The Office of the Director includes Organizational Development and Equity, Quality Assurance, Communications, The Fund for Human Services and Grant Management. The director and deputy director oversee all operations and direct care services in the 650+ person department.

The DCHS move to 4850 Mark Center Drive was realized in 2023, bringing together programs from eight locations across the city, and allowing clients to more easily access a range of services, in addition to improving employee and community collaboration.

See updates on the DCHS projects developed under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that resulted in a $59.4 million allocation to the City of Alexandria to support businesses, basic needs for families, pandemic recovery efforts and long-term community investment.

DCHS employees in Adult Services provide compassionate and effective services that support self-determination, recovery and resiliency for Alexandria residents affected by mental health conditions, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders.

Child and family-serving staff support the community’s critical needs in children's mental health services, drug and alcohol prevention and treatment, domestic violence and sexual assault prevention, positive youth development, child abuse prevention, early intervention and child care services.

The Center for Economic Support guides Alexandrians in accessing a range of human service programs and benefits, works to reduce homelessness and eviction, operationalizes strategies to address food scarcity and helps people obtain training and employment.

The Operations Team continued to prepare DCHS for the move to a new single location, managed the Department’s budget, maintained all facilities to ensure execution of essential operations, and supported the human resources and information technology needs.

City of Alexandria managers, Alexandria City Council, the DCHS leadership team and affiliated boards and commissions provide oversight and strategic guidance for DCHS programs. In collaboration with DCHS’s community partners, we ensure the well-being, safety and self-sufficiency of Alexandrians.

Read the words of our clients and see excerpts of their lives.