CHSA DIRECTOR

This positionhas been created within the county government senior leadership team as part of the newly established Consolidated Human Service Agency (CSHA) for Polk County, North Carolina, a beautiful rural county located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The CHSA Director will be responsible for coordinating and developing the new agency, which serves as an umbrella over four (4) existing critical human service departments (Department of Social Services, Transportation, Senior Services, and Veteran Services). This dynamic role will be instrumental increating an infrastructure that can support the growing need for human services within the County. Qualified candidates must be capable of promotingthe concept, intent and mission of the new CHSA organizational model, within both the operation and the community.

Key responsibility areas and accountabilities include:

  • Operations ~ Overseeing all departments serving under the CHSA umbrella.

This includes strategic planning and execution, organizational development (systems, process and people), establishing operational standards, building operational efficiency and excellence, and reinforcing ethical and professional organizational values.

  • Performance~ Ensuring financial and operational success through demonstrated fiscal viabilityand continuous improvement.

Administrative accountabilities will involve managing all fiscal budget planning for CHSA departments (as outlined above), policy administration and enforcement, and regulatory compliance. Performance management accountabilities will include core competency improvement, staff development and training.

  • Team Building ~ Establishing and utilizing collaborative approach across operational components, while co-creating a new group identity and connections.

This is a critical aspect of the position. Challenges will include workforce planning and development, leveraging shared resources, coordination of funding opportunities and establishing effective forums for communication within and across the CHSA organization.

  • Collaboration~ Building and maintaining relationships inside and outside of the operation that support strategic initiatives.

Accountabilities will include identifying and pursuing resource opportunities for the County, managing relationships as chief liaison with outside agencies or entities, expanding collaborative network of shared resources, and public education regarding services being provided.

Key skill requirements include:

  • Leadership credibility with a service orientation
  • Ability to plan, communicate and execute strategic plans in alignment with County objectives.
  • Ability to embrace individual department identities while establishing shared organizational goals and objectives.
  • Highly organized with strong time management skills.
  • Ability to manage complex budgets; understanding of financial principles.
  • Understanding of regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to balance vision, strategic goal-setting and development within a cohesive plan for improvement.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with ability to effectively articulate complex concepts into understandable terms. Able to create and deliver impactful presentations to individuals and groups of all sizes.
  • Ability to create a collaborative environment that leverages in-house expertise and capability; ability to demonstrate diplomacy and tact.
  • Strong “people skills” with ability to engage people at multiple levels within and across functional areas.
  • Ability to effectively coach others towards success and cohesive work flow.
  • Ability to build trust through consistent interaction and services.
  • Understanding of negotiation principles; ability to effectively create win/win outcomes.

Desirable Education/Experience requirements include:

  • Minimum four-year college degree in relevant field of study (MBA, MPA preferred)
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of experience within a human service-oriented organization in a leadership role.
  • Experience in:

a)Working across functional boundaries

b)Making critical decisions with high-impact potential

c)Full-spectrum budget planning process

d)Overseeing individual and group performance

e)Communication at the organizational level strategic initiatives, projects or changes

f)Succession planning and employee development

g)Building and supporting programs and plans that result in a culture of strong commitment to excellence

h)Coaching others in ways that create heightened engagement

i)Working under stress in fast-paced, high-pressure situations

j)Serving as an ambassador, or other advocate-type of role

k)Developing and making presentations

l)Working collaboratively with the general public or service agencies, and with staff to achieve a common goal

m)Driving and managing change; successfully introducing and implementing new strategies, policies and processes.

n)Prior exposure to politically-charged environments

A complete job description and application are available on the County website ( Qualified candidates should submit their application/resume, along with salary requirements, to the County Manager’s office, Womack Building, 40 Courthouse Street, Columbus, NC 28722. Polk County Government is an equal opportunity employer. All applications must be submitted no later than November 1, 2016 in order to be considered.