Deputy Director - Department of County Human Services (DCHS)

About the role

The Department of County Human Services (DCHS) seeks a Deputy Director to assist the Department Director with the leadership, vision, direction, and accountability for activities and operations of the department’s divisions. The Deputy Director will support the Department Director in managing a budget of approximately $559 million and overseeing a workforce of approximately 1,140 employees.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Department Director and the four Divisions of DCHS: Aging, Disability, and Veterans Services; Intellectual and Development Disabilities Services; Youth and Family Services; and Preschool and Early Learning.
• Manage the daily administrative operations of the department and lead day-to-day functions, the Strategic Engagement Team (SET), Trauma Informed Practice, Emergency Management & Mass Care Coordination, and any other functions as assigned by the Department Director.
• Represent the department to the public, community-based organizations, the Board, Chairs' Office, and the community at large.
• Guide internal teams to engage in department-wide high-priority initiatives and work collaboratively with senior leaders to identify process improvement opportunities addressing efficiency, effectiveness, customer focus, data-driven, and with an equity lens.
• Oversee the execution of Mass Care (Emergency Support Function 6 / ESF-6) services, including shelter, food, water, and life-safety distribution systems for unhoused and vulnerable populations.
• Ensure the Department Strategic Plan is embedded and implemented across each Division and intersects with the Countywide Strategic Plan.
• Provide leadership and policy direction as DCHS liaison to central County services such as IT, Facilities, Talent Development, Privacy/HIPAA, Government Relations and Communications.
• Develop and support talent management strategies to support diversity and backfill requirements.
• Oversee the Leadership development and training initiative for the department.
• Provide oversight and policy direction for DCHS fiscal systems development and planning.
• Lead, coordinate, and participate in the development of departmental work plans, strategic plans, goals, and objectives.
• Act as a resource, provide direction, guidance, and leadership to staff; advise on the more complex and sensitive concerns and issues; may select, direct, and manage the work of consultants.
• Develop, administer, assist, and monitor budgets in partnership with the Finance Director; develop justifications for budgetary recommendations and/or adjustments; participate in forecasting additional funds for staffing and resources; identify, obtain, and manage funding from grants and community partners; participate in the interpretation, negotiation, management, and enforcement of contracts; coordinate the finalization of budgets to ensure timely submission of the department budget.
• Apply an equity lens to all decision-making, actively identifying and dismantling policies and practices that create unnecessary barriers and perpetuate unlawful discrimination.
• Cultivate deep partnerships with specialized housing providers and advocacy groups to design and implement residential programs that specifically support individuals with diverse needs.
• Develop and conceptualize new enterprises or joint ventures among various agencies, both internal and external to the County, to create innovative, or more efficient or effective services.
• Serve as a primary liaison and authorized representative for DCHS to public officials, Board Commissioners, government relations bodies, and media outlets.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience
• Minimum of 6 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in Human Services
• Minimum of 6 years experience managing and working in a public sector unionized (represented) environment

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• Master’s Degree
• 6 years of Experience in Senior Level role focused on Human Services
• Substantial experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource optimization
• Direct, substantial experience in a large county (i.e., 5,000 + employees), state, or municipal government or other comparable complex public-sector entity
• Demonstrated experience communicating complex human capital strategies and organizational data clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, ranging from frontline employees and union representatives to executive leadership and the Board of Commissioners
• Experience in promoting a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values
• Transferable skills: Any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position