Director - Department of County Human Services

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

13h • Onsite

About The Position

Multnomah County is seeking a Department of County Human Services (DCHS) Director that will be responsible for the leadership, vision, direction and accountability for all the activities and operations of the department’s divisions. You will lead a dedicated workforce of approximately 1,140 employees, currently organized into four main divisions, and manage a budget of approximately $440 million. We are looking for a strategic, empathetic leader, dedicated to centering community needs and addressing the root causes of inequity. A Director who leads through a trauma informed approach with the ability to operate with maximum impact, dignity, and efficiency to keep the Department focused on its North Star: the belief that in Multnomah County, every person, at every stage of life, has equitable opportunities to thrive. DCHS designs programs, services and funding to provide stability for Multnomah County residents across the lifespan. DCHS strives to not only uplift our community members in times of need – but to invest in innovative, future-oriented approaches to human services that prevent crises, build assets and nurture self-determination within our communities by addressing and readdressing the root causes of racism and all other forms of inequity.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience
• Minimum of 6 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in Human Services
• Experience managing and working in a public sector unionized (represented) environment.
• Demonstrated experience communicating complex human capital strategies and organizational data clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, ranging from frontline employees and union representatives to executive leadership and the Board of Commissioners

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree
• 6 years of Experience in Senior Level role focused on Human Services
• Substantial experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource optimization. Examples include managing multi-million dollar departmental budgets, forecasting personnel costs, and overseeing capital expenditures.
• Public Sector/Governmental Experience: Direct, substantial experience in a large county, state, or municipal government or other comparable complex public-sector entity.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the department’s divisions, ensuring high-quality administration, communication, collaboration, and service delivery.
• Implement high-level policy into measurable results, using transparent performance frameworks to demonstrate the department is an effective steward of public resources.
• Work with teams to evaluate program effectiveness and utilizes continuous improvement practices to adapt to community needs and changing funding landscapes.
• Identifies and operationalizes system integration across department silos when possible to improve shared technology and data platforms.
• Assess current operations to implement recommendations for improved data and performance, governance, and technology.
• Oversee the department's implementation of strategic planning and the development of department policies and business practices.
• Cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials and community leaders to align strategies around services and goals.
• Oversee the annual department budget, ensuring justifications for funding align with community needs and legislative requirements.
• Forecast and advocate for department needs with local, state, and federal officials for stable, multi-year funding, particularly for State and Federal funded services.
• Convene stakeholders, both internally and externally, to provide input on fiscal planning and budget development.
• Oversee the contracting of services with over 100 community-based organizations and the interpretation, negotiation, and enforcement of contracts and grants.
• Maintain a deep, technical understanding of audits, contracting, and compliance from both a financial and programmatic standpoint to ensure department integrity
• Direct and approve through subordinate director(s) and managers the planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, training, and review of the work of a diverse workforce.
• Leads with operational visibility and communication and meets staff and community partners where they are at - whether that be site visits, town halls or frequent listening sessions.
• Promote inclusive leadership of a diverse workforce that includes all identities and abilities.
• Maintain regular visibility and engagement through regular communication, updates, and open two-way communication with leadership and frontline employees.
• Provide direction and guidance to staff and review the performance of high-level managers.
• Clear communication skills through a variety of mediums to be able to explain difficult decisions with internal teams and external partners.
• Lead through a trauma-informed approach to ensure staff’s well-being is prioritized and their physical and psychological safety is addressed.
• Direct safe work practices and participate in initiatives designed to promote a safe work environment.
• Apply an equity lens to all decision-making, actively identifying and dismantling policies and practices that create unnecessary barriers and perpetuate unlawful discrimination.
• Enforce policies that protect marginalized employees and ensure equitable service delivery for the community.
• Cultivate deep partnerships with specialized housing providers and advocacy groups to design and implement residential programs that specifically support individuals with diverse needs
• Strengthen data privacy to ensure DCHS safeguards client information.
• Cultivate deep partnerships with city officials, school districts, and community groups to create a functional system of care.
• Develop and conceptualize new enterprises or joint ventures among various agencies, both internal and external to the County, to create innovative, or more efficient or effective services.

Benefits

• Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package , including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director