Salary : $77,241.30 - $131,310.18 Annually
Location : Johnston County DSS, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 02672
Department: Social Services
Division: DSS Administration
Opening Date: 09/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Description *This position is being advertised until filled.*The Johnston County Department of Social Services has established a new position for an Economic Services Division Director, located at 714 North Street, Smithfield location. Johnston County is located in the eastern half of North Carolina and is considered part of the Research Triangle Region. Johnston County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state with a population of 216,000 residents, which is one of the reasons why this position is needed.
As a Division Director you will provide leadership and guidance to Program Mangers and staff responsible for administering programs within the Economic Services Division. The programs in this department include Food & Nutrition Services, Child Care Subsidy, Energy Assistance, Work First, LIEAP, Crisis, Program Integrity and NonEmergency Medical Transportation.
Duties and Responsibilities - Work closely with the Medicaid Services Division Director to plan the short and long-range work operations, priorities, and goals within the units and/or sub-units supervised.
- Meets with staff to develop goals and priorities for the teams on an annual basis.
- Serves as a member of the agency's Executive Leadership Team and provides input into setting organizational goals and priorities on an annual basis.
- Provide direct supervision to Program Managers, supervisors and indirect supervisor of other staff within the unit and/or sub-units and coordinate overall workflow.
- Develops procedures and adjusts workloads between units, which may require significant changes in personnel assignments, staffing, and organizational design to assure that the work is being performed in an efficient manner.
- Prepares needs analysis and justification reflecting trends in utilization of the Economic Services programs. This could include assessing and projecting staffing needs, technology needs, and/or equipment/supplies.
- Ensures that employees adhere to federal, state and county regulations assuring that services are provided in a manner that results in positive outcomes for Johnston County customers.
- Utilizes available data, reports, and input from Economic Services Supervisors in evaluating the overall performance of individual supervisors and the overall program.
- Counsels supervisors regarding performance and grievance policies and may issue disciplinary actions in consultation with the DSS Director, which may include recommendations on dismissals.
- Refers to all applicable policies, procedures, and NC DHHS communications required to complete eligibility determination processes.
- Serves on a shelter team during hurricanes, storms, and other disasters as determined by Emergency Management.
- Preparing and submitting the Division's budget to the Director after consultation with leadership team.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the DSS Director.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Thorough knowledge of the needs, problems, and barriers that people accessing economic services programs face.
- Thorough knowledge of all Economic Services Programs including policies, forms, and documents used in determining eligibility.
- Considerable knowledge of all agency and community programs and services which could affect the client/applicant.
- Considerable knowledge of the budget and planning process.
- Thorough knowledge of leadership and management skills.
- Ability to organize, direct, instruct and lead the Economic Services team.
- Ability to assess needs and plan for future requirements.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret rules, regulations, and procedures. Good mathematical reasoning and computational skills.
- Ability to present information and communicate orally and in writing to supervisors, case workers, other agency employees, public officials, and the community.
- Ability to adapt to policy and practice changes.
- Ability to plan and evaluate the services of the Economic Services, including to instruct and evaluate the work of lower-level employees.
- Ability to train employees in new and existing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to perform work using local and state technology systems including NCFAST, Google, web browsers, and other commonly used electronic programs.
- Skill in maintaining a calm disposition in a variety of situations and maintaining confidentiality.
- Ability to keep records.
Desired Education and Experience Four years of experience in income maintenance program including one year of supervisory experience in an income maintenance or service program; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Beyond the Basics Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following credentials and who can demonstrate strong evidence of competencies listed. Information must be reflected on the employment application to receive priority consideration. - Master's degree in business, public administration, social work, human services, or closely related filed.
- Extensive knowledge of North Carolina Food & Nutrition Services, Work First, Child Care and Energy programs.
- Four years of experience at the Program Administrators or Division Director level within a Department of Social Services.
- Track record of successful developing staff and building relationships.
- High level of integrity, honesty and strong work ethic, with ability to maintain a professional demeanor in a stressful environment.
- Effectively communicate (orally and written communication) and a track record responding to inquiries or complaints from program staff, clients, customers, and representatives of other organizations, regulatory agencies, or departments.
- Leadership and Strategic Planning
- Budgeting and Resource Management
- Community Engagement and Partnership
- Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement
- Staff Development and Training
A copy of an unofficial transcript must be attached to the application at time of submission for qualification purposes. Please note should a transcript not be attached, it will be requested.*Please document all work history relevant to the position for which you are applying. Determination of qualifying for the position and salary may be based on years of experience listed on the application itself, not in supplemental documents attached. Failure to document complete work history may affect qualification determination and salary. Electronic applications cannot be amended once submitted.*
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned. Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.
Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!
Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com
*This description applies to benefits eligible positions.
01
Please select your highest level of education completed.
- Master's degree from an accredited school of social work
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work
- Master's degree in Human Services from an accredited school
- Bachelor's degree in Human Services from an accredited school
- PhD or other professional degree
02
How many years of experience do you have in a local DSS or human services agency? (To receive credit, this experience must be documented on your application.)
- None
- Less than 1 year
- 1 - 3 years
- 3 - 5 years
- 5 or more years
03
Do you have at least five years of experience planning, organizing, managing, and directing the effective delivery of Economic Services programs?
04
Do you have at least three years of experience in program management or administration of an income maintenance program?
05
If yes, briefly describe what income maintenance programs have you managed or administered?
06
Do you have experience with the North Carolina Families Accessing Services through Technology (NCFAST) system?
07
Do you have a valid Class C North Carolina Driver's License or the ability to obtain prior to your hire date?
Required Question
