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PURPOSE OF POSITION

The purpose of this position is to administer and oversee the operations, personnel, and service delivery of the Social Services Department, including intake, assessment/investigation, ongoing case management, permanency planning, foster care, and adoption programs within the public child welfare arena.

The Social Services Administrator / Assistant Director provides direct supervision to Children Services supervisors and staff, ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, and develops policies, procedures, and program improvements that enhance child safety and family outcomes.

This position serves as second-in-command to the Director and is authorized to act on behalf of the Director when absent, overseeing agency operations and managing critical issues in other divisions such as Public Assistance/Income Maintenance, OhioMeansJobs, and all support services.

The incumbent is expected to maintain professionalism, sound judgment, confidentiality, and strong relationships with staff, clients, community partners, and county leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

In addition to consistent and reliable attendance, the following duties are representative of the work performed. Other duties may be assigned.

Leadership of Children Services Programs

Administers, directs, and monitors all Social Services programs, including:

Intake and investigations

Ongoing case management

Foster care certification and placement

Adoption services and subsidy negotiations

Protective services and home evaluations

Problem pregnancy and crisis intervention services

Reviews, assigns, and screens cases.

Participates in permanency decisions, placement matches, and case consultation staffing.

Conducts joint home visits and field reviews with staff for training and performance evaluation purposes.

Ensures high-quality casework practice and adherence to ODJFS mandates, ORC rules, and best practice standards.
Supervision and Workforce Management

Directly supervises Social Services supervisors and other assigned staff.

Plans, organizes, and monitors workloads and staff assignments.

Interviews candidates and makes hiring recommendations.

Completes performance evaluations and administers the initial stages of corrective action.

Motivates staff, resolves employee concerns, and creates a supportive and accountable work environment.

Approves timesheets and leave requests; standardizes procedures and expectations across the division.

Identifies training needs, coordinates required CORE and ongoing professional development, and evaluates training effectiveness.
Policy, Program Development & Compliance

Develops, implements, interprets, and updates policies and procedures for the Social Services Department.

Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; develops corrective action plans as needed.

Recognizes and identifies emerging social issues within the county and develops new programs or services as appropriate, including levy-funded initiatives.

Oversees and evaluates program data, case documentation quality, and worker performance to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Prepares or oversees statistical, narrative, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for state and county submission.
Agencywide Support & Acting Director Responsibilities

In the Director's absence, oversees the daily operations of:

Public Assistance/Income Maintenance

OhioMeansJobs Workforce Programs

Support Services/Administration

Hardin County Job and Family Services

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