DHHS Director

County of Jackson•Black River Falls, WI

About The Position

The Director of Health and Human Services serves as the chief executive officer of the Jackson County Department of Health and Human Services and is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, strategic direction, and performance of departmental programs, personnel, budgets, and operations. Operating under the authority of the Jackson County Health and Human Services Board, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, and applicable Wisconsin Statutes, the Director provides executive leadership for all departmental divisions and services, including Public Health, Children and Family Services, Adult Protective Services, Behavioral Health, Economic Support, Child Support, Aging and Disability Resource Center, Aging Programs, and related human service programs. The Director ensures effective integration, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of services while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. The position serves as the primary liaison between the Department, County leadership, regulatory agencies, community partners, elected officials, and the public.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Human Services Administration, Health Administration, Public Health, Business Administration, or related field.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in health, human services, public administration, or related governmental operations.
Six (6) years of supervisory and management experience.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Public Health, Health Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
Senior executive leadership experience within county or municipal government.
Experience working directly with governing boards, committees, and elected officials.
Experience managing large public-sector budgets and grant-funded programs.

Responsibilities

Provides executive leadership and direction for all Department of Health and Human Services programs, services, and operations.
Establishes organizational priorities, strategic objectives, and performance expectations for departmental divisions and management staff.
Directs and coordinates departmental operations to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
Evaluates departmental performance and implements operational improvements to enhance service quality and organizational effectiveness.
Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, contractual obligations, and professional standards.
Determines, subject to Board approval, whether services are provided directly, contracted, or delivered through partnerships.
Oversees departmental administrative functions, facilities, technology, safety, security, and support services.
Leads department-wide strategic planning initiatives and organizational development efforts.
Establishes long-term goals and objectives to address community needs and improve service delivery.
Develops and implements organizational policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Evaluates emerging trends, legislation, funding opportunities, and community needs to guide departmental planning.
Facilitates management team meetings and leadership development activities.
Promotes innovation, continuous improvement, and evidence-based practices throughout the Department.
Serves as the primary staff liaison to the Health and Human Services Board.
Advises the Board regarding operational, fiscal, legislative, regulatory, and policy matters.
Develops Board agendas, resolutions, reports, annual reports, and supporting materials.
Coordinates and facilitates Board meetings and committee activities.
Provides written and verbal reports, recommendations, and presentations to the Health and Human Services Board, County Board, and other committees.
Implements Board directives and policy decisions.
Leads development and administration of the Department's annual budget in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes and County policies.
Monitors revenues, expenditures, grants, contracts, and financial trends to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Allocates funding and resources to support departmental priorities and statutory obligations.
Collaborates with County Finance staff regarding financial planning, forecasting, audits, and reporting requirements.
Reviews and approves financial plans, contracts, grant proposals, and funding agreements.
Ensures compliance with financial management standards, grant requirements, and audit expectations.
Provides overall leadership, supervision, and evaluation of departmental management staff.
Oversees recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, employee development, disciplinary actions, and workforce planning.
Coordinates personnel matters with Human Resources and County Administration.
Promotes employee engagement, leadership development, succession planning, and workforce retention.
Ensures compliance with County personnel policies, labor agreements, and applicable employment laws.
Supports managers in resolving personnel, operational, and organizational issues.
Serves as the Department's primary representative with local, regional, state, tribal, and federal agencies.
Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, law enforcement agencies, courts, advocacy groups, and governmental partners.
Represents the Department on professional associations, regional collaboratives, advisory groups, and statewide committees.
Advocates for departmental and community interests at the local, regional, and state levels.
Participates in legislative, policy, and funding discussions affecting human services and public health programs.
Serves as the Department's primary media and public information contact.
Ensures compliance with Wisconsin Statutes governing Health and Human Services departments and programs.
Oversees required reporting to state and federal agencies and funding sources.
Ensures implementation and maintenance of Civil Rights, HIPAA, privacy, and security requirements.
Oversees crisis response, emergency preparedness, and continuity of operations activities.
Coordinates responses to audits, reviews, investigations, grievances, and open records requests.
Reviews and approves contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and service arrangements.
Ensures appropriate risk management practices and internal controls are maintained throughout the Department.
Collaborates with County departments, elected officials, and community stakeholders to advance County initiatives.
Attends County Board, committee, department head, regional, and state meetings as required.
Coordinates departmental participation in countywide initiatives and strategic projects.
Maintains awareness of legislative and regulatory developments affecting Department operations.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Health and Human Services Board or County Board.