federal requests, assist in completion of federal reports, and assist with division wide planning and implementation activities. The position will also be responsible for coordinating MOUs for the entire division, FOIA requests for the entire division, correspondence, reports, and other strategic projects assigned by leadership. This includes working collaboratively across divisions and with external stakeholders.

The combination of ongoing statewide practice oversight, quality improvement work, federal coordination, leadership support, and strategic project management represents a continuous operational workload requiring dedicated leadership. These responsibilities are essential to maintaining consistent statewide practice, supporting compliance, advancing Division priorities, and ensuring successful implementation of agency initiatives.

Preferred Qualification:

Specific skills and/or professional background details: Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state child welfare laws, regulation, policies, and evidence informed practices. Extensive knowledge of Continuous Quality Improvement principles, planning, and project management, organizational change, and program administration. Extensive knowledge of SDM, SOP, and TDM practices. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information, interpret performance data, develop strategic recommendations, lead initiatives, manage competing priorities, and communicate effectively. Strong skills in policy analysis, contract oversight, legislative implementation, problem solving, report writing, and organizational leadership. Ability to build collaborative partnerships, lead system improvement efforts, and successfully implement large scale statewide initiatives.

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 Manager

Class Code: SSP15C

Pay Grade: SGS09

Salary Range: $69,395 - $102,705

Job Summary

The Social Services Manager is responsible for overseeing the administration, coordination, and delivery of social service programs within the State of Arkansas. This position plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, improving service delivery, and leading a team of social service professionals. The Social Services Manager will work across child welfare, adult protective services, behavioral health, economic assistance, and community support programs to ensure the well-being of Arkansas residents.

Primary Responsibilities

Oversee the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of social service programs. Ensure compliance with Arkansas state policies, federal regulations, and agency procedures. Develop and implement program policies, service standards, and best practices. Assess community needs and adjust service offerings to improve effectiveness. Monitor program budgets, resources, and performance metrics to optimize service delivery. Supervise, mentor, and provide professional development opportunities for social service staff. Conduct performance evaluations, training, and coaching for employees. Develop strategies to improve staff retention, morale, and engagement. Ensure that staff members have the resources and support necessary to serve clients effectively. Provide guidance on complex and high-risk cases, ensuring proper intervention strategies. Oversee case review processes to maintain high service quality. Establish quality assurance protocols to track program outcomes and compliance. Implement data-driven decision-making to enhance service effectiveness and efficiency. Collaborate with community organizations, healthcare providers, legal entities, and other agencies to enhance service coordination. Represent the agency in community meetings, stakeholder discussions, and interagency task forces. Advocate for policy changes and funding to improve service accessibility. Lead outreach efforts to educate the public on available programs and resources. Develop and implement emergency response protocols for high-risk cases. Assist in conflict resolution and problem-solving within social service teams and community partners. Provide leadership during crisis situations, natural disasters, or public health emergencies that impact social service delivery.

Knowledge and Skills

Program management and service delivery oversight Regulatory compliance with Arkansas and federal social service laws Budget management and resource allocation Crisis intervention and risk assessment Data analysis for performance tracking and program evaluation Policy development and implementation Knowledge of trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and social work ethics Problem-solving and critical thinking in high-pressure situations

Minimum Qualifications

Five years of experience in human services programs or public service work and at least three years of supervisory or leadership experience. Required to have a background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check.

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.