MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four-year college or university with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Public Administration, Psychology, Human Services, Sociology or related field and

Six years of satisfactory full-time paid experience in a health, education or social agency, four years of which

must have been in a satisfactory administrative or supervisory capacity where there is responsibility for strategic planning, policy and program development and implementation, budget and personnel management and allocation, and directing and/or coordinating the work of staff in several units with separate functions;

OR

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Public Administration, Psychology, Human Services, Sociology or related field and eight (8) years of experience as noted in A).

APPOINTMENT TO THE POSIION:  Appointments to the title of Commissioner of Social Services shall be for a term of five years, pursuant to New York State law and the Tompkins County Charter and Code. Appointments are subject to the approval of the New York State Offices of Temporary and Disability Assistance.  The position is in the non-competitive class of civil service

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

This position is considered to be a public officer.  Pursuant to Article 3 of the NYS Public Officers law, the holder of this position must be a United States citizen and a resident of Tompkins County.

Tompkins County Government centers diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to the empowerment of employees and residents to dismantle systemic barriers that inhibit inclusive governance and the provision of government services to all. Guided by our values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Equity, and Stewardship, we strive to build a workplace and community rooted in trust, belonging, and opportunity for all.  

Learn more about our Strategic Plan and Institutionalizing Equity Report, which embed equity across our operations.