| COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES |
Erie County is searching for an individual to lead the Department of Social Services as Commissioner. The mission of the department is to provide temporary assistance to eligible individuals and families, to provide protective services to vulnerable adults and children, and provide related programs to assist residents of Erie County to lead safe, healthy and independent lives. In discharging this responsibility, the Commissioner must organize, direct and coordinate the work of all employees to achieve effective and efficient operation of the multiple programs undertaken by the department. The Erie County Department of Social Services has a $735 million annual budget, including $40 million in contracts with provider agencies and $17 million in inter-fund agreements with other county departments, and a staff of more than 1,500 professional, technical, legal and support staff assigned to various locations throughout Erie County.
The Commissioner is the chief executive officer of the department and is charged with the responsibility of administering Erie County’s family independence programs, including Temporary Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, Medicaid, and Home Energy Assistance; and individual protection programs, including Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, Foster Care, and Children’s Services; Youth Services including a secure detention center for youth; and various other social services programs. The Commissioner additionally serves as guardian for a number of individuals who are not able to care for themselves.
The Commissioner is assisted with a management team that includes two First Deputy Commissioners and a Second Deputy Commissioner, a Senior Executive Assistant of Finance, and a Special Assistant. The Commissioner reports to the County Executive or his designee.
The Commissioner serves a five year term and is appointed by the Erie County Executive, subject to the confirmation of the Erie County Legislature.
Qualifications: Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a bachelor’s degree AND:
A) Six years of satisfactory full-time paid experience in health, education or social service agency; four years of which must have been in a satisfactory administrative or supervisory capacity; Or
B) Six years of responsible full-time, paid experience in an administrative or management position where there is responsibility for planning, directing and coordinating the work of a substantial staff working in several units or preforming several separate functions; or
C) A satisfactory combination of training and experience equivalent to (a) and (b).
A post graduate degree in a relevant field of study such as a Masters in Public administration, Masters in Social Work, Masters in Business Administration or similar or higher degree is preferred.
NOTE: All appointees to the position of Commissioner of Social Services must be approved by The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
The starting salary is $184,311. Competitive benefits package includes comprehensive health and dental coverage, membership in the New York State & Local Retirement System, and a generous amount of paid time off.
FLSA Exempt: This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), meaning it is not eligible for overtime pay. The incumbent will be expected to fulfill duties and responsibilities that necessitate varying schedules and may extend beyond the standard workweek, as job performance and duties require.
FINAL CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT TO A FINGERPRINT CHECK AND CRIMINAL HISTORY AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Please send Cover letter, Resume and Salary Requirements to:
Commissioner of Personnel, Dr. Brian Bray
95 Franklin Street, 6th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202
or by email to Brian.Bray@erie.gov
Resumes are due by July 5, 2024.
Only those whose resumes are being considered will be contacted.
Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer