Travis County HHS is seeking a full-time Special Project Worker – Social Services Manager. This is a full-time position with benefits, anticipated end date for the assignment is December 31, 2024. This is an opportunity to join a highly motivated, energized and cohesive team. We are looking for individuals who are very team-oriented and client-focused. We specialize in providing outstanding customer service, being effective and efficient, while providing support to each other as needed.

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.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

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:
Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Preferred:
Master’s degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field.

Knowledge of:

• Management and supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Policies, practices and procedures within area of assignment.
• Federal, State and Local program laws and requirements.
• Advocacy groups, social service providers and community outreach organizations.
• Budgetary practices and techniques.
• Modern office practices, procedures and methods.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

Skill in:

• Planning, development, monitoring and evaluation of social service programs and services.
• Supervising others, allocating resources and evaluating programs.
• Leadership and community collaboration.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
• Both verbal and written communication, including presentations.

Ability to:

• Motivate, train, supervise and develop and evaluate staff.
• Serve as technical consultant and liaison.
• Create and recommend department and program initiatives.
• Prepare administrative and statistical reports.
• Communicate effectively.
• Work independently.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
• Deal effectively with mentally ill or emotionally distressed individuals undergoing acute episodes, who may also be hostile and aggressive.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

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.