Subject to legislative and administrative determinations of policy, to be responsible for and direct the social service, income maintenance, and employment training programs and other human service programs and activities; and to do other work as required.
This single position class is responsible for the development and implementation, on a Countywide basis, of coordinated Human Services Department services to individuals within the community. This class is distinguished from subordinate managerial classes in the agency in that the latter are assigned more specific areas of program responsibility consistent with their disciplines.
This position receives direction from the County Administrative Officer and the Board of Supervisors.
Knowledge:
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Thorough knowledge of the principles and effective practices of management.
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Thorough knowledge of local government organization and operations and inter-relationships between County government and the community.
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Thorough knowledge of the principles of personnel management including selection, supervision, evaluation and training of subordinate staff.
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Thorough knowledge of principles and practices necessary to plan, organize, implement, direct and evaluate complex and varied programs.
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Working knowledge of governmental finance and budgeting procedures as they effect an operating department.
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Working knowledge of social planning, basic community needs and public and private community resources.
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Working knowledge of Federal and State social service and income maintenance programs.
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Working knowledge of the goals and objectives of employment and training programs.
Ability to:
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Plan, direct, coordinate and administer Department with diverse and complex activities through subordinate managers.
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, other departments and governmental agencies, boards, commissions, public officials, community groups and other interested parties.
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Interpret and evaluate Department policy and program practices, define problem areas, plan, coordinate and initiate action to implement policy decisions.
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Exercise initiative, ingenuity, independent analysis and judgment in solving complex and difficult administrative, managerial and technical problems.
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Develop and implement short- and long-range departmental goals and objectives.
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Comprehend and interpret complex regulations, laws and guidelines.
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Prepare and present concise, logical, oral and written reports.
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Explain policy, procedures and recommendations on a variety of issues to the general public, staff and other public officials.
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Coordinate Department activities with other departments and agencies.
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 knowledges and abilities would be:
Four years of broad and extensive, high level administrative or management experience that would demonstrate possession or application of the knowledges and abilities listed above which must have included at least two years of experience in a social services agency or administrative work related to human services. A Master’s degree in public administration, social work or a related field is desirable.