Allendale County Director I

Salary: $79,334.00 - $92,900.00 Annually
Location : Allendale County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 189152
Agency: Department of Social Services
Division: County Office-Allendale
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AH45
Position Number:: 61012121
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN11
Hiring Range - Min.: $79,334.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $92,900.00
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must apply online. All correspondence from DSS Human Resources will be made through electronic mail, unless otherwise indicated.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
Do you have a passion to provide meaningful work in the community? Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults? Then the South Carolina Department of Social Services has the right job opportunity for you.
Job Duties:

• The Allendale County Director I manages and directs the operations of a County Department of Social Services (DSS) office by ensuring a safe and positive work environment. Must be accountable for the financial operations, personnel practices, and delivery of services to clients through Child Welfare Service Programs and Economic Services Programs. Maintains working relationships with other service providers and presents a positive image of the agency in the community. Works under the direction of the Child Welfare Services Regional Director for Child Welfare Services.

• Effectively manages and promotes a safe culture within county office by creating a learning environment conducive to professional development and accountability to practice that promotes safety, permanency, and well-being and aligns with the mission, vision, and values of the agency.

• Collaborates with community partners and stakeholders to access and/or create services for children, families and adults in the community. Conducts Child Welfare Improvement Team (CWIT) meetings to intentionally engage community partners/stakeholders to identify barriers/obstacles, gaps in service needs, placement resources, improve teaming with community partners in building services needed in community and clearly communicates the shared vision and goals of the agency. Responds to constituent inquiries from the public and families to problem solve and bring resolution to inquiries.

• Maintains working knowledge of DSS policies and updates. Oversees timely implementation and effective execution of all agency policies by coaching and training staff in policy application, discussing policy changes and updates.

• Manages system changes through intentional evaluation and re-evaluation of current processes and procedures; tracking, adjusting and streamlining efforts, monitoring strategic plans and initiatives within the region.

• Manages outcomes by reviewing county data to make informed decisions around practice patterns identified in data and practice/procedural changes needed to move the county towards best practice. Facilitates weekly and monthly meetings with all program services staff to review data trends and develop plans/strategies to improve practice and performance.

• Manages and provides leadership that supports timely hiring, recruitment, and retention of all county staff; soliciting input of Economic Services Division Directors. Reviews county data detailing retention and attrition patterns and develops strategies to recruit and retain top performing staff.

• Provides direct reports with EPMS planning and evaluation plans. Participates in timely hiring and training of all new employees. Completes performance and practice evaluations on direct reports biannually and upon request for level ascension. Timely submits evaluations for level ascension.

• Maintains an active routine of self-care and pursues support when necessary to minimize the threat of secondary trauma to physical and mental health.

• Ensures that personal identifying information (PII) is properly used, assessed, gathered, shared and disposed. Protects the agency networks and applications by safeguarding systems, equipment and data.

• Team with EOC in planning needs for county during emergency response and coordinate Red Cross Shelter duties/services as directed by EOC.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements


A Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years of experience in any combination of social work, management, business administration, administrative services or public administration.

A Master's Degree and two (2) years of experience in any combination of social work, management, business administration, administrative services or public administration.

Additional Comments
This application for employment with the SC Department of Social Services must be completed in its entirety. A resume may be included; but shall not be substituted in lieu of the completion of this application in part or in whole. "See Resume" is not acceptable information for the completion of any part of the requirements of this application. If such is submitted, this employment application will be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded as eligible for consideration to hiring managers.
Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to and be able to operate a motor vehicle. Individuals must comply with necessary field work assignments.
If you certify, by completion and submission of this application, that you possess educational credentials that qualify you for the available DSS positions, you will be required to provide a certified official transcript, if you are selected for job offer.
The South Carolina Department of Social Services offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

DIVISION: Child Welfare Services / Allendale County
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01


Have you ever been terminated or forced to resign from any job? If yes, please explain.
02


I understand that supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation will result in disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. If there are periods of time when you were not employed, you must also list those periods on your employment application. A resume cannot be submitted for completed work history and education sections of the employment application. The employment application may be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded. I have read and acknowledge the above.

• Yes
• No

03


I understand that by completion and submission of this application, that if I possess educational credentials that qualify me for the available position(s) and in the event I am offered a position with the SC Department of Social Services, I will be required to provide a certified official transcript within two (2) weeks of employment.

• Yes
• No

04


If you selected "Yes" that you are a veteran in the Agency-Wide Questions, are you able to provide a Member 4, Service 2-Copy, or NGB22 DD-214?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you ever been employed by the State of South Carolina? If yes, please provide the state agency/agencies.
06


How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• HR Recruiter
• DSS Employee
• DSS Internship
• Careers Website
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• SCWORKS
• College/University Job Portal
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Radio/TV/Billboard
• Other

07


If you selected "Other" or "DSS Employee" in the previous question, please list the source below.
08


Have you completed an internship with the SC Department of Social Services?

• Yes
• No

09


Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

10


How many years of experience do you have working in social work, management, business administration, administrative services or public administration?

• None
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years - Less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

Required Question