Economic Assistance Director

Job Summary

Performs professional, responsible, and complex duties in a board range Health and Human Services (HHS) programs for the Economic Assistance Department while also providing administrative support and oversight to the entire division including HHS budget planning, forecasting, and analysis. Primary responsibility for monitoring, evaluating, and initiating change in program goals and services in Income Maintenance, Child Care Assistance, Fraud, Child Support, and Employment and Training. Interprets, implements, and enforces Board policies; assists with developing administrative policies and procedures; coordinates with other program areas and other county departments; establishes procedures for accomplishment of work objectives; and stresses the principles of business management. Coordinates programs and services with related community organizations and other county departments. Selects, supervises, and evaluates Economic Assistance Supervisors, Income Maintenance Manager and Business Operations Manager. Work is performed in an office setting. This professional role involves overseeing complex administrative and programmatic functions within Health and Human Services (HHS). The position manages a broad range of services while providing division-wide administrative oversight, including budget planning, forecasting, and financial analysis. Responsibilities include monitoring and enhancing program goals across Income Maintenance, Child Care Assistance, Fraud Prevention, Child Support, and Employment & Training, as well as HHS Accounting, Collections, and Administrative functions within the division. The role requires interpreting, implementing, and enforcing board policies, contributing to the development of administrative procedures, and establishing effective workflows that align with business management principles. Collaboration with other county departments and community organizations is essential to ensuring coordinated service delivery. Additionally, the position involves selecting, supervising, and evaluating Economic Assistance Supervisors, the Income Maintenance Manager, and the Business Operations Manager. Work is conducted in an office setting, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning, program evaluation, and operational leadership."

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides leadership in establishing a vision for the Economic Assistance department, including analyzing, evaluating, modifying, and recommending activities and programming to ensure that program outcomes and objectives are achieved.
• Manages, coordinates, and directs the activities of the Income Maintenance, Child Care Assistance, Fraud, Child Support, Employment and Training units, Business Operations Manager, and Administrative and Accounting functions.
• Oversees the programs of accounting, collections, budget and planning, and administrative services. Makes and/or monitors decisions regarding the hiring, evaluation, and discipline of staff. Plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews work of managers, supervisors, and staff. 
• Responsible for HHS Division budget creation oversight, analysis, problem resolution, and forecasting. Works closely with Chief Financial Officer and county budget office on budget projects, challenges, and forecasting throughout the year; Member of county budget review team.
• Provides leadership in establishing a vision for the Economic Assistance, Administrative and Accounting departments, which includes analyzing, evaluating, modifying, and recommending activities and programming to ensure that program outcomes and objectives are achieved.  Responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and initiating change in program goals and services. 
• Performs complex, highly responsible administrative and professional duties involved in budgeting, budget analysis, and budget forecasting. 
• Interprets, develops, and implements policies and procedures; ensures compliance with county policy, state, and federal law, while also maintaining program integrity.  
• 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.  
• 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 community and program needs.  
• Hires, directs, monitors, and evaluates supervisors and managers in the Economic Assistance Department and HHS Accounting and Administrative teams.  
• Supervises decisions regarding the hiring, evaluation, and discipline of staff in the Economic Assistance Department and HHS Accounting and Administrative teams.  
• Prepares and presents information to County Board, state and community groups, local legislators, or other stakeholders.
• Works with the Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and/or 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.
• 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.
• 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 one of the following:
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Administration, Psychology, or directly related behavioral science field and six years of relevant work experience, including two years supervising staff in related program area.  
Master’s Degree in one of the above plus two years of relevant 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.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Health and Human Services Director. The employee must use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in performing the duties of the position.

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 County Human Services.
• Knowledge of the principles, trends, and operational practices related to Economic Assistance programming.
• Knowledge of the organization and functions of Economic Assistance, its goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of the principles of accounting as they relate to the fiscal management practices of the county.
• 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.
• 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, 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.