Description

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Economic Services is a Division of Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources (formerly under the umbrella of DSS). The mission of the Department is to “strengthen Mecklenburg County by ensuring the basic needs of individuals and families are met”.

The Economic Services Division (ESD) of DCR administers federal and state-mandated programs for eligible families. ESD administers programs including Food & Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First Family Assistance, Medicaid for Family & Children, Adult Medicaid, Energy Assistance, and Emergency Assistance programs. 

ABOUT THE POSITION
An integral member of the Department’s leadership cabinet, the Economic Services Director will provide leadership and strategic oversight for approximately 700 employees and the operational leadership team.  The ESD Director manages a budget of approximately $75 million. This position is responsible for the delivery of services which address the changing demands and needs of client populations in ESD.  The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in Food and Nutrition Services and Medicaid policy and operational frameworks.

Requirements

Essential Functions
Provide oversight and direction for implementation of programs/services
Manage activities and decisions on the day-to-day operations that provide core community services to children, youth, and families
Direct the planning process and develop and participate in strategic planning, budget requests and expenditure monitoring
Support staff and evaluate program effectiveness, prioritizes issues and objects, creates community resources and integrates services and partnerships
Address program specific issues with community-based groups and county leadership
Serve as the department representative on boards and commissions at the local, state and national levels
Listen to appeals from family members and advocates and researches and investigates claims
Provide information to the public regarding programs, public concerns, and services
Perform strategic planning initiatives and divisional accountability
Ensure Federal, state, and local policy, rules and regulations are followed
Represent Division County-wide and to Commissioners
Represent the Division to media outlets  state and national convenings, when requested and approved
May be required to staff shelters in the event of a disaster
Integrates and coordinates service areas and establishes best practices
Serve as a division liaison, both internally and externally between organizations, shareholders, and outside organizations.
Manage division resources
Supervises enrollment and eligibility activities performed in the NC FAST system.
Deliver speeches, write articles, or present information to boards, at meetings or conventions to promote services, exchange ideas, or accomplish objectives as needed.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:  

Minimum of eight years of directly related experience with progressively responsible management experience and two years of management experience.

Education:  

Bachelor's degree in related field.

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?:  Yes

Preferred Qualifications

-          Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of public assistance and fiscal management in a public human services organization. 

-          Considerable knowledge of Economic Services Programs to include Food and Nutrition Service, Energy Assistance Programs, Work First, and Medicaid.

-          Demonstrated leadership experience in driving organizational change, and employee development.

-          Demonstrated leadership experience in building effective partnerships and collaborations in social services delivery.

Licenses and Certifications

      Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of

Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
Principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
Laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency rules, and the political climate
Expertise in area of assignment

Skills

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Talking to others to convey information effectively
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions

Abilities

Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures
Build Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units or organizations to help achieve business goals
Communicate: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Formal Presentations: Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience
Leadership Disposition: Demonstrating the traits, inclinations, and dispositions that characterize successful leaders; exhibiting behavior styles that meet the demands of the leader role
Leading Through Vision and Values: Keeping the organization’s vision and values at the forefront of associate decision making and action
Manage Conflict: Dealing effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people
Negotiation: Effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties
Strategic Decision Making: Obtaining information and identifying key issues and relationships relevant to achieving a long-range goal or vision; committing to a course of action to accomplish a long-range goal or vision after developing alternatives based on logical assumptions, facts, available resources, constraints, and organizational values.
Emotional Intelligence: Able to take/receive feedback and uses coaching for success; Sees how communication style and tone impacts effectiveness, service delivery, and personal development

Computer Skills

 Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite.

Work Environment

Works in an office setting with moderate noise