Social Services Manager - Social Work

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, under the Social Work team, 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. If position is assigned to the Juvenile Probation Department, may provide direct supervision of youth in secure facilities. 

 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.  If position is assigned to the Juvenile Probation Department, this classification may require work in secure facilities, and may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• 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.
• If position assigned to Juvenile Probation Department, may provide direct supervision of all clients’ daily activities when working in secure facilities, including maintaining accountability of all clients and equipment and ensuring that the environment is safe, clean and secure; ensures that clients are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior. Implements corrective discipline plans and programs, as required; facilitates cognitive skill groups and relaxation training for clients; provides individual and crisis intervention counseling, as required; documents clients’ behavior and enters into department computer information system; monitors security and fire alarm systems, including closed circuit monitors; maintains communication with facility posts; maintains communication with other staff to ensure continuity of care; physically restrains aggressive clients using approved protocols, as required; may assist in investigating incidents involving clients.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s 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:

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC); OR,

Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC).

Licensed Social Worker (LSW); OR,

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

If position assigned to Juvenile Probation Department, certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer or eligible for certification by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department within six (6) months of employment, including successful completion of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Certification, First Aid and Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint technique).

Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Preferred:

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Master’s degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field.

 

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.

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday. 

Location: 5325 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX

Department: Health and Human Services

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact: [email protected]

This job description is intended to be generic in nature.  It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.