DSS Names New Williamsburg County Director

Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) named Tara Bradshaw as Director of Williamsburg County DSS on June 2, 2017. Ms. Bradshaw has been serving as Interim County Director in Williamsburg since the retirement of Barbara Parrott in September 2016.

Ms. Bradshaw has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Limestone College and a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University.

Ms. Bradshaw has been employed with the South Carolina Department of Social Services for 15 years.  Her tenure with SCDSS includes positions in both Human and Economic Services, including county child welfare services, and Intensive Foster Care and Clinical services.  She most recently worked as the Program Coordinator with the DSS Region IV Foster Home Licensing & Support Unit and her foster care job responsibilities are being transitioned to other staff.  Ms. Bradshaw’s professional work experience also includes employment with South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation where she served as a Disability Examiner and Counselor for three years.   

As she starts her first month in this permanent position, Ms. Bradshaw said, “I will greatly miss working with foster children and parents on a day-to-day basis. It has been so rewarding to help children in crisis.” She looks forward to working with the staff and community partners to serve the children and families of Williamsburg County. “I am very is excited about my new position and being able to focus 100% of my attention on Williamsburg.”  Her hometown is Olanta, SC in Florence County and she currently resides in Olanta.   

“I am confident that Ms. Bradshaw will serve the citizens of Williamsburg County well,” said Paula Richardson, MPA, DSS Regional Director, Region IV. “Throughout her DSS career, Tara has demonstrated exceptional leadership and public service. Her commitment to children and families is strong, as is her commitment to workforce and community development.”