County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under appointment by the Board of Supervisors and reporting through the County Administrator, provides leadership and plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and reviews the policies, programs, activities, and operations of the Social Services Agency; oversees administrative, functional and programmatic activities through subordinate management staff; advises County executive leaders and governing bodies; enlists community interest in and support of the objectives of the Social Services Agency; represents the County's interest before legislative bodies and committees on social service matters; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single position classification which operates at the highest policy-making level and is responsible for advising and making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, County Administrator and various other governing bodies' on all matters which affect the County's Welfare and Social Services. Direction is exercised through subordinate Department and Division Directors who are in charge of the various major services areas, whereas the Director has overall responsibility for the planning and operation of the overall agency, its programs and related matters.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the programs and operations of the Social Services Agency, which includes the following departments: Administration and Finance, Adult, Aging, and Medi-Cal Services, Children and Family Services, Workforce and Benefits Administration, and Office of Public Affairs.

2. Develops Agency policies in consultation with and under the direction of the Board of Supervisors through the County Administrator; determines operational policies, procedures, lines of authority and responsibility, and functional assignments; and determines agency programs, services, budget and organizational structure.

3. Directs the ongoing review and evaluation of service programs and operations to identify opportunities for continuous improvement; and consults with administrative and managerial staff in charge of the various functional services areas on a regular basis concerning agency matters, including programs, services, budget and organization.

4. Acts as technical and policy advisor to the Board of Supervisors; advises the Board on proposed welfare and social service related legislation; and when appropriate attends Board sessions and other policy forums to present and justify agency proposals requiring action.

5. Confers with the County Administrator’s Office concerning budgetary and organizational programs and services; directs the preparation of the Agency’s budget; administers and monitors the budget to ensure accomplishment of Agency objectives within budget constraints; and directs negotiations with the County Administrator’s Office.

6. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with other County and non-County departments, private organizations and individuals concerned with social services; and serves on agency committees and boards concerned with related matters.

7. Keeps informed of current trends and new developments in the field of welfare and social services; reads the professional literature; and participates in professional organizations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year of experience in a class equivalent to or higher than an Assistant Agency Director.

Or II

Education:

Possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university and in a field directly related to social service administration such as Social Work, Public Policy, Public Administration, or Business Administration. Note: Additional experience may be substituted for the Master’s Degree on a year-for-year basis.

And

Experience:

The equivalent of five years of increasingly responsible administrative experience, three years of which must have been as an administrator or principle assistant administrator of a large and diverse program or organization, associated with the delivery of social or human services to the public.

Or III

Any combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to one of the patterns listed above and will provide the required knowledge and abilities.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of social service policy and program administration including modern trends in welfare and human services, planning, and program evaluation.
• Principles and techniques of modern public administration, governmental organization, management, public relations and personnel administration.
• Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations in the social services field.
• Community resources and current trends in the social services field.
• Principles of financial administration, including public sector budgeting concepts, alternative financing methods, and other diverse community funding sources.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and direct the execution of short and long-range administrative programs, operations, and activities for a large and diverse social services organization.
• Advise governing bodies and oversee complex administrative and executive activities.
• Properly interpret and make sound decisions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Develop, control and administer the Agency's budget and expenditures.
• Stimulate community interest in and support the objectives of the Social Services Agency.
• Establish and maintain good internal and public relations.
• Write and speak effectively.
• Work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the County's Mission, Vision and Values.
• Lead in a manner that is visionary, strategic and innovative when working towards change.
• Collaborate with other Agencies and Departments to meet overall county-wide needs while leveraging financial and other resources.
• Use business acumen to build a strong organization which delivers results.
• Provide the highest level of service delivery to diverse customers.
• Use interpersonal skills to communicate effectively.
• Promote personal and professional growth for self and others.
• Work effectively as a member and leader of diverse teams.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Revised: 7/78 - BG:rr
Old document: Retyped: 1/85 - 0589h
New document: Jobspecs/6085
ys/7/01
CSC Date: 8/7/78
RE Dept. Head Project 3/2012

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.