Under general administrative direction from the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator, directs and administers the County Human Services Department; and does other related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Director of Human Services is an at-will, single position class that is exempt from the San Joaquin County Civil Service system. The incumbent is responsible for leading, managing, and administering the programs, functions, budgets and activities of the department, which include a variety of community services as well as the applicable federal and state public assistance provisions which further the general welfare. The incumbent ensures that department programs and operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as with the policies established by the County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors. The incumbent is expected to model a strong work ethic and leadership skills, including accountability for oneself and others.
TYPICAL DUTIES
This specification is a general guideline for the class. The statements below are not restrictive and the responsibilities and duties assigned to a position in this class may expand beyond those identified in the specification.
Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the operation of the County Human Services Department; directs operations to maximize efficiency, improve service levels, reduce administrative and service provision costs, and ensure effective utilization of available resources; exercises good judgment and makes sound business decisions in managing department activities; provides strategic leadership within the department through communication, demonstration, and accomplishment of the organizational mission, vision, and values.
Through subordinate managers, manages the work activities and responsibilities assigned to staff and delegates administrative, technical, and supervisory responsibility as appropriate; directs and administers department personnel matters, including employee selection, assignment and evaluation; directs employee discipline as required; directs and oversees staff development and training.
Directs the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures; analyzes and interprets existing and proposed legislation as well as various regulations, policies, procedures, and other directives to determine impact on operations.
Directs the development, preparation, and administration of the department budget(s); determines appropriate levels of service; analyzes services to ensure cost effectiveness and superior customer service; presents budget requests to the County Administrator and Board of Supervisors with accompanying justification.
Meets and confers with representatives of state and other social agencies on matters related to the development of new programs, coordination of services offered, and interagency relationships; insures that federal and state mandated programs are understood and requirements are being met.
Attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and provides recommendations on program policy areas; acts as liaison between the Board of Supervisors, the department, governmental agencies, and various special interest groups.
Confers with management staff, employees, and others on policies, procedures, and workload standards; explains and interprets rules and regulations concerning the administration of programs; provides for a community relations program to explain department programs and goals; addresses community organizations on various aspects of the department’s programs.
Directs and manages the effective development and utilization of technology to improve systems and processes.
Develops and maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with State and County officials, other counties, community groups, and the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited university with a master’s degree in business administration, public administration, social work, social science, or a related field.
Experience: Seven years of senior-level management experience with comprehensive responsibility for a major public social service program.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of public administration, including effective organization, administration, fiscal management, and supervision; principles of social work, including group work and community organizations; principles, practices, and techniques associated with managing and administering a large social service and public assistance agency; public social services funding and cost accounting; human behavioral problems and socio-economic backgrounds, and their relationship to the need for and function of public assistance; social planning and utilization of community resources; federal, state, and local social programs and related legislation; social, political, and economic issues influencing program administration; principles and practices of public relations principles and customer service; modern office technology and computer software programs relevant to assigned operations.
ABILITY
Plan and direct the operations and programs associated with a large social service and public assistance agency in a cost-effective manner while also ensuring excellent customer service; efficiently and effectively apply the principles, practices, and techniques of public social services administration, and coordinate program activities to achieve efficiency of operation and meet strategic goals; provide appropriate and effective leadership and management over diverse staff teams, including subordinate managers and supervisors; exercise good judgment and make sound managerial decisions; exercise analytical and critical thinking to analyze complex problems and recommend appropriate solutions; understand, interpret and apply legal codes, regulations, and rules pertaining to program operations; prepare and administer budgets, as well as fiscal and financial records; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare and deliver thorough and comprehensive written reports and give oral presentations to small and large groups; respond appropriately to widely varied demands and complaints regarding services; direct the utilization of complex automated systems and manage automation efforts, including the direction of systems development, maintenance, and operation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted over the course of work, including other County departments, external agencies, employees, and the general public.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility—frequent sitting for long periods; frequent walking; occasional standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing stairs; frequent operation of a data entry device; Lifting—frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual—constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Hearing/Talking—frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person; Dexterity—frequent use of normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motion; Emotional/Psychological—frequent decision-making, concentration, and public contact; Special Requirements--may occasionally require working nights and weekends; Environmental—frequent work in an indoor office environment; occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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