SOCIAL SERVICES MANAGER

Location: Little Rock, AR | Anticipated starting salary: $69,395.04 | Posting ends August 10, 2026

About the Role

This position will have responsibility for statewide practice implementation and operational oversight of the Division's core practice framework while also serving as the lead for multiple strategic and compliance initiatives. These responsibilities require continuous coordination with leadership, field staff, external partners, and federal stakeholders and cannot be absorbed by existing staff without significantly impacting statewide operations.

The position will assume the responsibilities previously assigned to the Program Administrator responsible for:

• Structured Decision Making (SDM)
• Safety Organized Practices (SOP)
• Team Decision Making (TDM)
• Practice implementation and practice guidance
• Practice consultation
• Ongoing monitoring of practice fidelity

In addition to those existing responsibilities, this position will also:

• Oversee the Division's Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) efforts
• Coordinate federal initiatives and compliance activities
• Monitor federal guidance and legislative changes
• Support implementation of new laws and federal requirements
• Respond to federal requests
• Assist in completion of federal reports
• Assist with division-wide planning and implementation activities
• Coordinate MOUs for the entire division
• Handle FOIA requests for the entire division
• Manage correspondence, reports, and other strategic projects assigned by leadership

This includes working collaboratively across divisions and with external stakeholders. The combination of ongoing statewide practice oversight, quality improvement work, federal coordination, leadership support, and strategic project management represents a continuous operational workload requiring dedicated leadership. These responsibilities are essential to maintaining consistent statewide practice, supporting compliance, advancing Division priorities, and ensuring successful implementation of agency initiatives.

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

Requirements

• Five years of experience in human services programs or public service work
• At least three years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check required

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state child welfare laws, regulation, policies, and evidence-informed practices
• Extensive knowledge of Continuous Quality Improvement principles, planning, and project management
• Extensive knowledge of SDM, SOP, and TDM practices
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information, interpret performance data, develop strategic recommendations, lead initiatives, manage competing priorities, and communicate effectively
• Strong skills in policy analysis, contract oversight, legislative implementation, problem-solving, report writing, and organizational leadership
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships, lead system improvement efforts, and successfully implement large-scale statewide initiatives

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

Pay

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

Benefits

The Department of Human Services offers a range of benefits, including:

• Pension
• Maternity leave
• Paid state holidays

At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.