Social Services Program Manager III - DFCS

About the Role

The Social Services Program Manager III (SSPM III) in the Administrative Services Bureau (ASB) provides strategic direction for critical administrative and operational functions supporting Child Welfare services. This senior leadership position oversees bureau-wide initiatives, leads multidisciplinary teams, and partners with executive leadership to strengthen organizational effectiveness, improve service delivery, and advance the department’s mission of protecting children and strengthening families.

The SSPM III plans, directs, manages, and evaluates the Administrative Support Services Bureau, overseeing programs and initiatives that provide operational support to Child Welfare, including human resources coordination, policy development, onboarding of newly hired Child Welfare social workers, and other essential administrative functions. The bureau is expected to expand its responsibilities to include Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Case Reviews, and the prevention continuum of contacts.

The incumbent serves as a key member of the department’s leadership team, providing strategic guidance on organizational priorities, operational improvements, and system-wide initiatives while ensuring compliance with County, State, and Federal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, directs, administers, and oversees Social Services Agency activities for one or more programs or operations providing direct service to the public or other agencies.
• Defines personnel resource needs and allocates them to meet program objectives.
• Selects, hires, directs, and evaluates staff; ensures orientation, training, and development of program personnel.
• Provides consultation on cases that may be individually-based or family-focused as part of staff direction, guidance, and mentoring.
• Develops and implements administrative policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems.
• Determines the scope, character, and service delivery system of social services in the County of Santa Clara.
• Communicates with Federal and State authorities on pending legislation or regulations and ensures appropriate interpretation of requirements.
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, and County mandates for assigned programs.
• Assesses service delivery systems and ensures customer satisfaction.
• Initiates, reviews, and evaluates recommendations on goals, policies, plans, projects, programs, and outcomes to meet community needs.
• Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes service or program data and implements changes as applicable.
• Develops partnerships with community-based organizations and other County departments or agencies.
• Acts as liaison and represents the Social Services Agency in contacts with public and private organizations, individual members of the public, and the Board of Supervisors.
• May develop and establish public education or social media campaigns and deliver oral and written presentations to internal and external agencies and organizations.
• Administers and monitors contracts, including overseeing the solicitation process, drafting provisions, and evaluating performance of contract agencies and community-based organizations.
• Confers with State and other agencies on interpretation of rulings involving court orders, legal mandates, or policy changes.
• Coordinates program automation and guides staff and customers on related processes.
• Coordinates general Social Services Agency support for staff and customers.
• Researches funding alternatives and administers public funds and grant funding.
• Determines and submits budgetary requirements to maintain programs.
• Prepares reports and correspondence.
• May give depositions, testify in court, and meet and coordinate with law enforcement, County Counsel, and other legal entities.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Behavioral Science, Social Work, Social Psychology, Psychology, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a closely related field. Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience—including interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data, formulating recommendations, and report writing—can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis. Seven (7) years of analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience in the field of human services is required.

A Master’s or Doctoral Degree in the fields listed above may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Special Requirements

• Some positions may require Live Scan screening as part of the background check process.
• Ability to travel to alternate work locations.
• If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• As a condition of employment, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs) and may be required to complete DSW-related training and return to work during emergencies as ordered.

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of organization, budget preparation, personnel and financial administration, community relations, and employee supervision, training, and development.
• Program evaluation, planning, and development principles and techniques.
• Operation and functions of public assistance and social service agencies, including social services objectives applicable to areas of responsibility.
• Diversity issues as they impact the local community.
• Current capabilities, processes, and applications of automation.
• Principal public and private resources available to the community for referral or utilization in social services programs.
• Laws, regulations, and administrative guidelines affecting employment, training, public assistance, and other social services applicable to areas of responsibility.
• Labor laws and administrative policies governing memoranda of understanding with the County’s various represented employee organizations.
• Applicable sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
• Health and safety standards, such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Common computer systems and applications.

Skills

• Planning, organizing, and directing the activities of Social Services Agency programs and services.
• Effectively selecting, hiring, and supervising staff; ensuring appropriate orientation, training, and development of program personnel.
• Allocating resources and personnel effectively.
• Developing and maintaining internal operational procedures and policies for assigned programs or offices.
• Interpreting and ensuring appropriate implementation of Federal and State regulations pertaining to assigned programs; staying abreast of developments related to program activities.
• Analyzing procedures, data, and other pertinent reports and recommending courses of action.
• Applying principles and theories of casework in a consultative and managerial capacity.
• Utilizing technology to automate processes and educate the public on social service programs.
• Directing the development and preparation of plans, including major needs assessments, demographic data, survey results, and program designs.
• Consulting with and advising the Department Director or other executive management staff on program activities, status, and fiscal impacts.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies at all levels.
• Preparing and presenting oral and written reports clearly and concisely.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Creating a customer-friendly environment.
• Representing the Agency before the Board of Supervisors, State and Federal agency representatives, and other stakeholders, boards, commissions, or citizen groups.