• Social Services Area Manager

    State of Arkansas (Little Rock, AR)


    SOCIAL SERVICES AREA MANAGER

    Date: Jan 15, 2026

     

    Req ID: 55004

    Location:

    Little rock, AR, US, 72201

     

    Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES

     

    Anticipated Starting Salary: $83,969.00

     

    Position Number: 22111790

     

    County: Statewide

    Posting End Date: 01/20/2026

    Anticipated Starting Salary: $83,969.00

    DCO

    Hiring Official: Robert Williams

    Minimum Qualifications:

    At least five years of experience in human services, social services, public administration, or a related field, including two years in a leadership capacity.

    Job Summary

    The Department of Human Services (DHS)/Division of County Operations (DCO) Social Services Area Manager is responsible for the implementation and delivery of public assistance programs in a multi-county area. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

     

    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 Area Manager

     

    Class Code:SSP09C

     

    Pay Grade:SGS11

     

    Salary Range:$83,969 - $124,274

    Job Summary

    The Social Services Area Manager serves as the highest regional-level administrator responsible for the management and delivery of comprehensive social service programs within a designated multi-county area. This position provides strategic leadership, oversight of regional operations, program implementation, compliance monitoring, and staff supervision to ensure the consistent delivery of services such as child welfare, adult protective services, public assistance, and other community-based programs.

    Primary Responsibilities

    Direct the planning, development, and implementation of all regional social service programs across counties within the assigned area. Supervise large staff; ensure effective coaching, performance evaluation, and professional development. Monitor program performance metrics, service outcomes, and client satisfaction to ensure program quality, equity, and effectiveness. Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, agency standards, and accreditation requirements. Develop area-specific goals and strategies to meet client needs and support vulnerable populations. Manage the area budget, approve expenditures, allocate resources, and ensure cost-effective operations. Represent the department in community meetings, stakeholder engagements, and interagency collaborations. Serve as the primary liaison between regional operations and central office leadership for policy implementation, feedback, and operational planning. Oversee incident response, audits, investigations, and corrective action plans as needed. Ensure equitable access to services and support for marginalized and underserved populations.

     

    Knowledge and Skills

     

    Knowledge of state and federal laws related to social services, public assistance, protective services, and eligibility programs. Knowledge of budget development, resource allocation, data analysis, and personnel management. Ability to develop partnerships, lead large and diverse teams, interpret legal documentation. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, remain ethical and uphold confidentiality, and analyze programming. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving. Skilled in crisis management, conflict resolution, public speaking, and budget analysis.

    Minimum Qualifications

    At least five years of experience in human services, social services, public administration, or a related field, including two years in a leadership capacity.

     

    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