About
Who we are
The voice of local DSS leadership
The Virginia League of Social Services Executives (VLSSE) is the professional association of leaders from Virginia’s 120 local Departments of Social Services (DSS). Membership is by local DSS agency; each agency is represented by its director, with assistant and/or deputy directors serving as additional representatives.
Virginia is state supervised, locally administered: VDSS sets statewide policy and provides oversight; local DSS agencies deliver services in every city and county. This model makes collaboration across VLSSE essential.
What we do
The voice of local DSS leadership
VLSSE oversees content committees that focus on improving delivery of federally and state-mandated social services. These committees collaborate with VDSS, DARS, DMAS, OCS, DOE, and partners such as the Virginia Commission on Youth, Virginia Poverty Law Center, and VACo to jointly develop system improvements. They set goals for the League and recommend VLSSE positions on proposed legislation, regulations, and guidance from federal and state partners.
Collaborate & align:
Foster collegial relationships among local leaders and coordinate with state agencies to keep policy and practice in sync.
Shape policy & guidance:
Formulate, implement, and advocate for legislation and policies that promote public welfare.
Lead through committees:
Internal and content committees research issues, develop recommendations, and elevate solutions for statewide adoption.
Share practice:
Sponsor conferences in May and November alongside membership meetings to surface what works and strengthen leadership.
Our history
Virginia has helped those in need for over three centuries. In 1646, an act established a workhouse to care for and teach job skills to children in poverty. By 1661, a government-run child welfare program was in place. For many years, Virginia largely followed the English almshouse system, creating shelters for people who were poor, older, or in distress—laying the groundwork for today’s services.
Organized in 1948, incorporated in 1979, and recognized as a 501(c)(4) in 1980, the Virginia League of Social Services Executives has united local DSS leadership to align policy and practice across the Commonwealth.
Virginia social services milestones
State Board of Charities & Corrections created
State Board of Public Welfare & Commissioner established; local welfare units created
Social Security Act (AFDC, Old Age Assistance, Aid to the Blind)
Virginia Public Assistance Act requires a local department in every jurisdiction
State Department of Welfare and Institutions created
Aid to Permanently & Totally Disabled added
Medical Assistance for the Aged added
Medicaid program created; War on Poverty declared
Welfare separated from institutions; nine-member State Board of Welfare created
Renamed Department of Social Services (VDSS)
Our leadership
VLSSE is led by elected officers and district representatives who form the Board of Directors.
Executive officers
President; Vice Presidents (committees, affiliates, programs, membership); Secretary; Treasurer.
District representation
One representative from each League district.
Affiliates at the table
Presidents of approved affiliate organizations sit on the Board and may vote.
Committees
Committees are where League work happens, from studying issues, coordinating with partners, to proposing improvements.
Internal committees:
Audit, Awards, Budget, Bylaws, Legislative, Website.
Content committees:
Adult Services; Benefit Programs; Child & Family; Child Care; Employment/TANF; Local Agency Administration; Personnel; Professional Development.
Interested in serving on a committee? Contact the First Vice President (committee coordination) or the Membership Committee / Fourth Vice President.
VLSSE leads a family of affiliate organizations and coordinates unified advocacy.
Unified voice
A single lobbyist, selected by the Board, represents the League and its affiliates on legislative matters.
Affiliates
System partners (examples)
