HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR

(Exempt from Civil Service)

Job Specifications

Class Code: SP9

Analyst: PT, TC, CB

Date Originated:	10/81
Date Revised:	7/04, 2/08, 8/19

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Subject to legislative and administrative determinations of policy, to be responsible for and direct the social service, income maintenance, and employment training programs and other human service programs and activities; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class is responsible for the development and implementation, on a Countywide basis, of coordinated Human Services Department services to individuals within the community. This class is distinguished from subordinate managerial classes in the agency in that the latter are assigned more specific areas of program responsibility consistent with their disciplines.

This position receives direction from the County Administrative Officer and the Board of Supervisors.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Establishes and maintains goals, objectives and plans for carrying out agency functions, consistent with overall County goals;
• Evaluates the effectiveness of existing operations;
• Establishes and maintains appropriate administrative policies, services, structures, controls and reporting systems for the effective and efficient performance of social service, income maintenance, employment training and related functions;
• Selects, directs, and coordinates the work of subordinate managers;
• Recommends plans for the establishment of new services, abolishment of services or major changes in methods that services are provided;
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with community organizations and groups concerned with agency services;
• Coordinates agency activities with other public agencies, including federal, state and county agencies, to improve services;
• Recommends the annual agency budget to the County Administrative Officer and assists in presenting these to the Board of Supervisors;
• Recommends contractual services and has ultimate responsibility for the implementation, control, monitoring and evaluation of such services;
• Conducts interagency and community relations activities relating to the services of the department;
• Appoints and evaluates the performance of direct subordinates;
• Provides assistance and advice as required to appointive Boards and Commissions.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and effective practices of management. Thorough knowledge of local government organization and operations and inter-relationships between County government and the community.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of personnel management including selection, supervision, evaluation and training of subordinate staff. Thorough knowledge of principles and practices necessary to plan, organize, implement, direct and evaluate complex and varied programs. Working knowledge of governmental finance and budgeting procedures as they effect an operating department.
• Working knowledge of social planning, basic community needs and public and private community resources.
• Working knowledge of Federal and State social service and income maintenance programs.
• Working knowledge of the goals and objectives of employment and training programs.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct, coordinate and administer Department with diverse and complex activities through subordinate managers.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, other departments and governmental agencies, boards, commissions, public officials, community groups and other interested parties.
• Interpret and evaluate Department policy and program practices, define problem areas, plan, coordinate and initiate action to implement policy decisions.
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity, independent analysis and judgment in solving complex and difficult administrative, managerial and technical problems.
• Develop and implement short- and long-range departmental goals and objectives.
• Comprehend and interpret complex regulations, laws and guidelines.
• Prepare and present concise, logical, oral and written reports.
• Explain policy, procedures and recommendations on a variety of issues to the general public, staff and other public officials.
• Coordinate Department activities with other departments and agencies.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledges and abilities would be:

Four years of broad and extensive, high level administrative or management experience that would demonstrate possession or application of the knowledges and abilities listed above which must have included at least two years of experience in a social services agency or administrative work related to human services. A Master’s degree in public administration, social work or a related field is desirable.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None
Benefit Status: 04
EEOC Job Category: 01
Occupational Grouping: 66
Workers Comp Code: 53