Description
Are you a thoughtful problem solver who demonstrates emotional intelligence, empathy, and sound judgment, someone who avoids knee-jerk decisions while also acting quickly when needed?
Are you an engaged and approachable communicator and an active listener who builds relationships across communities and understands how to balance diverse needs in a rural setting?
Are you a knowledgeable and steady leader, motivated to serve, calm in the face of crisis, and able to navigate complex challenges such as those associated with Federal laws and regulations that have resulted in changes in the last year?
If so, Macon County, NC, is seeking a collaborative and diplomatic professional to serve as its next Department of Social Services Director. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills—not just management ability—and a clear commitment to serving the community. The next Director will understand and respect the distinct needs of Franklin, Highlands, Otto, and Nantahala, recognizing differences in access, expectations, and service demand across the county, while building trust, supporting staff, and strengthening relationships across the community.
About the Organization, Department and Position:
Macon County operates under a commissioner-manager form of government. A five-member Board of Commissioners provides overall leadership and policy direction, while the County Manager, who is appointed by the Board, oversees daily operations and the administration of county departments. The County employs over 650 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees across its various departments. The County’s FY2025–2026 budget of $64,711,599 supports operations across all county departments and includes funding for employee salary increases and key projects. Learn more about Macon County here.
The Macon County Department of Social Services (DSS), located in Franklin, plays an essential role in supporting the health, safety, and stability of residents across the county. Guided by its mission “Partnering to promote, protect and strengthen our community,” the department works closely with individuals, families, and partner agencies to provide critical services that improve overall quality of life. The department emphasizes that its success, and the well-being of the county’s citizens, is rooted in an unwavering commitment to providing excellent service every day. This is reflected in its core values of compassion, learning, integrity, excellence, innovation, and teamwork.
DSS is organized into several key service areas. Economic Services helps individuals and families meet basic needs through programs like Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First, and childcare assistance, offering both immediate support and pathways toward long-term stability. Children and Family Services focuses on protecting children and strengthening families through Child Protective Services, foster care, adoption, and in-home support, always working to ensure safety while preserving family connections whenever possible. Adult Services provides protection and assistance to vulnerable adults, including those who are elderly or disabled, through services like Adult Protective Services, guardianship, and representative payee services. In addition, Senior Services supports older adults in maintaining independence and quality of life with resources such as meal programs and caregiver support.
Reporting to a three-member Social Services Board, the Social Services Director manages the department’s $6.4M budget while leading a team of 75 full-time employees, with eight direct reports, including fiscal, HR, Senior Services, Adult and Child Welfare, and Economic Support Supervisors.
The Director oversees a comprehensive range of public assistance and social services programs—including Fiscal and Agency Administration, Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Eligibility, Child Support Enforcement, Program Integrity and Fraud, Child Welfare and Adult Welfare Services, and Senior Services—ensuring services are delivered in compliance with North Carolina law and all state and federal requirements. Financial management is a key component of the role, requiring an active, hands-on approach to budget development and oversight. While finance staff manage day-to-day fiscal operations, a strong working knowledge of the funding streams that support the agency is essential to ensure responsible and effective use of public funds.
The Director also serves as Executive Officer and secretary to the Social Services Board and acts as an agent of the NC Social Services Commission and the NC Department of Health and Human Services, carrying out required work at the county level and serving as a key liaison with state partners. Additional responsibilities include participation on key community stakeholder boards and committees such as the local Community Action Agency, the local purchasing authority for childcare subsidy, and the local Community Child Protection and Child Fatality Prevention Teams. Coordination of mass care sheltering in times of declared emergencies is also a critical responsibility of this position.
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Key Position Priorities:
Build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with county and state leadership, the DSS Board, staff, and community partners by fostering trust, breaking down silos among local organizations, and actively engaging across Macon County’s distinct communities (Franklin, Highlands, Otto and Nantahala) to promote alignment, advocacy, and a unified, team-oriented approach to service delivery.
Communicate clearly and consistently with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency, active listening, and effective messaging, especially during high-profile or sensitive situations.
Develop and maintain a strong understanding of social services programs, policies, and legislative changes, including the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1), to effectively guide departmental operations.
Lead efforts to address facility space needs by working with county leadership and serving as a project manager for planning and implementation.
Bolster recruitment and retention by addressing current staffing challenges, including multiple vacancies, building a strong pool of candidates, planning for upcoming retirements, adapting to funding changes, and fostering a supportive environment that encourages current staff to stay.
Requirements
A Master’s degree in Social Work and two years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services; or a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and three years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services, one of which must have been in Social Services; or graduation from a four-year college or university and three years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services, two of which must have been in Social Services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
A state driver’s license is required or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable time following appointment.
The Successful Candidate:
Demonstrates emotional maturity, empathy, and the emotional fitness required for a demanding and often difficult role;
Builds and sustains strong relationships across the community, government, and partner organizations by engaging directly, earning trust, and gaining insight into local needs;
Takes a thoughtful, intentional approach to leadership—investing time to listen to and learn from staff, understand county operations, and respect the community’s values while earning acceptance and identifying areas for improvement;
Serves as a bridge builder—bringing together staff, leadership, and community partners, reducing silos, and fostering collaboration while remaining supportive and not micromanaging;
Communicates with clarity and sound judgment, using diplomacy and active listening to build trust and effectively navigate sensitive or high-profile situations;
Stays calm, confident, and composed in the face of stress and crisis, understanding the critical nature and liability of the position;
Fosters a positive and engaged workplace environment, supporting staff morale and demonstrating a strong understanding of state policy, programs, and funding sources;
Applies thoughtful decision-making and problem-solving skills in complex situations, recognizing that decisions are not always black and white and require thoughtful consideration beyond policy alone;
Leads capital improvements and expansion efforts with a fiscally responsible approach, understanding the seriousness of managing public resources—not always asking for more, but using what is available effectively to meet community needs; and
Recognizes there are big shoes to fill, as Macon County has had only six DSS Directors in its history, and honors that legacy by building on established relationships, maintaining stability, and continuing to move the department forward.
