Social Services Director II; Powhatan

Social Services Director II

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

ABOUT POWHATAN :

Nestled between the Appomattox and James Rivers in Central Virginia, Powhatan County offers a scenic rural atmosphere with convenient access to major cultural, educational, and medical centers. Located just 20 miles west of Richmond, Powhatan is within a two-hour drive of Washington, D.C., the Atlantic Ocean, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a population of just over 31,000, low unemployment, and a median household income of $110,667, Powhatan is one of Virginia's fastest-growing counties—carefully balancing development with its rural charm.

The County provides a comprehensive range of services, including fire and rescue, water and sewer, solid waste management, parks and recreation, social services, 911 dispatch, and planning and development. Powhatan's annual budget is $157 million and is balanced without relying on one-time revenues. Operating efficiently with only 255 full-time equivalents, Powhatan is recognized for its sound financial operations, strong management, and commitment to long-term sustainability.

Powhatan's Department of Social Services is staffed with 28 full-time equivalent positions (including the Director) across the Family Services Unit, Benefits Programs Unit, Children's Services, Community Action Agency, Senior Services, Domestic Violence Program, and Administrative Services. Aside from the Director position, there are currently no vacancies. The department also benefits from strong employee retention, with more than 50% of staff having served the County for six or more years.

Powhatan offers the benefits of proximity to the Richmond metro area without congestion. The County features fully accredited public schools, award-winning local government and school divisions, and a wealth of recreational and cultural amenities, including 19 sites on the Virginia Historic Registry. A strong economy, exceptional quality of life, and a close-knit community make Powhatan an ideal place to live, work, and play.

AGENCY MISSION :
The mission of Powhatan County Department of Social Services is "People helping people triumph over poverty, abuse and neglect to shape strong futures for themselves, their families and communities" while its vision is "To consistently deliver the highest quality social services in the highest quality professional environment."

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Social Services Director II is the second level within the Social Services Director classification series. This role has overall responsibility for administering all social service and financial assistance program areas in a moderate-sized department with varied and complex programs. The position provides executive leadership, oversees multiple divisions, and supervises managers.

In addition to leading the Department of Social Services, this position serves as a member of the County's Leadership Team, working collaboratively with other department directors to advance Powhatan's broader strategic initiatives. The Leadership Team plays a critical role in aligning organizational priorities, strengthening cross-departmental coordination, and supporting the County's long-term financial sustainability, service delivery, and community outcomes.

This position is unique in its scope and impact. The Director oversees the County's Children's Services Act (CSA) program, which supports at-risk youth and families through coordinated services. The role also supervises Community Matters, a proactive 55+ program that provides learning, wellness, and engagement opportunities for older adults in the community. In addition, the department administers one of the few locally operated public Community Action Agency programs in Virginia, including oversight of Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding to support anti-poverty initiatives.

The department also delivers domestic violence services, supported in part through grant funding from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), with a focus on prevention, intervention, and community support.

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

• Establishes departmental goals, objectives, and performance expectations.
• Administers the department's benefits and service programs, as well as oversees the County's Children's Services Act and Community Action Agency programs.
• Authorizes, coordinates, and directs operations across multiple divisions.
• Works collaboratively with County leadership to advance broader strategic initiatives and strengthening cross-departmental coordination.
• Communicates the agency's mission and ensures clarity of roles and responsibilities across divisions.
• Manages and coordinates division workflow and ensures effective service delivery.
• Works with the Board of Social Services to develop agendas and address…