Assistant Director, Employment and Benefit Services

Job Summary

The Social Services Agency (SSA) seeks an Assistant Director, Employment and Benefit Services to lead a portfolio of bureaus providing essential public assistance and employment programs. The successful candidate will shape how vital services are delivered across the county, building systems that provide families with compassionate, timely, and effective support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead bureau operations and staff
• Guide managers in setting and implementing departmental objectives
• Evaluate and monitor operational procedures for regulatory compliance and service delivery
• Review organizational structures and service models to maximize efficiency
• Provide coaching and direction to strengthen staff understanding of policies, procedures, and program expectations
• Maintain strong relationships with community partners
• Represent DEBS in interagency initiatives and collaborative forums

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of eligibility programs, case management practices, and operational realities
• A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, strengthens partnerships, and inspires teams
• A proven ability to lead large, diverse teams with clarity, transparency, and integrity
• Exceptional communication and public-speaking skills
• A strong commitment to equitable, client-centered public service

What You'll Do

• Plan, organize, manage, evaluate, and direct bureau operations and staff
• Guide managers in setting and implementing departmental objectives aligned with Agency priorities
• Establish and monitor operational procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and exceptional service delivery
• Organize and review organizational structures, service models, and workloads to maximize efficiency
• Provide coaching and direction to strengthen staff understanding of policies, procedures, and program expectations
• Maintain strong relationships with community partners to assess needs, evaluate program effectiveness, and expand outreach efforts
• Represent DEBS in interagency initiatives, collaborative forums, and community engagements

What Success Looks Like

• In the first 6–12 months: Strengthen bureau operations by improving communication, consistency, and alignment with Agency priorities; assess workflows, caseload management practices, and service delivery to identify the most urgent improvement opportunities; build trust with staff, managers, and community partners through transparency, responsiveness, and clear expectations
• In the long term: Improve timeliness, quality, and efficiency across eligibility and employment services programs; enhance operational effectiveness through improved workflows, resource allocation, and modernized case management practices; position DEBS as a model for client-centered, equitable, and effective service delivery within Santa Clara County

Why Join Us

• Influence the future of service delivery in one of California’s most impactful public agencies
• Help build systems that advance equity, improve outcomes, and strengthen community well-being
• Work alongside passionate professionals dedicated to public service
• Be part of a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Executive Benefits

• Strategic Financial and Retirement Benefits
• CalPERS pension with reciprocity across most California public agencies
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with both pre-tax and Roth options
• $325,000 in term life insurance plus $300,000 in accidental death and disability coverage
• Eligible employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Premium health insurance options (Kaiser, HealthNet, Valley Health Plan)
• Fully covered dental and vision plans for individuals and families
• Employee Assistance Program, Dependent Care Assistance, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition reimbursement and internal executive development programs

Application Process and Key Dates

This recruitment will be open on a continuous basis until the position is filled. It may close or be extended as early as 10 days after posting. Early application is strongly encouraged. Please check the website regularly for updates. Apply at: https://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/career-seekers

Next Steps

Following mutual interest, a comprehensive background investigation and reference check will be conducted. Finalists will be asked to provide at least five professional references, with prior authorization obtained by Executive Services. Questions regarding this executive recruitment may be directed to Kendra Conrad, Executive Services at kendra.conrad@esa.sccgov.org.