Social Services Director – Lenoir County, NC

Position Closes August 15, 2026

Are you a social services professional who is an emotionally intelligent, visible, and approachable leader that builds trust through integrity, consistent communication, engagement, and professionalism? If so, the Lenoir County Department of Social Services, located in Kinston, NC, is seeking a collaborative and relationship-focused Social Services Director to champion organizational excellence and build upon its recent momentum.

Having successfully cleared a state Corrective Action Plan, stabilized its Child Welfare program, significantly improved staffing and workloads, and fostered a positive workplace culture, Lenoir County DSS is primed for its next chapter. With a local poverty rate of 22.1%, this department plays an essential role in connecting residents with life-changing resources.

About the Role and Agency: 

Reporting directly to the Board of Social Services, the Social Services Director serves as the executive officer to the Board, providing strategic leadership and administrative oversight for one of the County's largest and most complex departments. Partnering with County leadership, the DSS Board, state officials, community partners, and an experienced Executive Leadership Team, the next Director will lead a dedicated staff and passionately serve a community known for its resourcefulness and creativity. Furthermore, the Director will aggressively advocate to strengthen services and identify future program and funding opportunities that benefit the residents of Lenoir County.

Through more than 70 programs and services, the Lenoir County Department of Social Services (DSS) is dedicated to improving the lives of Lenoir County residents by providing economic assistance, employment services, child support enforcement, professional social work services, and numerous specialized programs that address a wide range of social and economic needs. Learn more about the department by visiting the County’s website. 

Lenoir County’s Social Services Director: 

As a critical leader for the community, the Director provides steady, reliable stewardship when it matters most. Because crises don't keep business hours, this role serves as a dependable beacon of leadership, ensuring the agency is prepared to respond to emergencies and protect vulnerable residents 24/7/365.

Residents and visitors have access to a wide range of recreational, cultural, and entertainment opportunities that contribute to the area’s overall quality of life. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of boating, fishing, and kayaking along the Neuse River, as well as the county’s numerous parks, walking trails, and greenways. A popular destination is Neuseway Nature Park, a 55-acre riverside park that combines recreation with hands-on learning. The park includes the Ellis Planetarium, a 52-seat dome theater offering shows on the night sky and space exploration; the Exchange Nature Center, which features native wildlife exhibits, aquariums, and interactive experiences such as a saltwater touch tank; and a Health and Science Museum with engaging, hands-on exhibits for all ages. 

Downtown Kinston has experienced steady revitalization, evolving into a vibrant hub with a growing mix of local restaurants, breweries, shops, and gathering spaces. Notable destinations include Chef & the Farmer, a nationally recognized farm-to-table restaurant, Mother Earth Brewing, a popular local brewery, and Grainger Stadium, home to minor league baseball and a hub for community events.  Complemented by coffee shops, boutiques, art spaces, and seasonal farmers markets, the area offers a lively and walkable environment for both residents and visitors. Downtown Kinston also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year that bring the community together. Highlights include the BBQ Fest on the Neuse, which celebrates eastern North Carolina’s barbecue tradition with food, music, and vendors, along with a range of seasonal holiday events, such as the “Turn on the Holidays” tree lighting ceremony and the Kinston Christmas Parade. Additional events—including farmers’ markets, art walks, and cultural celebrations—further highlight local talent and heritage while creating regular opportunities for residents and visitors to gather and connect.

Conveniently located near Greenville, New Bern, and within a short drive of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast beaches, Lenoir County offers both accessibility and a relaxed pace of life. With its combination of affordability, outdoor amenities, cultural assets, and a community focused on growth and improvement, Lenoir County provides a high quality of life and a meaningful place to live, work, and be involved.

• Community Engagement & Partnerships - Build and strengthen relationships with residents, state officials, elected leaders, employees, and community partners, such as the Chief of the Kinston Police Department (KPD), Greene Lamp Community Action, the Kinston Housing Authority, and Lenoir Community College while fostering an agency culture of trust, accountability, and open communication. 
• Workforce Development & Organizational Culture - Preserve the department's positive momentum by supporting employee retention, maintaining a healthy organizational culture, and ensuring every division receives the leadership, training and development and recognition to excel.
• Strategic Operations & Fiscal Stewardship - Provide strategic operational and fiscal leadership by ensuring compliance, maximizing available funding, maintaining effective oversight of departmental programs and services, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. 
• Executive Leadership & Team Alignment - Develop and maintain a cohesive Executive Leadership Team that promotes collaboration, consistency, communication, accountability, and professional growth. 

• Master’s degree in social work and two years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services; OR,  
• 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. 
• Experience in Social Services budgeting and personnel administration under the State Human Resources Act or prior experience as a County Director of Social Services is preferred. 

• a compassionate leader who balances accountability with support by establishing clear expectations, recognizing accomplishments, and supporting employee growth and retention; 
• an experienced social services professional with strong Child Welfare knowledge and the ability to provide effective leadership across all departmental programs and services; 
• an effective communicator who fosters transparency, promotes open and consistent communication throughout the organization, and effectively advocates for the department with employees, state officials, community partners, and County leadership; 
• an organized and effective leader who balances competing priorities, uses data to inform decisions, and ensures every division receives the leadership, support, and oversight needed to succeed; and,
• a person of integrity who cares about the residents of Lenoir County, understands the community's unique challenges, and is committed to addressing community needs while being a responsible steward of public resources.

Salary and Benefits: 

The hiring range for this position is $114,805-$126,722.21. Beginning salary is commensurate with experience. Lenoir County provides a rich benefit package that includes Health and Dental Insurance, County contribution to Health Savings Plan, Paid Holidays, Sick and Annual Leave. Additionally, as a County employee, the Social Services Director participates in the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System (NCLGERS), which includes a 6% pre-tax employee contribution. Supplemental retirement savings opportunities include participation in a 401 (k) plan with a 2.5% County Contribution based on salary, as well as 457 and Roth 401 (k) plans. The County may recognize prior service through adjusted leave accrual rates and initial leave balances, consistent with established policies. Learn more about Lenoir County’s employee benefits by visiting the County’s website. Please note: There is no residency requirement for this position. 

To apply: 

The application portal is https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates.  If you have accessed this position from within the portal, simply hit the green "Apply" button in the upper-right corner to begin your application.

Lenoir County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select "Client Openings," and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants."