Social Services Manager, Social Work Team

Social Services Manager

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.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.

Minimum Requirements

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).

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

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Preferred :

Knowledge of :

Skill in :

Ability to :

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift / carry up to 25 pounds 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. May work some holidays, some nights, some weekends.

Location : 5325 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX

Department : Health & Human Services

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

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.

Benefits

Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment.

FY2025 Travis County Benefit Guide

In this valuable Travis County Benefits Guide you will find benefit summaries, eligibility