The AssistantDirector (Deputy) plans, organizes, and reviews the activities and operations of the Human Services Department. This position plans, implements, and coordinates programs, system operations, and policies and procedures across the department. The Assistant Director acts as a liaison with other county departments and agencies to support consistent and responsive operations of the department. Supports strategic planning and performance management/quality improvement efforts. This role would assume all roles and responsibilities of the Human Services Director in their absence and serve as the main point of contact for all department inquiries.

• Utilizes human service administration expertise to support theleadership team in the implementation of human services programs, promoting strong leadership practices and coordination throughout the agency; participates in department leadership planning and meetings, including Human Services Board meetings;works across the department, throughout the community, and with regional and state partners to identify how service needs can be met more efficiently through improved collaboration, integration, program changes, or innovation.

• Demonstrates ability to direct activities of a large department; assists in developing, recommending, and implementing policies and procedures; ensures department policies are current and continue to meet the needs of the agency; coordinates the development of new policies or revision of existing policies; guaranteesdepartment operations and practices are conducted and in alignment with Eau Claire County policies and ordinances; consults and meets regularly with division administrators to discuss and update initiatives related to strategic planning objectives, agency mission and vision, and/or to gather employee feedback.

• Collaborates with the Human Services Director on the development of agency-wide communication strategies that support strong communications centered on the agency mission, vision, strategic objective, initiatives, and system change in accordance withstate and federal law and county policy as well as implement Eau Claire County workforce initiatives.

• Employs knowledge of funding resources and fiscal managementto participate in the development of the annual budget; works closely with the Human Services Director, Human Services Fiscal Administrator, and department leadership to ensure the availability of the data and fiscal information necessary to monitor and manage budget performance, support operations, and monitor program performance; participates in the planning or implementation of program adjustments as needed to meet objectives. 

• Evaluates technology needs of the department; collaborates with the leadership team and the county’s Information Systems (IS) Director to regularly identify, prioritize, coordinate, and recommend department IS needs, objectives, and priorities; serves as the IS contact for the department to establish and maintain effective and efficient technology processes.

• Applies a trauma-informed approach to lead and assist in coordinating emergency management and disaster preparedness for the department.

• Applies knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision to participate in decisions on hiring, retention, discipline, and other personnel matters; In the absence of the director supervises and manages activities of staff that includes determining work procedures and schedules and developing methods for expediting workflow; approves employee requests for leave and overtime as required by operational necessity; evaluates employee performance; coaches and counsels staff to achieve improved performance and productivity; recommends corrective disciplinary action as needed; identifies individual training needs in order to achieve greater departmental performance and productivity.

• Collaborates with the admirativeteam in contract development and monitoring, administrative support services, and planning and utilization of equipment and space.

• Adheres to standard reporting and record management guidelines; participates in and monitors the maintenance of reporting and recording systems and records management practices and procedures; collaborates with Operations Administrator on the development of the department’s annual report.

• Acts on behalf of the Human Services Director on matters related to client satisfaction; provides coverage for and exercises delegated responsibilities and authority in the absence of the Director.

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external partners; assists with media requests;develops, composes, and organizes narratives, reports, and correspondence; interacts and communicates with the department, other county departments, local agencies, state bureaus, and elected officials; interprets and acts as advocate for agency programs, responsibilities, and client needs; serves as the initial level responder to client complaints that come to the Director. 

• Assists the Director with special projects and information gathering including: internal and external regional project partnerships.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

• Master's degree in a field related to the administration of human service or demonstrated leadership experience within a public service setting.

• Three (3-5) years of full-time experience with direct responsibility for major program planning and administration, budget, or policy direction.

• Appointment will be conditional upon successful completion of criminal and caregiver background checks.
• Must have valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and access to private transportation for work-related duties.
• Must possess and maintain personal automobile insurance in the amount of $100,000/$300,000.