DCDSS Administration

Structure and Organization

North Carolina has a system of state-supervised, county-administered departments of social services responsible for the provision of public assistance and social services programs for citizens of North Carolina. Generally these county departments act as agents of the State under the supervision of the State Division of Social Services and the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Social Services is, however, a part of local government and its employees are county employees.

Each county, except Mecklenburg and Wake, has a county Board of Social Services responsible for establishing county policies, in conformity with state rules and regulations. Typically the Board consists of five members, two chosen by the State Social Services Commission, two chosen by the County Board of Commissioners, and the fifth member selected by the other four members. Usually, a County Commissioner fills one of the Board of Commissioner slots in order to improve communication. The County Board of Social Services meets monthly in open session to conduct necessary business.

One of the most important rules of the Social Services Board is the selection of the County Department of Social Services Director. The Director , both directly and through staff, administers the programs of the agency. NCGS 108A-14 specifies fourteen duties and responsibilities of the Director, including the hiring of staff.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners also plays an important role in relation to Social Services. Their primary responsibility is to provide necessary county funds and approval of the Department of Social Services budget.

Financial Information

Social Services is financed by a complex, activity/program-specific blend of federal, state, and county funding. Available federal and state funding for programs ranges from 100% funded to no financial participation.

The total budget for Social Services for FY 06-07 is about $31 million dollars. Not all of these funds flow through the county budget. The federal government provides approximately 59% of the necessary funding. State government provides approximately 27% and county government approximately 14% of necessary funding.

Almost 23 million dollars of the Social Services budget goes to fund Medicaid. This program provides needed medical insurance to a variety of groups (See Medicaid for additional information). Most expenditures are for prescribed drugs and nursing home and hospital care for the elderly and disabled.