Job Summary

To manage, plan, evaluate and supervise all departmental functions of the Health and Human Services Department. The Director participates in the development and execution of organizational vision, strategy and goals with respect to programs, people and resources.

 

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under administrative direction and are free to plan, develop, and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within broad program guidance. Generally, they develop and utilize procedures and methods that do not conflict with major organization policies.

 

Supervision Exercised

Manages supervisors who oversee department staff, including social services, public health, financial assistance, accounting, and child support. Directly supervises Sr. Office Support. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the department.

 

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints; training and rewarding employees. Responsibilities also include, in collaboration with the Human Resources Department, interviewing, hiring, implementing performance improvement plans, disciplining employees, and resolving grievances.

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance is an essential requirement of this position.

 

1. Manages, plans, evaluates, and coordinates the administration of the Health and Human Services Department which includes social services, public health, income maintenance, child support, and accounting. This includes, but is not limited to determining overall goals and objectives for the department, initiating long-range strategic planning for all program areas in the department, and developing and implementing changes in programs to improve the effectiveness of service delivery to clients. Participates in monthly Minnesota Association of Social Service Administrator (MACSSA) meetings to coordinate planning on a state-wide level. Participates in community planning groups as appropriate. Meets with legislators as necessary to discuss the needs and the impact of proposed legislation.
2. Plans, develops and submits policy, program, and funding recommendations to the County Administrator and County Board regarding community and department services to ensure cost effectiveness and efficiencies.
3. Develops department budgets and manages expenses in a manner that reflects alignment with organizational goals and achieves expected outcomes. Recommends overall departmental budgets to the County Administrator and County Board. Enhances revenue maximization by keeping abreast of federal, state and local information. Reviews fiscal reports regularly. Advises County Administrator and County Board on key fiscal matters related to Health and Human Services.
4. Provides leadership and involvement at the local, regional, state and federal levels on all matters that relate to Health and Human Services including regionalized efforts.
5. Serves as the county lead in HHS Reform with other counties and tribe(s).
6. Serves as the county lead in managing and directing HHS in regards to tribal matters with courts and tribal court.
7. Interprets federal and state laws, rules and regulations
8. Advocates for consumers in need of services.
9. HHS Director or appointee acts as the Mental Health and/or Public Health Authority for the county.
10. Adheres to collective bargaining agreements, county policies and procedures, and applicable laws, including timely/accurate reporting and consistent/uniform administration of EEO, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation and Return to Work programs, in close collaboration with the Human Resources Department. Ensures departmental new hire orientations are completed promptly and completes staff performance appraisals in accordance with county policy.
11. Conducts business in accordance with the Open Meeting law.
12. Serves as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, HHS Department, Responsible Authority Designee. Appropriately responds to requests for government data. Maintains department data in accordance with records retention schedules.
13. Coordinates annual emergency practice drills in department and serves as a member of the county’s crisis management team.
14. Attends training and meetings as needed.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field, plus ten or more years experience in a public or private social services agency involving supervision of income maintenance, public health, social services programs or fiscal operations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

 

Master’s degree in social work, public administration, or a related field preferred.

 

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

 

Knowledge of:

1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
2. Considerable knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the work performed in this position relating to social services, public health, and income maintenance programs, also including data practices, the open meeting law, accounting, purchasing, information technology, and personnel administration.
3. Knowledge of human behavior.
4. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of social services/human services administration.
5. Considerable knowledge of the functions and organization of state, tribal, federal, and local social services agencies.
6. Considerable knowledge of community resources.
7. Considerable knowledge of fiscal management and long-term planning.
8. Thorough knowledge of the principles of social work.
9. Knowledge of social-economic conditions in rural areas.

 

Skill in:

1. Determining policies and priorities, and in organizing, prioritizing, delegating, and supervising work.
2. Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with staff, board members, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
3. Critical thinking, planning and organization, high level of initiative and responsibility, leadership, managing emotions, confrontation, and problem solving.
4. Typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
5. Preparing and making presentations to groups.
6. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. Includes writing departmental policies and procedures and precise memos to Boards, Committees, and other organizations.
7. Effectively organizing and prioritizing workload.

 

Ability to:

1. Supervise professional and support staff and to assign, delegate, and coordinate work in a manner conducive to high morale and effective performance. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates with respect, honesty, and consideration.
2. Be inclusive of differing professional philosophies in seeking common agency goals.
3. Interpret, understand, and manage complex systems and budgets with varying formula based costs and revenues.
4. Plan and organize work effectively.
5. Manage a wide range of emotions related to consumers’ family and health issues. Deflect extreme anger, anxiety, and fear in order to assist consumers and staff.
6. Interpret federal and state laws/statutes and be able to explain them in common language.
7. Collaborate and work with outside agencies, counties, courts and tribal governments. Work with the county board, school districts, and state and federal legislators.
8. Plan into the future with limited information and direction.
9. Communicate professionally to a diverse audience both verbally and in writing. Think and respond efficiently and effectively.
10. Maintain confidentiality.
11. Travel and work in excess of standard hours when necessary.
12. Supervise staff in a manner that will stimulate growth and development.
13. Establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, citizens and community officials.
14. Make sound decisions.
15. Formulate new methods and techniques to meet changing needs.

 

Language Skills

Very High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or governing boards.

 

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

 

Reasoning Skills

Very High Skills - Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

 

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software.

 

County Financial System (IFS), County Payroll Software E-time, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Internet.

 

Ability to Travel

Travel required for trainings and meetings in and out of Aitkin County. Presently, there are at least four days per month that travel outside of the county is necessary. There are an additional 3-4 where travel within the county is required.

 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

 

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, change management, delegation, leadership, managing people, quality management, business acumen, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, strategic thinking, visionary leadership, innovation, flexibility, and crisis management.

 

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

 

Equipment and Tools

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, remote access equipment, printer, 10-key calculator, shredder, emergency weather-alert system, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

 

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

 

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free workplace.

 

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

 

12/1/2016 

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism