ASSISTANT  DIRECTOR – HEALTH SERVICES AGENCY or HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Job Specifications

Class Code:

SP8 

Analyst: 

MM, TC, MM

Date Originated:

7/82 

Date Revised:

7/04 , 2/08, 9/10

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general direction of the Health Services Agency or Human Services Department Director assists in the planning, administering, managing, and monitoring of the services for the Health Services Agency or Human Services Department; and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

For Both Positions:  This class is characterized by the responsibility for assisting the Director in administering and managing policy, programs and delivery systems to meet State and Federal requirements as well as local needs.  It is also distinguished by providing highly responsible administrative and fiscal support to the Director and assumes full responsibility in the absence of the Director.

Health Services Agency:  The incumbent assists the Health Services Agency Director in administration and management of the clinical care systems and health services delivery systems and Agency programs including all activities associated with public health, outpatient medical clinics, community mental health, substance abuse, Agency administration and MediCruz/health benefits. 

Human Services Department:  The incumbent assists the Human Services Department Director in administration and management of the social service and human services delivery systems and Department programs including all activities associated with social services programs, employment & training programs, income maintenance and other related programs.

TYPICAL TASKS

Assists in establishing and carrying out the goals, objectives and plans of the agency or department; assists in establishing and maintaining appropriate administrative policies and services; analyzes  the structure, controls and reporting systems to ensure the effective and required performance of the programs and delivery systems and recommends changes where needed; recommends and implements new and revised policies, procedures, best practices, and data analysis to effect maximum operational efficiency and ensure compliance with County, State and Federal requirements; plans, develops and coordinates the department programs with the Director and other key management staff; directs and controls the work of division chiefs, managers and other subordinates;  reviews internal management reports; develops or coordinates the preparation of major departmental position papers and reports for the Board of Supervisors, the California Department of Health and/or California Department of Social Services departmental staff, internal staff and others; directs and/or participates in the preparation of the department’s annual budget for programs and services; analyzes expenditures and revenues to ensure fiscal prudence; reviews Federal grants, contracts and agreements to ensure the provision of appropriate services to the community; conducts reviews of pertinent legislation to determine impact on agency or department programs; oversees the development of key clinical programs and coalitions in response to community needs; troubleshoots major system and community problems with the Director and other stakeholders and implements remediation plans as necessary with partners; oversees the development of data processing and management information systems; interprets policies and programs of the department for administrative and line staff, as well as other agencies, news media, groups, and individuals in the community; serves as staff support to various commissions and committees.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

For both positions:

Knowledge:

  • Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of organization and management.
  • Thorough knowledge of local government organization and operations and inter-relationships between county government, federal, state and local governments and community organizations.  
  • Working knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental budgeting.
  • Working knowledge of grant applications and contracts.
  • Working knowledge of the effective principles and practices of personnel management.
  • Some knowledge of data processing systems.

 

Health Services Agency:

 

·          Working knowledge of the goals and objectives of healthcare and health prevention and promotion programs.

·          Working knowledge of the goals and objectives of health finance and insurance programs.

·          Working knowledge of health planning, basic community health needs and public and private community health resources.

·          Working knowledge of the principles and practices of health system budgeting.

·          Some knowledge of health information technology, health privacy issues, and health related laws such as California Welfare and Institutions Code.

 

Human Services Department:

 

  • Working knowledge of the goals and objectives of social service and income maintenance programs.
  • Working knowledge of the goals and objectives of employment and training programs.
  • Working knowledge of social planning, basic community needs and public and private community resources.
  • Working knowledge of the principles and practices of human and social services budgeting
  • Some knowledge of the information systems utilized by the department, confidentiality/privacy issues, and human services laws such as the California Welfare and Institutions Code and the Social Security Act.

Ability to:

  • Assist in planning, organizing, and directing an agency with diverse and complex activities to meet established goals and objectives.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials and agencies, boards, commissions, civic leaders, community organizations and the public.
  • Interpret and explain agency or department policy and program practices to the public, staff and other public officials.
  • Comprehend and interpret complex regulations, laws and directives.
  • Exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in solving difficult and complex administrative, managerial and technical problems.
  • Prepare and present accurate, comprehensive and concise oral and written reports.
  • Direct management and other subordinate staff.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Health Services:  A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business administration, public administration, hospital administration, health care administration, public health administration or a closely related field AND four years of extensive budgetary, administrative and management experience that demonstrates application or possession of the knowledge and abilities listed above.

 

Strongly desired qualifications may include:

·         An extensive clinical background.

·         A graduate degree in a health related field.

·         Possession of any one of the following license/certificates: Clinical Psychologist; Registered Nurse; Public Health Nurse; Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Medical Doctor; Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine; Marriage and Family Therapist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist; or Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor.

 

Human Services:  A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in human services administration, public administration, social work, business administration, psychology, behavioral science, or a closely related field AND four years of extensive budgetary, administrative and management experience that demonstrates application or possession of the knowledge and abilities listed above

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver License or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

 

Benefit Status:  06

EEOC Job Category:  01

Occupational Grouping:  66

Workers’ Comp Code:  53