Social Services Director

Job Description

This position is funded in part by opioid settlement funds and is contingent upon continued receipt of funds.

Under general direction of the City Manager, this position is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive range of programs and services that impact the quality of life of all City residents in areas including mental health, public health, child welfare, elderly, disability, and other human services. Provides assistance and information to underserved and disadvantaged populations, including unhoused persons, regarding services available, including services provided by other agencies.

• Develop, plan, coordinate, oversee, and implement delivery of social service and assistance programs.
• Provide interpretations of social welfare programs and federal, state and City rules and regulations for the Governing Body and the public.
• Identify assistance services available in northern New Mexico for disadvantaged persons.
• Collaborate with area agencies by developing an operational network for the purposes of jail diversion to include courts, law enforcement, health care, social services, housing and other support.
• Work with program evaluator to develop written policies for network and department.
• Attend relevant community meetings such as Rio Arriba Community Health Council, and LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion)-related interdisciplinary team meetings for purposes of coordination, planning and client care.
• Coordinate with local service providers to bring services to the people needing assistance.
• Provide resource and referral information to program participants.
• Implement and facilitate program activities with program participants.
• Conduct outreach and facilitate education events.
• Oversee care coordination staff.
• May meet with persons needing assistance to discuss service availability when staff is unavailable; meetings may take place at locations out of office including areas where unhoused persons are located; may assist with completing and submitting documents for members of the public.
• Develop, prepare, and administer the department budget, seeking alternative funding sources; prepare budget recommendations and monitor expenditure control during the fiscal year; justify and approve expenditures for purchasing and staff travel to various meetings, seminars, training, and conferences, including approval of purchase orders and requisitions.
• Seek, write, manage, and oversee grant applications and grant funding, and alternate funding sources.
• Hire and oversee contract personnel/vendors and department employees as directed by the City Manager including program evaluator; assist evaluator with gathering public input around data and program needs.
• Develop new resources and partnerships, collaborating with state, County and non‑profit organizations; serve as an advocate for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations; act as the City advocate on human services issues, preparing and presenting testimony to State legislative committees, city council and committees, and federal representatives.
• Effectively represent the department before professional, elected/appointed, and civic groups, explaining policies and goals to public, elected officials and other governmental agencies.
• Maintain data for reporting purposes including program evaluations; prepare monthly activity report for City Manager; prepare reports as directed to meet grant/funding reporting requirements.
• Meet project deadlines and ensure project reporting requirements are met.

The qualifications for this position include the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties. Typically, the education and experience required would be the equivalent of:

• a. A bachelor’s degree in health, human services, social work, or a directly‑related field; AND one (1) year of manager‑level, full‑time experience working with disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, or a directly‑related field.
• b. An associate’s degree in a relevant field, certification as a Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) with at least four years managerial experience in social services or a related field.
• c. An equivalent…