Director, Family And Community Support Services

The County of Grande Prairie builds on its natural environment and the entrepreneurial spirit of its citizens to provide an unmatched quality of life and opportunity for all. We offer a collaborative and dynamic workplace where our values of Trustworthy, Transparent, Respectful, and Collaborative guide our conduct and contribute to a healthy culture.

Community Services is hiring for a Director, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). We require a highly motivated, visionary, team-orientated leader with a flair for public relations, community networking and strong management skills. You will contribute to the maintenance of current initiatives and provide a strong foundation for future growth.

Responsibilities will include overseeing the overall operation of all programs and services provided by FCSS including annual budgeting, reporting and grant applications, community liaison, program development, train and motivate program staff, provide long range strategic planning, and the ability to multitask and work with creativity, passion, and a sense of humor.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic plans, program and corporate policies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify social needs requirements in the County and develop effective programs designed to respond to needs in accordance with the FCSS Act and Regulations and those approved by County Council.
• Develop requests for decisions (RFD) for Council, Committee of the Whole and FCSS Advisory Board meetings.
• Working with the Business Advisory Unit prepare and plan budget.
• Receive and review FCSS Funding applications. Arrange funding request presentations to the FCSS Advisory Board and make recommendations in accordance with provincial Act and Regulations, County strategic plan and department business plan.
• Apprise the General Manager Community Services of critical issues/items relating to staff and/or operations.
• Work with supervisors and coordinators to evaluate performance and recommend appropriate courses of action (i.e. wage increase, promotion, termination).
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of all the operations of the department and facilitate two-way communication and provide support to operational leaders.
• Assign and monitor work for adherence to departmental goals and objectives and provincial requirements.

• A degree in human services related to social work, child and youth care, psychology, social science or other related field.
• A minimum 5 years supervisory/leadership experience
• A minimum 5 years’ experience in the social services field, with emphasis on partner relationships, municipal or non-profit management, risk assessment, governance, and partnership development
• A solid understanding of the philosophy of prevention and the ability to apply that understanding to families and Community. FCSS experience is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience in financial planning, budgeting and reporting.
• Demonstrate the ability to relate effectively to people of diverse economic, social and ethnic backgrounds.
• Knowledge and experience in research funding sources and program development.
• Above average verbal and written communication skills, enhanced organizational and advanced computer skills.
• Demonstrated experience working with community boards and volunteers.
• Strong leadership skills.

What We Offer:

The County of Grande Prairie provides a competitive compensation package, including benefits and participation in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP). We actively support professional development opportunities and foster an engaging work environment.

Work Schedule:

This full-time, permanent position entails a 35-hour work week, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with an hour unpaid lunch break.

This posting will be open until March 24th 2024 until 11.59 pm Mountain Time.

Annual Pay: $136,597 to $160,702

Expected Start Date: The incumbent is expected to start from beginning of May 2024.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The County of Grande Prairie recognizes and values the principles of fair hiring practices. We are committed to a respectful and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact hr@countygp.ab.ca and we will work with you to meet your needs.

• This posting may be used for future vacancies or to fill more than one position
• This posting may be open until a suitable candidate(s) is/are found.

Please note that once your application is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. If we require any additional information we will contact you. Due to the volume of applications received we can only answer questions at the interview stage.