Human Resource Services
Alameda Skyline

Director of Social Services

Recruitment #22-6085-01

DESCRIPTION

THE COMMUNITY
Alameda County is the geographic center of the San Francisco Bay Area, located on the east side of the Bay across from the San Francisco Peninsula. Commonly referred to as the “East Bay,” the region has been the fastest growing in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than two decades. The East Bay is popular because of its desirable location, incredible diversity, ideal climate, broad economic base, welcoming communities, and business opportunities. The County itself is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the country. Alameda County offers a variety of popular destinations including theatre, world-class symphony performances, dining, and many top-rated accommodations.

The County is also home to many popular attractions including, The Oakland Museum, Chabot Space and Science Center, the Oakland Athletics, and Livermore and the Tri-Valley Wine Country. In addition, there are numerous parks, trails, and championship golf courses to enjoy. The University of California, Berkeley and California State University, East Bay are just two of the distinguished academic institutions serving Northern California. Urban transportation options are extremely accessible including the Oakland International Airport, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, and the San Francisco Bay ferry system.

THE COUNTY
Established in 1853, Alameda County has a population approaching 1.6 million residents making it the second largest county in the Bay Area and the seventh largest in the State. The County encompasses 14 cities including Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, and Union City as well as 6 unincorporated communities and rural areas that span a total of 738 square miles. Alameda County employs approximately 9,000 employees working in 21 different agencies and departments and has an annual budget of over $3 billion. As a major urban County, Alameda delivers a full spectrum of services, including general government and internal services, health care, social services, public works, criminal justice, and other public safety services for its community. The County celebrates the rich diversity of its workforce, which in large measure, is a reflection of the cultural and ethnic diversity of the community it serves. The County’s mission is to enrich the lives of its residents through visionary policies and accessible, responsive, and effective services. Its vision is to be recognized as one of the best counties in which to live, work, and do business.

For more information, visit For more information visit https://www.alamedacountysocialservices.org/index.page

THE DEPARTMENT
The Alameda County Social Services Agency employs a diverse workforce and is comprised of four operating departments: Agency Administration & Finance; Adult & Aging Services; Children & Family Services; and Workforce & Benefits Administration.

Agency Administration & Finance (AAF) provides employees and operating departments with strategic direction, support and the necessary tools, resources and services to achieve the Agency’s mission. AAF is comprised of the following: Human Resources Department; Finance Department; Information Systems Department (ISD); Office of Policy, Evaluation and Planning (OPEP); Office of Public Affairs and Community Relations; Program Integrity Division (PID); Training & Consulting Team (TACT); and the Workforce Development Board (WDB).

Adult & Aging Services (AAS) provides a coordinated, consumer focused, accessible, high-quality service delivery system that protects, supports and advocates for dependent adults, particularly those with disabilities, as well as the vulnerable elderly and aging population. AAS administers the following programs: Adult Protective Services; the Public Guardian-Conservator; the Public Administrator; In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS); the Public Authority for IHSS; Area Agency on Aging; Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program; and the Veterans Services Office.

Children & Family Services (CFS) provides children in Alameda County with the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe, healthy, nurturing, and stable home. CFS strives to ensure children receive the support and security that a family, extended family, or alternate family can provide. CFS administers the following programs: Emergency Response; Dependency Investigations; Family Reunification; Family Maintenance; Family Preservation; Independent Living Skills Program; Permanent Youth Connections; Kinship Support Services Program; Prevention and Early Intervention Programs; and Resource Caregiver Recruitment, Training & Support Services.

Workforce & Benefits Administration (WBA) promotes self-sufficiency and provides continuing economic assistance through public and private sector partnerships while fostering a workforce development system which supports individuals and families. WBA administers mandated public assistance programs and provides the required employment and supportive services for individuals and families. Programs include: CalWORKs; CalFresh; California Food Assistance Program (CFAP); Medi-Cal; CalFresh Employment & Training (CFET); General Assistance (GA); Refugee Cash Assistance; Refugee Employment Services; Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI); and Cal-Learn. The Alameda County Social Services Agency is comprised of over 2,400 employees working collectively and in partnership with community-based organizations, neighborhood groups and policy makers to serve the needs of the community.

For more information visit https://www.alamedacountysocialservices.org/ 

THE POSITION
Under appointment by the Board of Supervisors and reporting through the County Administrator, the Director of Social Services provides leadership and plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and reviews the policies, programs activities, and operations of the Social Services Agency; oversees administrative, functional and programmatic activities through subordinate management staff; advises County executive leaders and governing bodies; enlists community interest in and support of the objectives of the Social Services Agency; represents the County’s interest before legislative bodies and committees on social service matters; and performs related work as required.

Typical duties of the position include:
• Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the programs and operations of the Social Services Agency.

• Develops Agency policies in consultation with and under the direction of the Board of Supervisors through the County Administrator; determines operational policies, procedures, lines of authority and responsibility, and functional assignments; and determines agency programs, services, budget and organizational structure.

• Directs the ongoing review and evaluation of service programs and operations to identify opportunities for continuous improvement; and consults with administrative and managerial staff in charge of the various functional service areas on a regular basis concerning agency matters, including programs, services, budget and organization.

• Acts as technical and policy advisor to the Board of Supervisors; advises the Board on proposed welfare and social service related legislation; and when appropriate attends Board sessions and other policy forums to present and justify agency proposals requiring action.

• Confers with the County Administrator’s Office concerning budgetary and organizational programs and services; directs the preparation of the Agency’s budget; administers and monitors the budget to ensure accomplishment of Agency objectives within budget constraints; and directs negotiations with the County Administrator’s Office.

• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with other County and non-County departments, private organizations and individuals concerned with social services; and serves on agency committees and boards concerned with related matters.

• Keeps informed of current trends and new developments in the field of welfare and social services; reads the professional literature; and participates in professional organizations. The position is open due to the upcoming retirement of the incumbent.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Alameda County is a highly respected organization known for its strong, stable, ethical and transparent leadership. The County seeks a seasoned, strategic and innovative leader with a track record of providing outstanding social services to be its next SSA Director. The ideal candidate will be an inclusive manager with outstanding communication skills who engages and seeks feedback from customers and stakeholders. This person will also foster a culture of respect, teamwork and collaboration. The next SSA Director will embrace the opportunity to make positive contributions to the community they serve by focusing on the top priorities:

• Ensuring access to public benefits programs, such as CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Assistance, In-Home Supportive Services and Medi-Cal, for eligible individuals and families.
• Safeguarding the well-being of children by supporting biological and resource parents, as well as promoting permanency and lifetime connections for foster youth.
• Supporting and protecting vulnerable older adults and persons with disabilities by enhancing access to vital programs and coordinating systems of care.
• Facilitating access to emergency and stable housing through partnerships with other county agencies/departments, cities and community-based agencies.
• Committing to diversity, equity & inclusion by cultivating an informed and thriving workforce and supporting communities.
• Investing in our workforce through improved recruitment, retention, succession planning and professional development.
• Improving technology & information systems that will allow us to be more efficient, agile & responsive to service delivery.
• Committing to continuous quality improvement by tracking outcomes and performance.

Additionally, the next SSA Director will embrace the opportunity to enhance the work-life balance of its workforce and they will:

• Develop and implement key strategies that address the needs of a workforce in a post-COVID-19 workplace environment.
• Be proactive and strategic in recruiting and retaining top talent for the workforce.
• Review and revise policies, procedures and processes to ensure effective service delivery.
• Introduce best practices in the areas of emergency preparedness, infrastructure maintenance and optimization and IT improvements.
• Promote a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and to apply click the thumbnail below to view the recruitment brochure.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications Requires the equivalent of one year of experience in a class equivalent to or higher than Assistant Agency Director; OR Possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and in a field directly related to social service administration such as social work, public policy, public administration or business administration(Note: additional experience may be substituted for the master’s degree on a year-for-year basis); AND The equivalent of five years of increasingly responsible administrative experience, three years of which must have been as an administrator or principle assistant administrator of a large and diverse program or organization, associated with the delivery of social or human services to the public; OR Any combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to one of the patterns listed above and will provide the required knowledge and abilities.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of social service policy and program administration including modern trends in welfare and human services, planning, and program evaluation.
• Principles and techniques of modern public administration, governmental organization, management, public relations and personnel administration.
• Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations in the social services field.
• Community resources and current trends in the social services field.
• Principles of financial administration, including public sector budgeting concepts, alternative financing methods, and other diverse community funding sources.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and direct the execution of short and long-range administrative programs, operations, and activities for a large and diverse social services organization.
• Advise governing bodies and oversee complex administrative and executive activities.
• Properly interpret and make sound decisions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Develop, control and administer the Agency's budget and expenditures.
• Stimulate community interest in and support the objectives of the Social Services Agency.
• Establish and maintain good internal and public relations.
• Write and speak effectively.
• Work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the County's Mission, Vision and Values.
• Lead in a manner that is visionary, strategic and innovative when working towards change.
• Collaborate with other Agencies and Departments to meet overall county-wide needs while leveraging financial and other resources.
• Use business acumen to build a strong organization which delivers results.
• Provide the highest level of service delivery to diverse customers.
• Use interpersonal skills to communicate effectively.
• Promote personal and professional growth for self and others.
• Work effectively as a member and leader of diverse teams.

Selection Plan

HOW TO APPLY
Please apply on-line immediately at www.allianceRC.com. This recruitment may close at anytime before August 1, 2022.  For questions, inquiries or candidate recommendations, please contact: Sherrill Uyeda or Cindy Krebs

ALLIANCE RESOURCE CONSULTING LLC
Telephone: (562) 901-0769
Email: suyeda@alliancerc.com or ckrebs@alliancerc.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-resource-consulting

BENEFITS

The salary for this position is within an established annual range of $218,067 to $279,739 and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. In addition, Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options and other benefits to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. These benefits include but are not limited to:

For Health & Well-Being
• Medical Insurance – HMO Plans • Dental Insurance – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision Insurance Plans
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage)
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (with optional dependent coverage)
• County Allowance (Employer Credit)
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefit Plans - Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• Employee Assistance Program

For Financial Planning 
• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan with County contribution)
• Employee Retirement Plan (401a Plan with County contribution)

For Work/Life Balance
• Car Allowance
• 11 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Legal Plan
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g., At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, etc.)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g., theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1stUnited Services Credit Union Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.

This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change

Conclusion

Disaster Service Worker

All Alameda County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law.  Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.  Employees are required to report to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Alameda County has a diverse workforce, that is representative of the communities we serve, and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance and business need. Alameda County does not discriminate in employment on the basis of, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors protected under federal, state and local law. Alameda County celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive, and welcoming workplace environment.