Virginia Department of Social Services

As our friends and partners across Southwest Virginia and beyond continue to recover and rebuild in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Office of Trauma and Resilience Policy at VDSS wishes to gently remind you of the profound impact that such devastations can have on us all. Witnessing friends’ and neighbors’ pain and grief can be incredibly challenging, underscoring the need for us to use a trauma-informed and hope-centered lens that prioritizes physical and emotional safety and collective wellbeing. Given the physical and mental toll of these events, it is more important than ever to uplift our local departments of social services as well as partners and community members who so selflessly continue to serve impacted areas. From those working shoulder-to-shoulder to rebuild affected communities to mental health professionals striving to support displaced families, our Commonwealth has no shortage of compassionate professionals and volunteers eager to help. However, we must take great care to ensure that this assistance does not come at the cost of their mental and physical health. Supporting Virginians’ mental wellbeing is a priority for Virginia, reflected by the investment in the Right Help, Right Now initiative to enhance the behavioral health care system. Amid hurricane recovery efforts continuing in earnest throughout our state’s impacted areas, the need for these resources is especially clear. Remember that it is normal to feel a wide range of emotions during times like these, and that each person’s journey through these events will be unique. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but a crucial step on the pathway to recovery.  Resources are also available to provide guidance and support through this difficult time. The CDC has developed recommendations for coping with traumatic event, which can be accessed at https://lnkd.in/e25AKr6t, and immediate support and help is available by calling 988.

In times of disaster, our community's coordinated efforts make the biggest impact. Cash donations and organized volunteer efforts through trusted organizations are the best ways to help. Visit www.virginiavoad.org to learn more. #DonateResponsibly #VolunteerResponsibly

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is observing Hunger Action Month (HAM) in September to raise awareness about food insecurity in the U.S. and take action to end hunger. When people are fed well, their minds and bodies are nourished, and individuals go from just living to thriving.  In September, VDSS will host, promote and encourage activities for all agency staff in the home office and throughout the commonwealth to highlight how securing food for those in need is an investment in our communities. By joining this movement, our collective voices, actions and commitment will help ensure every person has the food they need to flourish. We invite all VDSS staff to participate in the planned activities listed below! - Volunteering at a local food bank or other food-connected organization with co-workers.   -Hosting a food drive and/or collecting monetary donations for local food banks.  -Conducting a “HAM Walk” fundraiser (like a cake walk where people make a financial donation for the chance to win a baked good-homemade or store-bought-or fruit, supplied by co-workers) with the donations given to the local food bank.  -Hosting a “lunch-in” where co-workers eat together while listening to a speaker and participating in a discussion about the impact of food insecurity.   -Wearing orange (the HAM color) on Fridays during September and on activity days. All Virginians should have the resources and services they need to shape strong futures for themselves, their families and their communities. Thank you for all you do for the citizens of the Commonwealth and for your communities! 

In honor of Kinship Care Awareness Month, let's take a moment to recognize the incredible value of kinship care and its profound impact on children and families. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) recognizes that families are the experts on their children, that maintaining family relationships is a priority for all children, and that the best work is done when the Local Departments of Social Services work as the conveners, collaborators, and catalysts who bring families together to support one another. Virginia’s data shows that for children involved with the child welfare system, those who live with committed kinship caregivers are more likely to live with their siblings, have fewer behavioral struggles, and have fewer moves, and for those children in foster care they are also less likely to age out and more likely to discharge to permanency within a year. Kinship care matters for our children and youth both inside and outside of foster care. A commitment to pursuing a Kin First culture is a commitment to pursuing these outcomes for Virginia’s children and youth through ongoing and consistent family engagement across the child welfare spectrum. #KinshipCareAwarenessMonth

The Virginia Department of Social Services is excited to share that we are looking for a Director of Compliance to help lead and join our team! As the Director of Compliance, you will be in a senior leadership position that is responsible and accountable for directing the agency-wide compliance and risk mitigation efforts. The Director of Compliance ensures adherence to state and federal legal and regulatory standards, including Appeals and Fair Hearings, Quality Control, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) compliance, subrecipient monitoring, fraud management, and information security compliance. The Director works collaboratively with various divisions within VDSS to promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct, in alignment with the agency’s mission, vision, strategic goals and objectives. https://lnkd.in/ew6ecU8M

The Virginia Department of Social Services is excited to share that we are looking for a Special Advisor for Reentry Programs to join our team! The Special Advisor for Reentry Programs is a senior leader within the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).  As the Special Advisor for Reentry Programs, you will be responsible for helping the Commonwealth achieve reentry success in coordination with the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) and other agency partners. The position is critical for returning citizens to effectively utilize eligible services as they seek to reintegrate into society successful.  The Special Advisor for Reentry Programs is responsible for fully utilizing existing DSS programming, services, technology, and local DSS service centers to improve reentry success. The program will integrate efforts through personnel, processes, technology, and local DSS offices. Additionally, this position will coordinate with DSS personnel to leverage federal funding grant programs, attain DSS local statewide reentry council participation and leadership, and collaborate with VADOC to improve defined reentry metrics. https://lnkd.in/eruuK2n5

The Office of Trauma and Resilience Policy at VDSS is excited to announce the availability of a new awareness video, The Journey of Becoming a Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered Organization. This six-minute video, developed with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding appropriated to support Virginia's Trauma-Informed Community Networks (TICNs), discusses the process of becoming a trauma-informed and healing-centered organization, from conducting an agency assessment to analyzing the data and developing a strategic plan to engaging in the implementation of the plan. Participants in the video, who represent TICNs engaging in the process, share highlights of the process along with the importance of the work in supporting staff well-being. https://lnkd.in/eNXa_PrX

The Virginia Department of Social Services is excited to share that we are looking for a Special Assistant to the Commissioner to join our team! As the Special Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of shaping agency policies and driving priorities. You'll support the Commissioner with policy research, drafting briefs, and preparing crucial communication materials. Your role will involve managing projects, coordinating high-level meetings, and liaising with a range of stakeholders, from state officials to community organizations. If you have a passion for policy analysis, strong project management skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you! Ideal candidates will have experience in legislative or regulatory policy, excellent writing abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Previous work in Virginia state government or social services is a plus. Don’t miss this chance to make a real impact on the future of social services in Virginia. Apply today and help us make a difference! https://lnkd.in/ehq7UXMu #PeopleHelpingPeople #JobOpportunity #SocialServices #PublicPolicy #VirginiaJobs

August is National Child Support Awareness Month! At the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE), our commitment to families across the Commonwealth remains steadfast. We're dedicated to not only ensuring financial support but also offering a range of free family engagement services. From access and visitation to responsible parenting, employment services, and prisoner reentry, our goal is to support all parents—whether receiving or providing support—in building a strong foundation for our children's growth and success. Every day, our dedicated team invests in the future of our children. #ChildSupportAwareness #FamilySupport https://lnkd.in/gCvXNccB

**Join Our Team as Chief Technology Officer** Exciting Opportunity at Virginia Department of Social Services! We're seeking a visionary Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead technology strategies that drive our mission forward. Reporting to the Chief Deputy Commissioner, you'll shape our technology roadmap, foster strategic partnerships, and innovate our systems with cutting-edge solutions. Join us in transforming social services through technology. Apply today and be part of a team dedicated to enhancing lives across Virginia! https://lnkd.in/e66j8-Sb