SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Range 8A

DEFINITION

Subject to legislative and administrative determination of policy, to plan, organize and direct all aspects of the Department of Child Support Services, which include implementation of federal, state or local child support programs, directing investigative and legal services related to child support services, directing all aspects of revenue collection for child support, managing complex federal, state and local budget requirements; and to perform other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class serves as the department head for the Department of Child Support Services. The incumbent is responsible for the overall administration and management of departmental programs and activities, the departmental budget(s), facilities operations, personnel and for coordinating community collaboration. The duties and responsibilities of this position require a high degree of administrative skill and the ability to coordinate departmental activities with other departments, agencies and the Office of the County Administrator. This position is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and reports directly to the County Administrative Officer.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, organizes and directs all aspects of the Department of Child Support Services, which include implementation of federal, state or local child support programs, directing investigative and legal services related to child support services, and directing all aspects of revenue collection for child support, and management of budgets; evaluates the effectiveness of existing operations; develops plans for the organization, direction and improvement of departmental services; establishes objectives and timetables for major work phases and projects; develops and adopts work methods to suit changing needs; directs the preparation of and participates in formulation and preparation of the departmental budget(s); consults and coordinates with other departments and agencies and with community groups on matters of joint concern; establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with related departments, other public jurisdictions and the general public; advises and cooperates with public officials, citizen groups, and personnel from other departments concerned with departmental programs and represents the department at meetings and conferences; prepares periodic reports concerning departmental activities, operations and systems; appears before Board of Supervisors to present policies, materials and provide information related to departmental activities; plans and directs the preparation of applications for grants, manages complex departmental budget; selects, assigns, trains, directs and coordinates the work of and evaluates the performance of subordinate supervisors; prepares reports and correspondence.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Principles and effective practices of administration and organizational management.

Working knowledge of:

• Principles of personnel management.
• Principles and practices of governmental budgeting and finance as they affect an operating department.
• County government organization and operation and interrelationships between governments and the community.
• Federal and State laws pertaining to child support services programs.
• Train personnel using the latest models and techniques.

Some knowledge of:

• Child support programs at the federal, state, or local level, including the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders.
• Federal and state civil and criminal laws and regulations applicable to the delivery of child support services.
• Child support practices and procedures of the local courts.
• Responsible supervisory, administrative, or managerial experience relating to the planning, organizing, and directing of various functions of a local child support agency.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize and direct work of subordinate staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, public officials, staff, personnel from other departments and agencies, and community groups.
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in solving difficult administrative, technical and personnel problems.
• Evaluate departmental policy and program practices, define problem areas, develop and direct the implementation of policy decisions and practices to improve departmental operations.
• Understand and relate to others the aims, concepts, principles and practices of departmental services and operations.
• Coordinate departmental activities with other departments and agencies.
• Speak effectively before large groups.
• Prepare and present clear and concise administrative, budget, and technical reports.
• Prepare and manage complex budget.
• Prepare grant applications and reports.
• Analyze and implement program mandates.
• Conduct systems resource analysis and management, including hardware and software inventory.

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 knowledge and abilities would be:

Equivalent to graduation from college with completion of the core courses for a degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related fields, and three years of professional management or administrative experience operating a mandated revenue collection program, Child Support Program, or closely related Social Service Program.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

• License Requirement: Possession of a California class C driver license or the ability to provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.
• Fingerprint/Background Investigation: Ability to pass a background investigation.
• Fingerprinting required.
• Physically and mentally capable of performing the position's essential functions as summarized in the typical tasks.
• Other Special Requirements: Availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, and on an emergency, as needed basis.