The Social Services Director is responsible for managing and providing direct service covering Child Welfare, Child Care, Economic Assistance and Adult Services and Aging. This agency of committed professionals is responsible for strengthening and supporting individuals and families by providing cost effective and comprehensive services. The intent of these services is to foster independence and other support for the development of healthy families and individuals. Responsibilities include managing the department which includes program administration for all economic assistance and social service programs. Includes personnel administration, commission and social service board involvement, fiscal management and budget preparation, program planning, and public relations. It also includes administration of Child Welfare Services, which includes but is not limited to: the placement of children, foster care case mangement, case planning, referral to services, documentation, arranging and monitoring visitation, developing affidavits, attending court hearings, child protective assessments, day care licensing, foster parent licensing, subsidized adoption, health tracks, general assistance applications, indigent burial, safety/permanency applications, administration of a food pantry, and case mangement for home and community based services and vulnerable adult services.

County Director I requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a licensure as a Social Worker by the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners and three years of work experience providing and administering human service programs that included supervision of staff.

• Professional writing skills, technical knowledge and formal communication skills.
• Theories and concepts related to culture, child development, family connections and family dynamics and their influence on child and parental relationships and behavior will be a preference for this position.
• Knowledge of current practices and interventions used in responding to child abuse and neglect and its effects on child safety and in responding to issues caused by children being removed from their homes will be a preference for this position.
• Knowledge of various social, cultural, economic, psychological and emotional factors influencing the behaviors and attitudes of families and individuals.
• Direct experience with the principles, practices, and methods of social programs.