Community Services Economic Supports Division Manager

Washington County•Government Center, MN

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Washington County is currently hiring for a Division Manager within the Community Services Department. This position provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for the Economic Support Division. The Division Manager leads a large and complex division that administers critical public assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance/Medicaid, cash assistance, and other economic support services that promote stability, well-being, and opportunity for residents. As the division’s senior leader, this position establishes the strategic direction, operational priorities, and performance expectations for all Economic Supports programs and services. The Division Manager ensures the effective delivery of high-quality, equitable, accessible, and compliant services while advancing continuous improvement, innovation, and organizational readiness in an evolving policy and regulatory environment. Central to this role is a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion by identifying and addressing barriers to access, promoting equitable outcomes, and ensuring services are responsive to the diverse needs and experiences of the communities served. This role is critical to positioning the County to successfully navigate significant state and federal reforms, systems modernization efforts, and changing legislative requirements affecting public assistance programs. The Division Manager leads division-wide strategy related to policy implementation, operational transformation, program integrity, financial stewardship, and service excellence. This includes ensuring compliance with complex state and federal mandates, mitigating financial and operational risk, and leveraging data to improve outcomes for residents and the organization. The Division Manager directly leads and develops supervisory and management staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and belonging. Through strong leadership and deep program expertise, this position builds an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and employees are empowered to contribute fully. In doing so, the Division Manager ensures the division is well-positioned to meet current needs while preparing for future opportunities and challenges.

Requirements

A Master's Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field with seven (7) years of full-time experience in a public human services agency and/or a private human services agency that contracts services with a public agency in areas related to the division programs, three years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; OR
A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field with eight (8) years of full-time experience in a public human services agency and/or a private human services agency that contracts services with a public agency in areas related to the division programs, three years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; OR
An equivalent combination of education and job-related work experience; no substitution for three years of supervisory experience as defined above.
Support and prioritize a welcoming and respectful workplace that fosters diversity and encourages contributions from all individuals.
Provide inclusive and equitable service to all members of the community with dignity and respect.
Demonstrate support for the County’s diversity, equity and inclusion program.
Promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement in the workplace.
Demonstrates knowledge of, or ability to learn, quality/continuous improvement.
Promotes the engagement of staff and use of data in continuous quality improvement.
Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practices of social work and the methods and practices of public welfare administration.
Demonstrates thorough knowledge of federal and state human services laws and a broad understanding of the objectives and functions of human services programs.
Demonstrates considerable knowledge of court procedures, including preparations and the presentation of evidence in the filing of legal actions.
Demonstrates considerable familiarity with related resources of professional literature.
Demonstrates ability to use a personal computer and new technology including software relating to personnel, budget, financial case management and program eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Extensive leadership experience in economic assistance, human services, or public sector administration, including strategic planning, operational oversight, and organizational performance
Deep knowledge of economic support programs, including SNAP, Medical Assistance/Medicaid, cash assistance, and related public benefit programs
Demonstrated success leading large, complex teams and implementing organizational, programmatic, or systems change initiatives
Significant experience interpreting and implementing complex federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and system changes
Strong expertise in program integrity, compliance, quality assurance, and risk management, including reducing error rates and safeguarding funding
Experience using data, performance metrics, and outcome analysis to inform strategy, improve operations, and enhance service delivery
Proven ability to manage state and federal funding, budgets, and associated accountability requirements
Demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, and other key stakeholders
Strong understanding of legislative and policy processes, including assessing impacts and advising leadership on emerging issues
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through advancing equitable access, addressing disparities, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop leaders while promoting accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills

Responsibilities

Manage assigned department staff.
Interview and make staff recommendations.
Create and manage work schedules.
Provide work direction and review work for accuracy.
Develop and facilitate staff training.
Guide staff through changes in processes, services or programs.
Respond to grievances or special issues.
Conduct performance reviews.
Provide guidance and interpretation of policies and regulations.
Ensure staff compliance with federal, state and local standards.
Ensure division goals and objectives are achieved.
Administer Community Service Department programs.
Lead the division management team.
Research, select and recommend programs.
Provide implementation support for new programs and services.
Compile and analyze data, prepares statistical and narrative reports.
Recommend departmental goals and objectives.
Determine division standards and practices.
Analyze, evaluate, modify and approve administration procedures.
Evaluate and monitor current service delivery.
Identify divisional process improvements.
Assist with grant and contract management.
Collaborate with other departments, agencies or service organizations to assess needs.
Recommend legislative changes, as needed.
Analyze, evaluate and recommend management systems and equipment.
Project expenditures and prepare budget proposals.
Monitor expenses and revenue.
Identify ways to maximize revenue.
Recommend departmental goals and objectives.
Ensure program compliance.
Collaborate with other departments, agencies or service organizations to assess service needs and recommend legislative changes.
Analyze and develop legislative proposal and testifies at legislative hearings.
Lead citizen advisory committees to gain input for program planning.
Direct the development and oversight of contractual agreements with private and public vendors.
Perform other duties as assigned.