Introducing the New DSS Director for Sampson County
Published on December 17, 2024
We are excited to welcome Patty Santos as the new Director of the Department of Social Services (DSS) in Sampson County. As a long-time resident with deep roots in the community, Santos brings a wealth of experience and a passion for public service to this role.
Ms. Santos started her career in social services in 2008 as a foreign language interpreter for Child Protective Services and Foster Care at Sampson DSS, where she realized the profound impact social workers could have on families in need. After two years of interpreting, she transitioned into a role as a CPS social worker, who directly supported families facing crisis, shaping her approach to compassionate service.
In 2016, Ms. Santos took on the role of Social Work Supervisor, providing guidance to fellow social workers and helping to improve the overall support system. Her career path continued to evolve with a move to the state level in 2020 as a Regional Child Welfare Consultant. She worked closely with various county departments to optimize service delivery. In 2022, Santos returned to Sampson DSS as Deputy Director and oversees Child Welfare, Adult Services, and Child Support divisions.
As a proud member of the community, Patty Santos is driven by a strong desire to improve the lives of residents and create a positive, supportive environment for both her DSS team and the community. “Sampson County is my home, and I genuinely want what is best for our community,” says Santos. “I am most excited about continuing to make Social Services a great place to work – a place where the staff have the resources needed to carry out their work in providing the residents of Sampson County with the services they need.”
In the coming year, Ms. Santos plans to focus on staff retention by fostering a culture of respect and appreciation, ensuring employees are equipped to enhance the quality of life for Sampson County residents. There will also be an emphasis on building the training unit and establishing a structured quality assurance program to improve services.
“Integrity, dedication, transparency, and accountability are the values that guide me. My primary focus is to serve, to meet people where they are, and to assist them in improving their lives through our resources and services.” says Patty Santos. Sampson County DSS is also committed to data-driven decision-making, striving to improve and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our community.
As Santos begins this exciting new chapter, she added: “I have had the privilege of learning from great leaders throughout my career, including Sarah Bradshaw and Lynn Fields, the previous DSS Directors, and I am thankful for their mentorship. I look forward to making a positive difference for the residents of Sampson County.”
Sampson County is thrilled to have Patty Santos to be the Sampson DSS Director and look forward to her leadership and bringing meaningful improvements to both our community and the department in the years ahead.
Patty Santos is currently serving as the Interim Director of Social Services and will officially assume the role of Director on January 1, 2025.