Director, Department of Social Services – Granville County, NC

Oxford, CT - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 98136 - 149539

Posted on: 3 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

About Us

Position Closes February 7 2026

Are you a collaborative and visible leader who can build trust with staff across multiple locations work effectively with county leadership and commissioners and foster strong internal and external partnerships within Granville County
Do you bring a strong understanding of North Carolina social services programs and regulations including child welfare adult services and Medicaid and the ability to navigate state county and funding requirements while supporting program managers and frontline staff
Are you a steady leader during change and crisis able to make thoughtful decisions communicate clearly de-escalate challenging situations and support staff while serving vulnerable populations in Granville County
Do you have experience aligning budgets data and performance management to ensure accountability staff development and accurate candid reporting to county commissioners and the board

If so Granville County located just north of Durham North Carolina is seeking a collaborative social services professional to serve as its nextDirector Department of Social Services. The nextDirectorwill lead a dedicated team in delivering essential services to children adults and families balancing regulatory compliance fiscal responsibility and effective leadership. This role works closely with County leadership the Board of Commissioners and community partners to support high-quality service delivery staff development and transparent communication in service to Granville Countys most vulnerable residents.

About the Community:

Formed in 1746 Granville County was established thirty years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence and was named in honor of the second Earl of Granville Lord John Carteret. King George II had given most of the land that is present-day Granville County to Carteret as part of the Granville Grant in the 1660s. Now over 275 years later Granville County is a growing family-centric rural community with arelaxed traditional lifestyle and thriving innovative businesses and industries. Its rich history combined with an eye towards the future offers the amenities of urban living without long lines and heavy traffic. This vibrant blend of industry agriculture retail and recreation makes Granville County an ideal location offering accessibility to major cities with the friendly atmosphere of small towns. Its five municipalities Oxford Butner Creedmoor Stem and Stovallare rich in history and resources.

Granville County has 532 square miles of land area and is the 35th largest county in North Carolina by total area. The County is bordered on the north by the Virginia State line on the west by Person and Durham Counties on the south by Durham and Wake Counties and on the east by Vance and Franklin Counties. Oxford the county seat is 40 miles northwest of Raleigh. With a population of just over 62000 Granville County has a median household income of approximately $70975 and a 14.1% poverty rate according to the 2023 American Community Survey. Within the county English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.6% of the population followed by Spanish at 8.1%. The percentage breakdown for those reporting as one race is 56.7% White 30.2% Black or African American 10.2% Hispanic or Latino and 2.9% American Indian Asian Native Hawaiian or some other race not identified (US Census Bureau).

Duties/Responsibilities

About the Organization:

Granville County operates under a commissionmanager form of government in which a seven-member Board of Commissioners is elected by voters to set policy adopt the budget and establish county priorities. The Board appoints a County Manager who serves as the chief administrator responsible for day-to-day operations and overseeing county departments.

The2025-2026 General Fund Operating Budgetof $91Mguides the Countys commitment to ensuring a vibrant community through open honest government maintaining an innovative and equitable work environment and highly prizing accuracy accountability and reliability. The County employs 369 full-time and 34 part-time employees.

Granville Countys Strategic Planwas a five-year frameworkfocused onsupporting a healthy and active community with convenient access to county services and opportunities to enjoy cultural and recreational amenities; pursuing a thriving livable community with diverse economic opportunities; meeting community needs by supporting educational opportunities for all; being a community where residents are safe from crime and injury; and building and maintaining trust within the community and with current and prospective County 2026 the county is positioned to build on the progress it has made over the last 5 years as it transitions to a new strategic planning cycle that reflects updated community needs and long-term goals.

About the Department and Position:

The Granville County Department of Social Services (DSS) is committed to promoting the health well-being and safety of the countys most vulnerable populations while delivering services in a responsive and compassionate manner that preserves dignity and integrity. The department provides programs to protect children and seniors support families and individuals toward self-sufficiency and serve those who are aged young sick or economically disadvantaged. Through education outreach and awareness DSS personnel assist individuals and families in achieving independence while also preventing and addressing abuse neglect exploitation and inappropriate institutionalization reflecting their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The Granville County Department of Social Services provides programs and services to protect children and seniors and promotes self-sufficiency for families and individuals. Committed to enhancing the quality of life of the Countys residents the department provides programs and services that help the vulnerable the aged the young the sick and the economically disadvantaged. Through education and awareness we assist and enable individuals and families to become self-sufficient. We also provide assistance in the prevention and correction of abuse neglect exploitation and inappropriate institutionalization.

Reporting to a five-member Social Services Board theDirectormanages the departments $11.1M budget while leading a team of 110 employees with three direct reports: aDeputy Director Business Officer Administrative Assistant. TheDirectorwill unite the teamaround the departments mission to serve each individual and family in a respectful confidential timely and compassionate manner while advocating for the unmet needs of our most vulnerable population. The department prides itself on providing hope and the opportunity for stability and security for the individuals and families they are fortunate to serve.

For more information about the department visit Position Priorities:

Stabilize and strengthen the workforce by reducing turnover filling critical vacancies and providing opportunities for staff growth clear structure and advancement.
Develop and unify leadership and teams across all locations ensuring consistent expectations collaborative relationships and alignment in departmental goals and responsibilities.
Ensure program compliance and high-quality service delivery by understanding state and federal mandates monitoring performance and supporting staff while aligning resources effectively with program needs.
Manage budgets and resources responsibly by aligning positions and funding with actual service needs collaborating with Finance and county leadership and ensuring accountability and transparency in all operational decisions.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Required qualifications include a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) and two years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services;ora Bachelors Degree in Social Work and three years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services one of which must have been in Social Services;orgraduation from a four-year college or university and three years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services two of which must have been in Social Services;oran equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicantsmusthave extensive knowledge of management principles applicable to the operation of a human service delivery system. Applicantsmustalso understand the organizational structure of a department of social services and applicable county policy as well as state and federal laws rules and regulations. An NC state drivers licenseis requiredor the ability to obtain one within a reasonable time following appointment.

The Successful Candidate:

Is a compassionate strategic leader who can navigate the complex demands of social services in Granville County while fostering a culture of trust accountability and excellence;
Demonstrates resilience and adaptability guiding the department through shifting priorities staffing challenges and evolving community needs while keeping staff focused on mission-critical work;
Implements change thoughtfully and strategically including responding to legislative and funding shifts such as the Big Beautiful Bill exercising sound judgment about what to change and when and minimizing disruption to staff morale;
Ensures high-quality timely service delivery establishing appropriate quality control practices following up on cases as needed and confirming that all required actions documentation and outcomes meet established standards;
Is a good listener and leads with empathy integrity and transparency creating an environment where staff feel heard valued and supported during periods of uncertainty policy changes or high workloads;
Supports empowers and develops staff creating meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement recognizing the value each employee brings trusting team members to perform their roles without micromanaging and investing in professional development to support long-term retention;
Models professionalism fairness and emotional intelligence remaining approachable and visible engaging with staff at all levels maintaining appropriate boundaries and fostering a workplace culture where employees feel respected as peoplenot just positionswhile being mindful of personal challenges that may affect their work;
Builds and sustains strong relationships across the organization and community fostering collaboration and trust with staff managers county departments elected officials and community partners including repairing strained relationships;
Serves as a credible and collaborative partner to county leadership using data-driven rationale to advocate for DSS needs while working constructively with Finance and administration;
Communicates clearly confidently and diplomatically translating complex policy program and budget information into understandable terms and advocating effectively for departmental needs;
Delivers effective public presentations confidently educating the Board of Commissioners and other stakeholders on DSS programs priorities and policy or funding changes; and
Demonstrates a deep commitment to the community and equitable service delivery leading with compassion for vulnerable populations and ensuring services are delivered confidentially responsibly and within legal and resource constraints.

Additional Information

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for the Director Department ofSocial Servicesis $98136 - $149539 dependent upon qualifications and experience. The County provides a competitive benefits package including medical and life insurance group rate coverage for dental and vision a flexible spending plan 401(k) with 5% match and a retirement pension (once fully vested).

To apply please visit click on the Director Department of Social Services Granville County NCtitle. Please note the following:

All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) NOT the countys employment application portal or any other external website.
- Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
- Applicants should applyby February 7 2026.
- The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations onMarch 5-6 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
- Direct inquiries to.

Granville County NC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Developmental Associates LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process visit select Client Openings and scroll down to Important Information for Applicants.

Required Experience:

Director

About UsPosition Closes February 7 2026Are you a collaborative and visible leader who can build trust with staff across multiple locations work effectively with county leadership and commissioners and foster strong internal and external partnerships within Granville CountyDo you bring a strong under...