Child and Family Services Director

Job Summary

Performs professional and administrative duties in the management of a broad range of children's services programs in the Health and Human Services Division. Primary responsibility for monitoring, evaluating, and initiating change in program goals and services in Child Protection, Children's Mental Health, Human Services Licensing, and Chemical Dependency. Coordinates programs and services with related community organizations and other county departments. Selects, supervises, and evaluates Social Work Supervisors and the Licensing Supervisor. Work is performed in an office setting.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides leadership in establishing a vision for the Children’s Services department, which includes analyzing, evaluating, modifying, and recommending activities and programming to ensure that program outcomes and objectives are achieved.
• Manages, coordinates, and directs the activities of Child Protection, Children's Mental Health, Human Services Licensing, and Chemical Dependency, working across units and departments to assure integration and avoid duplication.   
• Interprets, develops, and implements policies and procedures; ensures compliance with county policy, state, and federal laws.  
• Maintains records and prepares reports and plans as needed for various program activities and grant awards.  
• Evaluates programs to determine staffing needs and the most effective allocation of resources.
• Supports or leads objectives and strategies related to the Health and Human Services Division Business Plan or County Strategic Plan.
• Responsible for supporting an inclusive environment focused on equitable outcomes.
• Prepares and justifies budget proposals in addition to monitoring revenue and expenditures for various program areas.  
• Establishes and maintains relationships with other community organizations, faith communities, nonprofit providers, and potential funders to further develop the continuum of services to meet the needs of children and families.
• Hires, directs, coaches, monitors, and evaluates supervisors in Child Protection, Children's Mental Health, Licensing, and Chemical Dependency.
• Supervises decisions regarding the hiring, evaluation, and disciplining of staff in the Children Services Program areas.  
• Prepares and presents information to the County Board, state, and community groups. local legislators, or other stakeholders.
• Works with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators (MACSSA) and other statewide organizations to identify and address common goals and objectives and provide statewide leadership on various workgroups and committees to enhance and improve service delivery.
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.  
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires one of the following:

Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Services Administration, Psychology, or directly related field and five years of related experience, including two years supervising social work staff.
Bachelor’s Degree in one of the above plus nine years of experience, including two years supervising in the related program area.
Must have a valid driver’s license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities. Experience in a public-sector social service agency is highly desired.  

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Deputy Health and Human Services Director. With wide latitude for independent judgment, work is performed according to established procedures. Work may be reviewed for accuracy and adherence to established procedures, but frequently no check is made of routine assignments.  

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge – Knowledge of public administration as it relates to the functions, needs, policies, laws, ordinances, and regulations governing Health and Human Services.  
• Knowledge of the principles, trends, and practices of social work with children. 
• Knowledge of the organization and functions of social services, its goals, and objectives.  
• Knowledge of the principles of accounting as they relate to the fiscal management practices and the county budget.  
• Knowledge of records management and forms control.  
• Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.
• Knowledge and understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.
• Abilities – Ability to analyze departmental programs and recommend or develop new programming or work processes when necessary.  
• Ability to deal tactfully and efficiently with all levels of county management, Human Service clients, and the general public.
• Ability to effectively communicate program objectives/outcomes and provide leadership and direction to employees to achieve program goals.
• Ability to work independently and apply basic research and statistical skills in the preparation of reports.  
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.  
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.  
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.  
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services. 

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.  

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.