Position Description

Stearns County derives strength from the diversity of its workforce and provides a welcoming environment where all are respected, honored and valued. We are seeking a highly dedicated professional to join our leadership team in the area of Economic Supports. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader who is strategic, embraces change, is driven by continuous learning and empowering others. If you are interested in helping to strengthen our communities by promoting quality public services, this is your opportunity to make a difference through a rewarding career in public service and enjoy the excellent quality of life in Central Minnesota.

CLOSING DATE: 12/16/2022

Position Objective
To provide leadership and supervision of employees while managing programs and services. This position is responsible for ensuring that business is performed in accordance with policies, procedures and laws and providing reports and statistical information regarding programs. This position is responsible for overseeing and developing the production efficiencies throughout various program areas by utilizing results-based accountability processes and utilizes both qualitative and quantitative analyses and broad-spectrum utilization of continuous improvement approaches, such as integrated service delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.

1. Supervises, coordinates, and prioritizes unit activities, workflow, and referrals between units in an equitable manner.
2. Identifies and develops strategies, processes, and instructions for continuous quality improvement including establishing guidelines, expectations and performance standards for staff, directing the development and maintenance of work measurement reports and records, and developing onboarding protocols.
3. Monitors the preparation of statistical and narrative program reports to ensure work is data driven and provides successful performance measures.
4. Provides leadership, facilitation and support for staff in individual and group consultations of often complex client, systems and ethical issues. and participates in the resolution of problems that cross organizational and jurisdictional lines.
5. Provides program oversight and outcome management through participation in planning, providing objectives, development and direction; leads special studies and analysis of processes; identifies and resolves issues; advises and provides analytical support on problem definition, planning methodologies, policies and procedures; and cooperates in the resolution of problems that cross organizational and jurisdictional lines.
6. Participates in employee recruitment and selection, orientation, training, and performance management in conformance with County and State personnel policies and procedures; develops job aides and written expectations to ensure compliance with service standards.
7. Provides policy interpretation and assists in the development of policies and procedures based on interpretation of program guidance from State and Federal laws; assists in planning, development and execution of programs; serves as point of contact to external stakeholders.
8. Assists in the development and administration of division budget, analyzes expenditures and the potential impact of statutory changes, provides statistical reports and interpretations related to caseloads, work levels, and budgetary impact of changes, approves, monitors and forecasts emergency funds; and participates in audits.
9. Participates in administrative appeal hearings, court hearings, meetings, conferences, and community functions.
10. Assists with coordinating, implementing, and maintaining software applications and programs.
11. Negotiates, evaluates and monitors contracts.
12. Assesses, facilitates, implements and conducts staff development and training.
13. Participates in child placement screening team.
14. Prepares and manages grants by conducting research, writing proposals and responding to questions from the funding organizations.
15. Responds to concerns from clients and the public as well as questions and inquiries from commissioners, community partners and other professionals.
16. Attends work in a regular and timely manner.
17. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications and Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• 
  Bachelor's degree or higher in psychology/counseling, sociology, organizational leadership, community health or other human services related field and five years of related experience OR a Masters’ degree in psychology/counseling, sociology, organizational leadership, community health or other human services related field and one year of related experience
• Reliable means of transportation to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience providing direct supervision of paraprofessional staff
• Experience in a county, state, or federal Human Services/Social Services department

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Knowledge of department programs, operations, policies, and procedures.
2. Knowledge of best practices in public sector personnel management and client services.
3. Knowledge of the objectives and functions of state human service programs.
4. Knowledge of community structure and resources including political, economic, health and social systems capable of lending support to human service programs.
5. Skilled in working with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
6. Ability to develop strategies for continuous quality improvement.
7. Ability to effectively provide coaching and leadership to staff.
8. Ability to independently make decisions supported by logical decision-making.
9. Ability to assess staff training needs and implement training programs.
10. Ability to identify potential problems and recommend solutions.
11. Ability to organize and prioritize work.
12. Ability to process detailed information in an organized manner.
13. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
14. Ability to be available for rotating on-call responsibilities outside of business hours.

Accountabilities, Work Environment and Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
1. Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
3. Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
4. Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
5. Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
6. Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
7. Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Accountabilities Shared By Managers and Supervisors
1. Demonstrates, by personal example, the integrity, ethics and excellence in work performance.
2. Participates in decisions related to the selection, promotion, transfer, pay and discipline of assigned employees.
3. Orients personnel to County policies and procedures, and clearly communicates primary responsibilities and expected performance outcomes so individuals may proceed with certainty in their respective positions.
4. Leads, monitors, and continually evaluates employee performance using the performance communication process.
5. Administers County policies and contracts in a legal manner and fully documents all incidents and actions taken as a member of the supervisory/management team.
6. Creates a work environment in which individuals are motivated to accumulate additional skills and competencies and assists them in seeking opportunities for further personal growth and development.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors. Will require travel to offsite locations and minimal attendance at evening meetings. Will have infrequent exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a low level of physical effort.

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Human Services Director.

Supervision of Others
This position supervises Eligibility Specialists and Case Aides.

Responsibility for Public Contact
Frequent.

Hours of Work, Testing and Interview Dates

Hours of Work
Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Potential to work remote/hybrid. May include hours outside of normal work hours on occasion.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on January 5, 2023. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.