Deputy Director Social Services, Community Living Services

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $110,962 - $124,833/year (112 Grade)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $110,962 - $173,379/year
LOCATION: In-person at the Northern Service Center, West St. Paul, other County buildings and community locations
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 1/16/2025

Come join us at Dakota County and "Be more". Dakota County employs over 2,000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique. Dakota County offers important careers – the kind of careers that make a difference in people's lives.

Dakota County welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The County aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

Under the direction of the Social Services Director: is responsible for and administers designated social service units; establishes procedures for the accomplishment of work and for monitoring the progress of work; assesses changes and opportunities impacting programs and develops/implements strategic recommendations; and performs related work as assigned. This position requires strong leadership, decision-making and relationship-building skills. May perform duties and responsibilities of Director in their absence.

This position will focus on aging and disability programming in the Community Living Services section of Social Services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services Administration, Nursing, Public Health or related field from an accredited college

• Five years of full-time paid experience at a professional level with progressive leadership experiences in a health or human services agency, including three years in a supervisory or administrative leadership capacity

• Master's degree in Social Work, Human Services Administration, Nursing, Public Health, or related field
• Previous leadership experience in a governmental health/human services agency

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.
1. Directly hire, train, supervise and provide consultation to Supervisor's/Operations Manager and other social service staff as designated. Assures effective personnel management, including staff development and performance management.
2. Manage and direct the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the programs/policies/procedures involved in the administration of the section's units and assure collaboration with the department and division-wide operations.
3. Develop and implement strategic financial plans/budgets for program and personnel; determine goals/objectives/outcomes for improving programs; assure revenue and expense projections are met; and assist in the procurement of funding.
4. Oversee the development, language, management and monitoring of purchases of service contracts.
5. Participate in the development of human services programs in the community and proactively maintain an effective connection/liaison to the community.
6. Attend Dakota County Board meetings, develop and write Requests for Board Action, and make presentations as assigned.
7. Review, recommend, and monitor legislative initiatives/impacts. Implement program or policy changes as required by legislation or Fed/State policies.
8. General duties/responsibilities:

• Develop, install, promote and assure consistency of operations and practice with integrated services delivery framework;
• Promote a diverse, equitable, inclusive, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Develop and maintain community and professional contacts through County, Region and State to efficiently and effectively carry out Deputy responsibilities;
• Analyze outcome, process, and production indicators to identify efficiency and quality trends, and as needed pro-actively lead improvement actions;
• Oversee all communications (ranging from public to confidential) and serve as primary contact to and from the section;
• Provide support for other leadership team members within and across County departments.
• During absence of the director the deputy may assume the duties and responsibilities, managing and providing general oversight of the organization.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State, County principles, practices, laws and regulations related to aging and disability services, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) including MnCHOICES, case management, person centeredness, informed choice, providers' responsibilities, and HCBS waiver and state plan programs.
• Knowledge of the human services field including the integrated services delivery framework, community corrections, public assistance, public health, veterans services and adult/family/child social services.
• Ability to exercise sound decisions within the framework of Federal, State, County, Division and Department regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, persons served, other departments or agencies, and the community in general.
• Ability to promote, support and maintain an inclusive, equitable and diverse work place.
• Ability to identify, surface and resolve conflict.
• Ability to inspire teamwork that yields positive, effective and engaged actions among diverse collaborators.
• Ability to train, coach and supervise staff.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and complex problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and with team members
• Ability to communicate professionally, effectively and respectfully both verbally and in writing.