Director of Human Resources

Title: Director of Human Resources

State Role Title: Gen Admin Manager IV

Hiring Range: Up to $170,000 (Commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: https://dss.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as the Director of Human Resources with the Virginia Department of Social Services!

The Director of Human Resources reports to the Deputy Commissioner for Employee & Organizational Strategy. The Director of Human Resources leads and oversees the planning, development, implementation, performance and evaluation of all Human Resources functions of the Virginia Department of Social Services. This position will lead a team of HR professionals across a broad spectrum of HR services including Talent Acquisition, Classification & Compensation, Benefit Administration, Employee Relations & Performance Management, HR Policy & Compliance, HR Information Management and Data Analytics, and Local DSS HR Support.

The Director of Human Resources oversees and manages the division’s legislative, budgetary, operational and strategic planning processes; Serves as a key advisor to the executive team and other senior leaders in the development, alignment and execution of agency goals and priorities; Provides high-level strategic counsel to executives and managers across the agency on complex and sensitive HR matters; Provides HR support and strategic business partnership to the 120 Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS), and the Office of Children’s Services agency.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent employee benefits including health and life insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short- and Long-Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable experience in executive-level Human Resources consulting, combining program management, change management, and organizational development to drive transformation within a large organization.
• Extensive experience in Human Resources with increasing levels of responsibility, including leadership roles and expanded organizational impact.
• Considerable experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing strategy, policy, compliance and culture.
• Extensive experience overseeing fiscal management, resource allocation, and program planning to support organizational growth and performance
• Experience leading key HR functions to include Compensation and Benefits, Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning, Performance Management, HR Technology and Data Analytics, HR Policy and Compliance; Training and Development.
• Comprehensive knowledge of principles, policies and best practices of all functional areas of Human Resource Management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to Human Resources management.
• Understanding of the organization of State Government and Local Departments of Social Services.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with colleagues, decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and build trust with internal and external stakeholders, state, federal, and local agencies, public officials, other executives and managers, employees, and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, lead people, meet results-driven objectives and manage resources strategically and effectively.

Additional Considerations

• Professional Human Resources certifications such as SHRM-CP or SCP, HRCI PHR or SPHR, or ODCP preferred.
• Experience working in Human Resources within the public sector preferred.
• Understanding of Commonwealth of Virginia Human Resources Management policies and programs preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

The selected candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3114, as a condition of employment. The filing must be completed on or before the first day of employment and annually thereafter on or before February 1. The selected candidate is required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest training within 2-months of becoming a state filer and at least once during each consecutive period of two calendar years commencing on the first odd-numbered year thereafter. For more information, please visit http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

Please be advised that this position may be approved to work onsite for three days per week and work remotely for two days per week.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resource Division

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.