Social Services Manager

Position Number: 22168891

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: March 20, 2026

On call as needed; statewide and out of state travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

Licensed therapist with clinical experience working with children with complex behaviors. Knowledge of the child welfare and foster care system.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Social Services Programs - Competitive

Classification: Social Services Manager

Class Code: SSP15C

Pay Grade: SGS09

Salary Range: $69,395 - $102,705

Job Summary

The Social Services Manager is responsible for overseeing the administration, coordination, and delivery of social service programs within the State of Arkansas. This position plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, improving service delivery, and leading a team of social service professionals. The Social Services Manager will work across child welfare, adult protective services, behavioral health, economic assistance, and community support programs to ensure the well-being of Arkansas residents.

Primary Responsibilities

Oversee the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of social service programs. Ensure compliance with Arkansas state policies, federal regulations, and agency procedures. Develop and implement program policies, service standards, and best practices. Assess community needs and adjust service offerings to improve effectiveness. Monitor program budgets, resources, and performance metrics to optimize service delivery. Supervise, mentor, and provide professional development opportunities for social service staff. Conduct performance evaluations, training, and coaching for employees. Develop strategies to improve staff retention, morale, and engagement. Ensure that staff members have the resources and support necessary to serve clients effectively. Provide guidance on complex and high-risk cases, ensuring proper intervention strategies. Oversee case review processes to maintain high service quality. Establish quality assurance protocols to track program outcomes and compliance. Implement data-driven decision-making to enhance service effectiveness and efficiency. Collaborate with community organizations, healthcare providers, legal entities, and other agencies to enhance service coordination. Represent the agency in community meetings, stakeholder discussions, and interagency task forces. Advocate for policy changes and funding to improve service accessibility. Lead outreach efforts to educate the public on available programs and resources. Develop and implement emergency response protocols for high-risk cases. Assist in conflict resolution and problem-solving within social service teams and community partners. Provide leadership during crisis situations, natural disasters, or public health emergencies that impact social service delivery.

Knowledge and Skills

Program management and service delivery oversight Regulatory compliance with Arkansas and federal social service laws Budget management and resource allocation Crisis intervention and risk assessment Data analysis for performance tracking and program evaluation Policy development and implementation Knowledge of trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and social work ethics Problem-solving and critical thinking in high-pressure situations

Minimum Qualifications

Five years of experience in human services programs or public service work and at least three years of supervisory or leadership experience. Required to have a background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market: Little Rock