Commissioner, Bureau for Social Services (BSS)

Agency:

West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS)

Classification:

Classified-Exempt, At-Will (Reports to DoHS Cabinet Secretary)

Mission:

Drive systemic, trauma-informed reforms across child welfare, foster care, adult protective services, and community safety networks. This is a legacy-defining role where your strategic decisions will directly enhance the lives of West Virginia's most vulnerable families.

Key Responsibilities Executive Leadership:

Direct deputy commissioners and executive staff; champion frontline workforce retention and initiatives to reduce employee burnout.

Legislative & Policy Advocacy:

Serve as the principal BSS voice before the West Virginia Legislature; provide testimony, analyze legislation, and draft statutory rules.

Fiscal Management:

Oversee a complex state budget combining state general revenues and multi-layered federal matching grants (e.g., Title IV-E).

Community Relations:

Build stakeholder coalitions and deliver updates to non-profits, providers, and judicial committees.

Qualifications Education:

MSW, MPA, or related master's degree preferred.

Experience:

7-10 years of progressive executive leadership in complex human services delivery systems.

Competencies:

Political acumen, public finance stewardship, executive communication, and human-centric management.

Compensation & Benefits Pay:

Competitive executive salary (commensurate with experience); potential relocation reimbursement.

Perks:

Comprehensive health/wellness plans, state retirement plan with employer match, and generous paid leave and holidays. #

INDHP Job Type:

Full-time Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Loan forgiveness Paid time off Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Application Question(s): How many years of leadership experience do you have in Human Services, including oversight of programs, staff, or community‑focused initiatives?

Education:

Master's (Preferred)

Experience:

Social Work:

7 years (Preferred) Executive management: 7 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person