- Company Name
- Multnomah County
- Job Title
- Director - Department of County Human Services
- Job Description
-
**Job title**
Director – Department of County Human Services
**Role Summary**
Lead the Department of County Human Services (DCHS), overseeing 1,140 employees across four divisions (Aging, Disability & Veterans Services; Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Services; Youth and Family Services; Preschool & Early Learning). Manage a $440 million budget, center services on equity and trauma‑informed care, and maintain accountability to public resources while driving continuous improvement and system integration.
**Expectations**
- Deliver strategic vision aligned with the Department’s North Star of equitable opportunities for all county residents.
- Foster a trauma‑informed, inclusive culture that safeguards staff well‑being and promotes self‑determination in the communities served.
- Ensure fiscal responsibility, data transparency, and compliance with all audit, contracting, and grant requirements.
- Act as the primary liaison with elected officials, community leaders, and partners to secure stable, multi‑year funding and strengthen service delivery.
**Key Responsibilities**
- Provide executive oversight of all divisions, ensuring high‑quality administration, communication, collaboration, and service delivery.
- Translate top‑level policy into measurable outcomes using transparent performance frameworks.
- Evaluate program effectiveness, applying continuous improvement practices to adjust to changing needs and funding landscapes.
- Identify and implement cross‑division system integration, improving shared technology and data platforms.
- Lead strategic planning, policy development, and business practice improvements.
- Cultivate relationships with elected officials and community leaders to align strategies and goals.
- Oversee the annual department budget, forecast funding needs, advocate for allocations, and manage multi‑year financial planning.
- Manage contracting with 100+ community‑based organizations, interpreting, negotiating, and enforcing contracts and grants.
- Maintain deep understanding of audits, contracting, and compliance from financial and programmatic perspectives.
- Direct workforce management: hiring, training, performance review, staffing decisions, and inclusive leadership for a diverse workforce.
- Communicate decision‑making transparently, maintaining secure work practices and promoting a safe environment.
- Apply an equity lens to all decision‑making and work to dismantle barriers that perpetuate inequity.
**Required Skills**
- Executive leadership and strategic vision in public or human services context.
- Budget development, fiscal management, and financial forecasting.
- Contract negotiation, grant administration, and audit compliance.
- Data‑driven performance measurement, continuous improvement, and technology integration.
- Trauma‑informed care principles and staff well‑being practices.
- Equity‑focused decision making, dismantling systemic barriers.
- Stakeholder engagement, communication, and relationship building at all levels.
- Inclusive leadership and workforce development for diverse teams.
**Required Education & Certifications**
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social work, human services, or related field (minimum); Master’s preferred, especially in public administration, social work, or public policy.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership in public sector or human services.
- Current state licensure or credential in public administration, social work, or a related discipline preferred.
- Certification in budgeting, grant management, or related area (e.g., Registered Public Manager, Certified Government Financial Officer) is a plus.