Deputy Health and Human Services Director

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides leadership in establishing a vision for the Social Services and Public Health departments, which includes analyzing, evaluating, modifying, and recommending activities and programming to ensure that program outcomes and objectives are achieved.
• Makes and/or monitors decisions regarding the hiring, evaluation, and disciplining of staff; and plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews work of managers and others.  
• Prepares and presents information to County Board, state, and community groups, local legislators, or other stakeholders. 
• Manages, coordinates, and directs the activities of broad range of county health and human services programs.   
• Interprets, develops, and implements policies and procedures; ensures compliance with county, 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.
• Works with the Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), and the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators 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.  
• Develops, prepares, and monitors the Social Services, and Public Health department budgets.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with other community, governmental, and professional organizations representing the division in various forums and committees as required.  
• Serves as the HHS Director in the absence of or when delegated by the HHS Director. 
• 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 related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Services Administration, Psychology, or directly related behavioral science field, and six years of progressively responsible human service administration experience. Employee must possess a valid driver’s license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under broad policy guidance and direction from the Director of Health and Human Services. The employee must use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in performing the duties of the position. Work is reviewed through ongoing supervisory meetings, written reports, and objectives achieved.  

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 the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of Health and Human Services Division and its philosophy, organization, functions, procedures, activities, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of current functions, rules, regulations, policies, and practices of private, local, state, and federal agencies related to areas of responsibility.
• Knowledge of budgeting methods, fiscal controls, accepted accounting principles, and other management information systems.
• 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.
• Ability to deal tactfully and efficiently with all levels of county management, Human Services 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 manage a multidisciplinary staff so as to achieve internal program coordination as well as linkage with outside agencies to form a resource network.
• Ability to analyze departmental programs and recommend or develop new programming or work processes when necessary.
• Ability to do logical and creative thinking and to make independent decisions.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out 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, sitting, 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.