Employment and Human Services Director of Administration (Exempt)

The Position

Contra Costa County is recruiting to fill one (1) Employment and Human Services Director of Administration vacancy in the Employment and Human Services Department.

Contra Costa County’s Employment and Human Services Department works diligently to provide the community with resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. The department is committed to hiring candidates that share our core values of delivering an exceptional customer service experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity.

The EHS Director of Administration is responsible for managing several department-wide administrative support functions, which may include Personnel, Facilities, Information Technology, Staff Development, Emergency Management, Fraud Investigations and Quality Control. This is a single position exempt management class in the Employment and Human Services Department. This position evaluates the work of subordinate managers and is distinguished by its responsibility for the management and direction of designated department programs and services.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Adept at county human services programs and services
• Able to multi-task and balance multiple priorities
• A quick learner, able to absorb and engage in the new responsibilities quickly
• A collaborator, one who is willing and comfortable working with others to achieve goals
• Experienced and comfortable working with bargaining units
• A change agent, able to assess systems and lead change
• Able to set clear expectations and hold staff accountable
  

• Leading the strategic, operational, and compliance aspects of the Human Relations functions within the department
• Providing guidance and ensuring the effectiveness of HR programs, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits and training
• Ensuring policies, procedures, and practices are aligned with local, state and federal requirements, organizational goals and industry best practices
• Overseeing and coordinating internal informational systems and technology support
• Overseeing and monitoring facility management and safety for all EHSD buildings
• Providing oversight, direction and mentorship to the Staff Development Manager and team to deliver effective training programs
• Serving as a strategic leader to advise on workforce development, succession planning, and talent management
• Ensuring department disaster readiness, and remaining informed of potential dangers
• Closely coordinating with the Executive Team on administrative support needs and delivery
• Ensuring performance data is reported, evaluated and acted on

• EHSD encourages creative thinking and innovation for continuous improvement
• EHSD has strong and approachable leadership that encourages autonomy and provides guidance when necessary to feel empowered and supported to excel
• EHSD is a diverse department and staff and are committed to social justice
• EHSD focuses on teamwork and shared accountability for success

• Effectively managing and allocating resources, including personnel, technology and financial assets, while balancing multiple priorities and limited budgets
• Managing and integrating new technologies that improve administrative efficiency, including software for document management, communication tools, and project management platforms
• Ensuring that the department complies with ever-evolving laws, regulations, and internal policies and reporting requirements.

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Business Process Analysis: Defining, assessing, and improving operational processes and workflow
• Leveraging Technology: Applying technology for improvements in organizational efficiency and effectiveness

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of state Motor Vehicle license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field.

Experience: Five years of full-time, or its equivalent, experience as an administrative manager in a public or private human services agency with primary responsibility for agency budgetary and fiscal operations, agency policies and procedures, and supervision of management staff. Experience in labor relations, personnel, organizational development, and program design and implementation is also highly desirable.

Substitution: Possession of a Master’s Degree in Business or Public Administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience. One year of additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the academic major.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Director level experience of HR policies and labor laws. Understanding employment laws and regulations (such as FLSA, FMLA, ADA, etc.) and the ability to apply them in HR practices
• Certifications such as SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional) or PHR (Professional in Human Resources)
• Director level experience in leading technology systems, management, development
• Proven experience in leading large cross-functional teams including technical leadership and collaboration with other business units
• Advanced understanding of California social services financing and budget systems
• Strong commitment to collaboration, teamwork, and open communication
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with employees, managers, Directors and external stakeholders

Selection Process

• Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
• Interview: The most qualified candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an interview. This is an exempt classification. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the interview process.