Salary: $80,274.00 - $94,322.00 Annually
Location : Chesterfield, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 27-00026
Department: Social Services
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Minimum Qualifications
Lead People. Shape Culture. Drive Strategy.

The Department of Social Services is seeking an experienced, innovative, and strategic Human Resources leader to serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. This is more than a traditional HR role-it is an opportunity to help shape the future of a mission-driven organization serving the community through excellence in human services.

We are looking for a dynamic HR leader with deep expertise in employee relations, workforce strategy, organizational development, and talent management who can partner with leadership to strengthen culture, improve performance, and build a high-performing workforce.

This leader will oversee all aspects of human resources for a department of 260+ employees and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, managers, and supervisors on workforce planning, employee development, performance management, and disciplinary action.

What You Do and How You Do It:

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Director and Executive Leadership Team on workforce trends, staffing strategies, succession planning, and organizational development.
• Lead and supervise the departmental Human Resources team, providing coaching, guidance, and professional development.
• Provide expert consultation on complex employee relations matters, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, performance improvement, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Partner with leadership to develop innovative recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain top talent.
• Guide leaders in identifying workforce development needs and implementing training strategies to strengthen performance and leadership capacity.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, county policies, and best HR practices.
• Oversee employee benefits administration, leave management, and payroll/timecard compliance.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls to support risk management, audits, and workforce accountability.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, onboarding processes, and culture-building efforts.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence across the organization.
• Build strong partnerships with County Human Resources, Virginia Department of Social Services, and other key stakeholders.
• Perform other work as required.

Who You Are:

We are seeking a skilled employee relations professional who can navigate complex and sensitive workforce matters with sound judgment and diplomacy. This role requires a forward-thinking leader who embraces innovation and continuous improvement, as well as a trusted coach and advisor capable of influencing leaders at all levels. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who looks beyond immediate staffing needs to help build long-term workforce solutions. They must also be a strong communicator who can balance compliance, compassion, and accountability, and an experienced change leader who can guide teams through organizational growth and transformation.

Here's What You Need:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting or related field supplemented with related experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to: direct and manage staff; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and to plan, develop and direct administrative operations of an agency to include administrative, support and technical functions; manage multiple areas of responsibility; interpret and analyze fiscal and technical data for decision making; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors and the general public.

We're Looking for Ideal Candidates Who Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred. Five years of progressively responsible professional human resources experience, including at least one year in a supervisory or lead capacity; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Professional certification such as PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or equivalent is preferred.
• Strong candidates will have demonstrated experience in employee relations and workplace investigations, leadership coaching and consultation, workforce planning and succession management, performance management and discipline, organizational development and change management, high-volume recruitment and retention strategies, and supervising and developing HR staff. They should possess comprehensive knowledge of human resources principles and employment law, along with strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Ideal applicants will be able to manage complex HR issues with discretion and professionalism, communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and collaborate with senior leaders. A commitment to fairness, accountability, and employee engagement is essential, as is proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.

Current valid driver's license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out of state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required. A Chesterfield County application is also required and must be submitted online by the deadline.
This position manages an Emergency Shelter Team during times of natural disaster, reporting to shelter duty and supervising staff as required.

Chesterfield County offers an attractive benefits package. As a local Department of Social Services, Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services may offer incentives, approved through the Virginia Department of Social Services, to candidates hired who possess additional relevant training, skills and experience. Those incentives apply to individuals who possess: a Masters or Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Masters in Human Services, LCSW, Child Welfare Stipend participants, completion of COVLC new worker training or are Bilingual (Spanish & ASL).

Did you know that working for a local government provides credit towards the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)?

Visit to view instructions and to complete and submit an application.

Shift

Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Work Location

Social Services