FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES (FAMILY INDEPENDENCE)
The work involves assisting in directing and coordinating the Family Independence programs of the Department of Social Services under the general direction of the Commissioner. This is primarily an administrative position involving responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Family Independence Division within the framework of the Social Services Law and department regulations, as well as administrative policies established by the Commissioner. The Deputy Commissioner must effectively coordinate those local departmental functions for which they have assigned responsibility. In the absence of the Commissioner, the Deputy may have complete charge of local department operations and personnel direction. General direction and/or supervision is exercised over a large number of administrative and technical employees. Performs related duties as required.
The incumbent in this position, in addition to all other duties prescribed by local law, ordinance, or resolution of the Legislature or by the Commissioner of Social Services, shall:
- Have supervision of social welfare programs (e.g., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, Home Energy Assistance, Homeless services, Domestic Violence services, etc.) administered by the department;
- Supervise and direct the family independence staff;
- Serve as an ex-officio member of the Poverty Committee;
- Serve as Chair of the Erie County Fair Housing Board;
- Assemble data relating to economic hardship.
This position is classified as FLSA Exempt, meaning it is not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act due to its executive and administrative responsibilities. Additionally, this is an at-will appointed position, meaning the employment relationship can be terminated at any time, for any legally permissible reason, with or without cause or prior notice.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of social welfare; thorough knowledge of Federal, State, and local legislation as related to social welfare in Erie County; skill in the techniques of interpreting and transmitting this knowledge to others; ability to make decisions quickly and independently; ability to coordinate the work of others and to handle people effectively; ability to work with public officials, professional organizations, and private groups interested in social welfare; tact and courtesy; initiative and resourcefulness; industry and dependability; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of experience in social work, four (4) years of which must have been in an administrative or supervisory capacity.
Each year of experience as a chief executive officer of a social services district, within six years immediately preceding the date of appointment, shall be the equivalent of two years of the above-prescribed experience.
Post-graduate training, at a recognized college or university, in social work, public administration, hospital administration, educational administration, or business administration shall be the equivalent, on a year-for-year basis, up to two years of the above-prescribed experience. However, no such post-graduate training shall be equivalent to the administrative or supervisory experience.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- Starting Salary: The starting salary for a new employee would be $145,983. The salary for a current employee may be higher.
- Health and Dental: Erie County offers comprehensive health insurance coverage through the Labor Management Health Fund, with the County covering 85% of the premium costs. Currently, health insurance is provided by Highmark, but it will transition to Univera Insurance next year. The plan is a traditional health insurance model, providing robust medical coverage for employees and their families. In addition to health insurance, the County also offers multiple dental insurance options.
- Paid Time Off: In addition to twelve paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Election Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas), the County provides employees in this position generous leave benefits, including 35 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year. Employees are also entitled to 15 sick days annually.
- Retirement: Erie County participates in the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS). As a Retirement System member, you earn service credit for your paid public employment with a participating employer. The system provides retirement benefits based on your years of service and final average salary.
- The County also offers a 457(b) deferred compensation plan, which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary toward a tax-deferred retirement savings account. Contributions to this plan can reduce your current taxable income, and earnings accumulate tax-free until withdrawn.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume and cover letter by October 15, 2024, to brian.bray@erie.gov or:
Dr. Brian Bray, Personnel Commissioner,
95 Franklin St., Room 604,
Buffalo, NY 14202
Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to workplace diversity.