Social Services Director II (Halifax)

The Halifax County Department of Social Services Board is seeking a dynamic, dedicated and experienced human services professional to lead a Level II social services department in Halifax, Virginia. 

Halifax County Virginia is a large, growing county in Southside Virginia organized in 1752 with its county seat in the Town of Halifax. The County is known for its rural, industrial, and historical character. The large predominantly rural county (817.73 square miles) is home to several industrial facilities including Hitachi Energy, Presto, Xperion, Dollar General Distribution Center, and others, plus numerous hometown shops and businesses.  

Educational opportunities in Halifax County range from Pre-K to12 public schools, including a new high school, with specialized academics to advanced higher education and career training largely driven by the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC).  Inclusive in SVHEC are colleges of choice such as Averett University, Longwood University, Danville Community College, Southside Community College, and others.

Halifax County offers various resources for residents, including information on adventure, entertainment, and 

recreational activities that include walking trails, as well as Buggs Island Lake and Staunton River State Park for fishermen and campers. Diversity in religious opportunities and choices are available. 

The county encourages community engagement through events and local initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. It is the home to the Virginia International Raceway, South Boston Speedway, Berry Hill historical mansion, and Henrietta Lacks, a world renown figure for the HELA cells.  Increased cultural activities in the arts are evident; the Prizery and other centers provide opportunities for arts and entertainment.

Halifax County, Virginia, features vibrant communities like South Boston, offering a blend of rural charm and modern amenities, along with resources for residents to engage with their community. South Boston is located just minutes from the North Carolina state line, making it a strategic location for residents. The downtown area features a vibrant strip with local shops, restaurants, and big-box retailers, providing residents with a variety of shopping and dining options.  

Halifax County/South Boston is centrally located between two larger urban areas: Danville, VA which houses Caesar’s Entertainment and Raliegh/Durham, North Carolina. Both cities have major universities and medical centers.

 The Halifax County Department of Social Services will promote the well-being of individuals and families.  With dignity and respect, we will seek to empower, maximize potential, and encourage self-sufficiency of all people.  “We are people helping people.”

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Social Services Director II is the second level in the group for Social Services Directors. Employees are responsible for all social service and financial program areas in a moderate size office with varied and complex programs and for supervising managers. 

 General work tasks include, but are not limited to: 

• Establishes and communicates the goals and objectives for the Department of Social Services; 

• Administers the Social Services Benefits Programs and Service Programs; 

• Authorizes, coordinates and directs the programs of multiple divisions; 

• Communicates the mission of the agency and duties of each division; 

• Manages and coordinates workflow of division managers; 

• Works with Board of Social Services in the preparation of agenda of administrative matters; 

• Recommends policy and legislation changes through the presentation of reports and budget items, impact statements and directives; 

• Makes short and long term decisions based on needs/problems, data, state and national trends and directives, and task force findings; 

• Obtains and manages the agency's resources; 

• Prepares agency budgets (state and county); 

• Tracks expenditures, anticipates trends and redirects resources based on priority of needs; 

• Authorizes expenditures for special funds; 

• Determines need for new programs/services or need to modify existing ones; 

• Interviews, hires, and reassigns staff as needed; 

• Communicates Social Services program; 

• Acts as a department spokesman with public and liaison on legislative issues; Serves on committees and board and gives presentations as needed or requested; 

• May deleg