County of Alameda

Under general direction, the position is responsible for development, implementation, and coordination of department-wide policy, legislative, and data analysis activities; supporting the department’s strategic planning efforts; leading the development and implementation of departmental initiatives and programs; performing complex data analysis, interpreting results, and reviewing recommendations from operational, policy, and programmatic studies; representing the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) at meetings and events; acting as the Public Information Officer; overseeing strategic communications operations; directing and coordinating the activities of a unit; and performing related duties as required.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

The Policy Manager, DCSS is a single position classification located in the DCSS and reports to the Director of Child Support Services. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the administration and management of legislation, policy, and programmatic research and analysis. The incumbent will support service delivery systems and monitor the Department’s overall response to regulatory and legislative changes that impact the Child Support Program, along with conducting complex proactive reviews, policy, and data analysis. This classification acts as a liaison with local, State, and Federal officials, interfaces with the media and community partners, works in collaboration with other business units, and oversees public relations and strategic communications for the department.

NOTE:  The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.  

1. Directs, manages, and supervises a multi-disciplinary team in the analysis of program information and data, development of plans, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, and key communication initiatives; develops, implements, and/or manages special projects in alignment with program and/or departmental goals and objectives.  
2. Monitors policy, regulations and legislation and confers with executive management of known or potential programmatic impacts; collaborates with department executive and senior leadership to develop the Department’s legislative agenda and to develop recommendations on the establishment of Departmental programmatic policies.
3. Acts as a liaison with local, State and Federal officials, interfaces with the media, community partners, collaborates with other business units; establishes and maintains contacts and communications with internal and external constituents, boards, committees, commissions, non-profits, businesses, community, and county partners to build strategic relationships, provide information and create awareness on the child support program and related initiatives.
4. Tracks legislation and trends on an ongoing basis, coordinates and provides support to short-term and long-term strategic planning; communicates important timelines, progress, and related information to stakeholders inside and outside the organization. 
5. Monitors and analyzes trends and best practices related to strategic initiatives and makes recommendations on programmatic service delivery methods and administration of the organization.
6. Collects and disseminates information concerning customer populations and demographics; creates action programs designed to pool available and untapped resources of public and private agencies to strengthen or inaugurate child support services to specific target populations.   
7. Acts as liaison between individuals, community groups, customers, Federal, State, and County agencies to resolve problems, share information, or to facilitate integrated collaborative services to maximize resources; maximizes the use of automated systems or new technologies; addresses community groups and conducts training and informational sessions as required.
8. Designs or coordinates with others to design surveys and other measuring tools; tabulates results and confers with management to measure effectiveness of organizational efforts.
9. Oversees the development, preparation, design, and publication of a variety of strategic communication initiatives.
10. May research and identify grant funding opportunities that support the department’s strategy; may write grants and furnish supporting documentation.  
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

EITHER I  

Education:  

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any area. A Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare, Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a closely related field is desirable.  

AND

Experience:  

The equivalent of six (6) years increasingly responsible, full-time, senior management or senior administrative level experience that includes a combination of at least two (2) of the following: management-analysis, organizational communications, community outreach, and program planning and delivery. At least two (2) years of this experience must include the supervision of subordinate staff with responsibilities in the areas of organizational communications and community outreach activities.  

Experience in the areas of child support, social services, health care, social planning, community programs or a closely related program area is preferred.  

Substitution:  

Possession of a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Relations, Communications, Social Welfare, Planning, or a closely related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.  

License:  

All candidates must possess a valid California State Motor Vehicle driver’s license.  

Special Requirements:  

A thorough background investigation, including fingerprinting will be conducted of all candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of employment to ensure they are suitable for Child Support related work.  A felony conviction may be disqualifying.  

Occasional local travel. Approximately 10% may be overnight in-state/out-of-state travel. (County vehicles are available for use by eligible employees.)  

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:  The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:  

• Research, analytical and data collection techniques.
• Principles and practices of business and public administration.
• Principles and practices of marketing and communications.
• Principles of grant writing.
• Principles of project management.
• Practices of strategic planning; action planning.
• Familiarity with Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and mandates pertinent to child support services or closely related program.
• Familiarity with child support or social services programs.
• Budget administration; program performance monitoring, benchmarking.
• Principles of management and supervision.
• Methods, techniques, and styles of business and article writing.
• Communication and public relations concepts, practices, principles, and strategies.
• Community resource development and collaboration.
• Information dissemination techniques and methods.
• Relevant word processing and desktop publishing software programs and equipment.  

Ability to:

• Work under pressure; effectively delegate work and coordinate multiple activities with conflicting deadlines.
• Establish, balance, and adjust priorities; adapt to change quickly.
• Exercise appropriate judgement and make effective decisions in a variety of circumstances.
• Stay abreast of trends and changes in communications and business management fields including methodology and technology changes, policy and program areas, legislative activities, and the political atmosphere.
• Review and analyze information and recommend appropriate action.
• Research, interpret, summarize, and effectively explain complex information geared to a variety of different audiences or populations.
• Promote a customer-oriented approach toward meeting Department and County needs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written communications.
• Prepare a variety of documents, including policy statements, reports, proposals, articles, and other materials for diverse audiences incorporating appropriate tone, design appeal, color, and graphic schemes.
• Speak effectively before and facilitate small and large groups.
• Resolve operational and procedural problems and conflicts; identify opportunities for program performance improvement and make recommendations.  
• Provide management control; plan, assign, train, guide, establish work standards and evaluate performance of subordinates.
• Operate a variety of word processing and desktop publishing programs; produce in-house publications, guides, presentations, and other materials.

New Spec 3162

SK:sa 07/14/2021

CSC Date: 10/20/2021

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.