A director of social services leads and manages social services organizations or departments, with job duties varying depending on the location and type of organization. Responsibilities can include developing policies, managing budgets, hiring and supervising employees, and working with clients and families. A background in social work or a related field is typically required, with many directors holding a master’s degree. Job growth in this field is projected to be faster than average.
A director of social services typically leads a social services organization or department. Your specific job description may vary by location. In the United States, for example, a government job with a local department of social services may be primarily administrative in nature. On the other hand, working for a small, private organization may require one to take a more active role in service delivery. For example, a long-term care facility for the elderly might hire a director of social services to manage its programs and work directly with patients’ families.
A common job duty of the director of social services in a specific government agency or department is to develop policies and plan programs. In addition, he or she is often responsible for overseeing the department’s budget—often seeking additional funds through grant writing and other fundraising activities. The director of social services is sometimes required to act as a spokesperson for the organization, working with the press when necessary and in cooperation with community organizations. He or she often serves on local boards or committees to help ensure effective service delivery.
Many social services directors hire and supervise employees, such as social workers, probation officers, or benefits coordinators, depending on the specific services offered by the organization. In many government agencies, for example, the director of social services may manage deputy directors of specific welfare programs. The director can also recruit and hire volunteers. In this capacity, he or she is usually more responsible for the general management of the agency than for providing specific services to clients.
Some directors of social services, on the other hand, work in more clinical settings. They may focus on specific service areas like adoption or child welfare, for example. In a nursing home, the social services director may report to the nursing home administrator. Some examples of your key roles might include working with families on patient assessments, admissions, and discharges.
To get a job in this field, it is often necessary to have a background in social work or a similar field of study. At a minimum, most positions require a bachelor’s degree. Many social service directors have a master’s degree in social work, business or public administration, however. For those seeking positions in a specific field, such as elderly care or children’s services, candidates are generally expected to have a sufficient amount of experience to be effective leaders. Many factors can affect pay rates, job requirements, and work environments for these professionals. Career experts tend to agree that these jobs are projected to grow faster than average for the foreseeable future.
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