Unit Manager Social Support (Engels)

The Unit Manager for Social Support oversees the Social Support Unit and is responsible for leading the team that provides social support within the Public Entity of Sint Eustatius.

The Social Support Unit falls under the Directorate of the Social Domain and has as its primary objective the support and activation of citizens’ social and societal participation, as well as monitoring compliance with prescribed regulations, provisions, and conditions in areas including labour affairs, social work, parenting support, and the approach to domestic violence and child abuse. As Unit Manager, you develop policy, coordinate projects, and ensure the implementation of social programs that contribute to the well-being of residents. You work closely with other departments and external partners to provide integrated support.

The Unit Manager for Social Support leads the unit and provides the substantive expertise required for shaping various policy initiatives and projects, coordinates implementation, contributes to the development of the annual operational sub-plans, and prepares project proposals. The Directorate of the Social Domain’s Master Plan “Strong Roots” is the guiding framework, central to the mission of establishing a strong social foundation for the Statian community: a Statia in which every resident can thrive across all life domains, including participation, youth, family, social support, care, employment, lifelong learning, and leisure.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead the Social Support Unit and ensure optimal collaboration within the team.
• As an integrated manager, be responsible for task allocation, progress monitoring, and ensuring the efficient functioning of the unit, as well as the quality of its outputs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate policy in the area of social support.
• Coordinate projects and programs aimed at social participation and self-reliance.
• Oversee, plan, and coordinate the implementation of socially oriented programs and services, set priorities, provide guidance, make recommendations, and implement changes and innovations.
• Stimulate and promote the social and civic participation of citizens and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Identify bottlenecks and opportunities within the social domain and respond accordingly.
• Advise management and the Executive Council on social issues.
• Maintain regular contact with various ministries (including SZW, VWS, OCW, BZK, and J&V) regarding developments within the unit and critically contribute to the formulation of new policies.
• Maintain contacts with partners and stakeholders.
• Analyze data and, based on the directorate plan, prepare the annual planning and budget for the unit; in consultation with your supervisor, determine financial priorities and produce periodic reports.
• Draft socially oriented policy papers, project proposals and plans, and advisory notes.
• Coach, guide, and evaluate the unit’s employees.
• Perform related duties as required to support the unit’s objectives.

Job Requirements

• A completed bachelor’s degree (HBO/WO level) in Social Work, Management, or a related social domain.
• Demonstrable experience in management within the social domain, with at least five years of management experience.
• Broad knowledge of relevant BES legislation and regulations in the area of social and community affairs.
• Knowledge of and/or strong affinity with the social challenges present on St. Eustatius.
• Knowledge and understanding of labor-related matters and associated issues.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and Dutch.
• Good organizational skills.
• A strong sense of political, intercultural, administrative, and societal dynamics.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and connecting attitude.

Required Skills and Competencies

• A clear and future-oriented vision, enabling you to guide the unit with direction and purpose.
• Strong problem-analysis skills, allowing you to assess complex social issues and determine appropriate interventions.
• Creativity in developing innovative approaches and solutions within the social domain.
• A results-oriented mindset, ensuring consistent progress and high-quality outcomes.
• Sound judgement in decision-making, even in sensitive or ambiguous situations.
• Political sensitivity, with the ability to navigate intercultural, administrative, and societal dynamics effectively.
• A collaborative and networking-oriented attitude, fostering strong partnerships both internally and externally.

Employment Conditions

• Temporary employment for a trial period of one year, with the prospect of permanent employment.
• Holiday allowance of 8.33% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33% of the annual salary.
• 168 holiday hours per year pro rata based on a 36-hour working week.
• Inclusion in the pension fund.
• A supportive and professional working environment.
• A relocation scheme for candidates who respond from outside the island.
• Salary: Scale 11, gross monthly between $4,710.15 - $6,094.12 (36-hour workweek). Placement in preliminary salary scale 9 or 10 (minimum $3,576.23 and maximum $5,320.73) is possible if the candidate does not fully meet all requirements. Salary scale will be determined based on experience, knowledge, and education.
• Room for personal development and growth.
• A challenging position within a dynamic and socially engaged organization.
• Market-conform salary and good secondary employment conditions.

About The Public Entity of Sint Eustatius (OLE)

The Public Entity of Sint Eustatius (OLE) carries out both municipal and provincial tasks on this special municipality of the Netherlands. Together with our 180 colleagues, we work towards good governance, sustainable development, and a strong community. Working at OLE means helping shape the future of a unique and resilient island.

Additional Requirements

• An assessment, case, and/or reference check may be part of the procedure.
• The selected candidate must provide a certificate of good conduct (VOG) and undergo medical evaluation for inclusion in the pension fund.
• The following order of preference will be applied during the selection process:
  • Official staff of OLE (internal)
  • Residents from or currently living on Sint Eustatius
  • Residents of the Caribbean part of the Netherlands
  • All other candidates
• A preference will be given to candidates who are locally based.