DFCS County BoardThe Habersham County Department of Family and Children Services office is assisted by a five-member board appointed by the County Commisioners. The role of the DFCS Board is a combination of advocacy, resource development, political activism, staff relations, customer service and administrative functions. All of these are important to the Division and County Department. When the DFCS Boards were first created, local county Boards had limited authority over county operations. That has changed over the past several decades to more of a supportive role. The board’s primary role is to be the link between the agency and the community. A board member should have a wide range of contacts, knowledge and skills which provide a rich pool of resources for expanding the ability of Habersham County Department of Family and Children Services to effectively serve residents of Habersham County. County Commissioners appoint DFCS Board members using the following guidelines:
Attendance is expected at all monthly board meetings throughout the year. Additionally, attendance is expected at staff appreciation functions, annual retreats and regional and statewide board conferences and training. Board member orientation will be conducted by the DFCS County Director and DFCS Board Chairman within 90 days of appointment. Here are the basic responsibilities of the board: Resource DevelopmentThe agency relies on board members to work with public officials and county residents to identify additional resources to benefit clients and aid county DFCS operations. Examples of involvement include: speaking to groups and organizations to develop foster homes as well as assisting the county director in obtaining adequate facilities and equipment. Staff Partnerships and Morale Building Board members should assist the county director and other management staff in building staff morale and motivation through recognition of good performance and demonstrating sensitivity to staff needs. When board members share ownership with county staff for the success of the department’s programs, the county staff is much more effective. Customer Service The board serves to remind county staff of the overall commitment to good customer service. Recognizing that customers enter through different doors and are from different segments of the population, many people are DFCS customers. The board is essential in measuring the impact of customer service and program effectiveness from their unique positions in the community. Administration and Financial The county board reviews the annual budgets of the county department. The state operating budget for the county department is assigned by the division from funds appropriated by the Georgia General Assembly. Guidelines for expending the budget are set by the division. The county director has authority to disperse these funds and is accountable for management of the budget. It is the responsibility of the DFCS Board to assist the county director in requesting funds from county authorities as needed, set policy for utilization of county funds, to approve expenditures and to assist the county director with fiscal controls. |
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