Social Services Manager Office of Children Services

Travis County Health and Human Services (HHS) serves the community under the guidance of the Commissioners Court. We address community needs through internal and external investments and services. We strive to maximize quality of life for all people in Travis County by protecting vulnerable populations investing in social and economic well-being building a shared understanding of our community and promoting healthy physical behavioral and environmental living.

The Social Services Manager - Office of Children Services manages the day-to-day and overall operations of a social services department work unit or program composed of multiple operational components and related staff. Performs managerial consultative technical and administrative work in the planning developing overseeing implementation of and evaluating departmental goals and objectives.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a job classification within the Social Services job family and is responsible for managing the operations of a social services department work unit or program composed of multiple operational components and related staff. This classification is distinguished from the Social Services Program Administrator which directs and manages a large department or broad-based series of multiple funded programs with broad scope of responsibility complex budget and large staff.

• Serves as program lead for Outreach/Referrals & Events which requires frequent weekend and/or evening work.

• Directs and manages the planning and operations of a social services department work unit or program. Oversees subordinate managers and staff including hiring training performance evaluation and disciplinary actions ensuring activities are consistent with policies procedures laws regulations goals and objectives.
• Plans develops and establishes goals and objectives. Participates in or develops strategic plans to accomplish the goals and objectives.
• Manages service delivery and program operations for assigned area. Organizes operations and procedures. Sets priorities monitors activities and assignments and resolves problems.
• Provides technical advice policy interpretation and guidance for application of appropriate procedures to staff.
• Evaluates program effectiveness to develop improved methods. Devises evaluation methodology and manages implementation. Analyzes results and recommends or takes appropriate action.
• Develops oversees and evaluates new and existing services and initiatives for implementation.
• Assists in or develops budget for area of assignment. Administers budget and approves or recommends expenditures within established budget. May prepare proposals for funding or funding continuation.
• Serves as liaison and collaborates with governmental and public agency representatives community outreach and advocacy groups service providers and others. Plans develops and manages a variety of community development and community organizing activities. Identifies and resolves service gaps and barriers stimulates interest in departmental programs and services.
• Develops and participates in education and training for clients and community. Makes presentations related to departmental programs and services.
• Prepares periodic reports financial analysis and statistical reports on program activities and program progress.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND five (5) years increasingly responsible experience in social services including one (1) year of supervisory or management experience;

OR

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses Registrations Certifications or Special Requirements:

Preferred:

Knowledge of:

• Management and supervisory principles practices and techniques.
• Policies practices and procedures within area of assignment.
• Federal State and Local program laws and requirements.
• Advocacy groups social service providers and community outreach organizations.
• Budgetary practices and techniques.
• Modern office practices procedures and methods.
• Computer equipment to include word processing spreadsheets databases and a variety of software packages.
• Business letter writing grammar and punctuation and report preparation.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

Skill in:

• Planning development monitoring and evaluation of social service programs and services.
• Supervising others allocating resources and evaluating programs.
• Leadership and community collaboration.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Operating a variety of modern office equipment including a computer.
• Both verbal and written communication including presentations.

Ability to:

• Motivate train supervise and develop and evaluate staff.
• Serve as technical consultant and liaison.
• Create and recommend department and program initiatives.
• Prepare administrative and statistical reports.
• Communicate effectively.
• Work independently.
• Manage time well perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Deal effectively with mentally ill or emotionally distressed individuals undergoing acute episodes who may also be hostile and aggressive.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele representatives of outside agencies other County employees and officials and the general public.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds (50-100 pounds if assigned to Juvenile Probation Department) occasionally visual acuity speech and hearing hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing sitting walking climbing stairs bending stooping crouching kneeling pushing pulling reaching twisting balancing repetitive motion driving client/customer contact and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Location: 5325 Airport Blvd. Austin TX

Criminal Driving Education and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions about this posting contact: