SUPERVISOR, SOCIAL SERVICES (PROTECTIVE SERVICES)

SUPERVISOR, SOCIAL SERVICES (PROTECTIVE SERVICES)

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Job Description

The Supervisor, Social Services, drives high-quality practice by guiding key case decisions, strengthening staff performance, and ensuring adherence to standards. The supervisor builds strong partnerships, supports effective service delivery, and helps create a responsive, collaborative environment focused on child safety, permanency, and wellbeing.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Other duties may be assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Assigns and oversees child welfare cases to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective protective actions. Guides caseworkers in assessing safety, risk, and family needs; approves safety plans, service plans, and major case decisions.
• Ensures documentation is entered in a timely manner and accurately reflects case activities; regularly monitors data entry and accuracy; monitors compliance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
• Provides direction during crises and consults on complex cases involving legal, clinical, or procedural issues.
• Promotes a supportive, accountable team environment focused on child safety, well-being, and effective service delivery.
• Collaborates with courts, law enforcement, schools, service providers, and community partners; represents the agency in multidisciplinary meetings.
• Maintains continuity of services during staff absences.
• Supports implementation of policies, monitors data to improve outcomes, and contributes to planning and improvement initiatives.
• Produces reports, completes special projects, participates in agency meetings, and initiatives.
• Builds strong working relationships and prioritizes multiple demands while meeting deadlines.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in alignment with agency policies and laws, including assigning work, evaluating performance, and resolving issues.
• Proactively prepares for supervisory meetings with requisite Department Directors including but not limited to, reviewing cases for compliance prior to supervisory meetings, providing problem solving alternatives, seeking assistance as needed, and following Department Director or other Senior Leadership directions.
• Attends and participates in all agency meetings including supervision, workgroups, unit, department, division, management team meetings, and all staff meetings. Provides coverage for other supervisors within the department. Assists with the orientation and onboarding of new departmental employees.
• Adheres to all agency policies and procedures and supports the Agency's mission, vision & guiding principles; Maintains professional and technical knowledge by completing mandatory training requirements, attending educational workshops. Monitors and stays current on child welfare trends, regulations, best practices, and emerging issues through review of professional resources, publications, training opportunities, and relevant communications

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Master's degree in social work or related field with (5) years relevant experience in the field of child welfare; OR bachelor's degree in social work or related field with ten (10) years relevant experience in the field of child welfare required. Prior supervisory experience preferred.

Core Competencies

To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following:

• Child Welfare Knowledge Base: In-depth understanding of child development, family systems, and the impact of trauma, substance abuse, and domestic violence on children and families. Applies knowledge of risk assessment, child abuse and neglect indicators, and relevant laws and regulations to ensure child safety, permanency, and well-being. Utilizes current diagnostic standards and evidence-based practices to inform decision-making and service planning.
• Adaptability & Resilience - Adjusts effectively to changing priorities, unexpected events, and pressure while maintaining productivity and professionalism.
• Analytical & Problem Solving - Gathers and evaluates data to identify issues, develop solutions, and improve processes.
• Business Acumen & Strategic Thinking - Understands organizational goals, budgets, and resources; makes decisions that align with strategic objectives and adapt to changing conditions.
• Communication Skills - Communicates clearly and effectively in verbal and written formats; listens actively; presents information in a way that promotes understanding.
• Customer & Client Focus - Responds promptly and professionally to internal and external needs; builds positive relationships and ensures service quality.
• Decision Making - Makes timely, informed decisions; considers input from stakeholders and supports reasoning with sound judgment.
• Delegation & Empowerment - Assigns tasks appropriately, provides clear expectations, and supports team members in achieving results.
• Dependability & Accountability - Meets commitments, follows through on responsibilities, and takes ownership of outcomes.
• Ethics, Integrity & Respect - Demonstrates honesty, fairness, and adherence to organizational values in all actions. Respects individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives; promotes an inclusive, harassment-free workplace.
• Initiative & Innovation - Takes proactive steps to improve processes; seeks opportunities for growth and creative solutions.
• Interpersonal & Teamwork - Builds positive relationships, resolves conflicts constructively, and contributes to team success.
• Leadership & People Management - Inspires and motivates others; provides feedback, coaching, and development opportunities; fosters a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• Planning & Organizing - Prioritizes tasks, manages time effectively, and develops realistic action plans to achieve goals.
• Safety & Compliance - Follows safety procedures, identifies risks, and ensures compliance with organizational policies.

Other Qualifications

Proficiency in case management systems and related software, including ability to maintain accurate electronic records, generate reports, and analyze data to support operational decision making required.

Computer literacy, including effective use of word processing, spreadsheets, email, and virtual communication platforms required.

Required to possess a valid State of Ohio drivers' license and state minimum auto insurance and must always adhere to related Agency policies.

LSW/LISW or LPC/LPCC preferred.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers to manipulate objects, such as keyboards and writing; reach with hands and arms.

Frequent verbal communication and active listening in person and via phone or virtual platforms are required.

The employee is frequently required to stand and walk through a variety of environments, including navigating stairs, narrow hallways, uneven walkways, and confined spaces during community visits or field consultations.

The employee may frequently be required to travel between work sites, which may require driving and entering various public and private facilities.

The employee is occasionally required to bend, reach, stoop, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds and rarely lift and/or move up to one hundred (100) pounds

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The employee may be present in emotionally charged or high-stress environments, requiring sustained attention and situational awareness.

The work environment is an office setting and noise level in the work environment is usually moderate the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

Regular attendance is required. The employee must adhere to Agency policies regarding use of time off.

Equal Employment Opportunity

SCCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accessibility & Accommodation

SCCS provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the application, interview, and employment process, and for qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position. If you need an accommodation to apply or participate in the hiring process, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Masters Degree w/ 5 yrs of exp. or Bachelors Degree w/ 10 yrs of exp.

Summit County Children Services

264 S. Arlington St. Akron, OH 44306

Department:

Protective Specialized Services

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday; 8:30am to 4:30pm

Pre-Employment Testing Requirements: Pre-employment Drug and Alcohol Testing, Criminal Background Check, Driving Record Check

Position : 575307027

Code : 20265700-16

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Group : CHILDREN S

Job Family : SOCIAL SERVICES

Posting Start : 08/06/2026

Posting End : 10/23/2026

Details : Click here for more info

MINIMUM HOURLY RATE: $37.13

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