Program Operations Manager- Employment & Economic Assistance

Dakota County•West St. Paul, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Dakota County is hiring a Public Assistance Program Operations Manager in its Employment & Economic Assistance Department. In partnership with the Economic Supports Program Operations Manager and Deputy Director, this position provides strategic and operational leadership for a large, complex section administering public assistance programs, primarily Medical Assistance/Medicaid, along with some SNAP, cash assistance, and other economic support services. The manager ensures high-quality, equitable, accessible, and compliant service delivery while advancing continuous improvement, innovation, and organizational readiness amid changing policies and regulations. The role helps the County navigate state and federal reforms, systems modernization, and legislative changes. It directly co-leads and develops supervisors and future leaders, fostering accountability, collaboration, learning, and belonging, and works to identify and address barriers to equitable access and outcomes. The position is based in West St. Paul, Minnesota, and is designated safety-sensitive. Work is primarily sedentary, with some walking, travel, and carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds. The position requires a valid driver's license. The posting is open competitive and remains open continuously, with the first applicant review on November 6, 2026.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services Administration, or a related field, and four years of full-time paid experience in a human services agency, including two years in a supervisory or operations lead capacity; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling eight years, including two years in a supervisory or operations lead capacity.
Valid driver's license.
Understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, staff, and coworkers, and ability to create a respectful workplace grounded in cultural and physical differences and equity.
Ability to use Windows-based applications and collaboration platforms, including Webex, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, and OnBase.
Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal public assistance principles, methods, techniques, manuals, policies, practices, and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of the human services field, with some level of knowledge of corrections, public health, social services, and veterans services.
Thorough knowledge and use of supervisory principles and practices.
Considerable knowledge, experience, and strong analytical skills in strategic planning, data collection, and analysis.
Ability to identify, surface, and resolve conflict.
Ability to inspire teamwork, alignment, and collective action among diverse collaborators.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions while maintaining policy within changing federal, state, county, division, and department guidelines.
Ability to work independently and with team members.
Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to train, coach, and supervise subordinates.
Regular attendance according to the position's management-approved work schedule is required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise, coach, and mentor public assistance supervisors; develop future leaders and foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Manage staffing and workforce operations, including hiring recommendations, work assignments, scheduling, performance management, staff development, and employee concerns and grievances.
Oversee program operations and service delivery to achieve department goals and meet customer needs efficiently and effectively.
Monitor workload distribution and staffing capacity with the co-manager, analyze trends, and recommend adjustments to distribute work equitably and use resources effectively.
Lead continuous quality improvement by analyzing performance measures, production data, service outcomes, and customer needs, and implementing improvements.
Oversee program compliance, quality assurance, and audits to ensure adherence to federal, state, and county requirements and accurate, timely, consistent program administration.
Direct the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, procedures, and practices consistent with applicable regulations and operational requirements.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy changes; assess program and fiscal impacts; recommend changes and guide implementation.
Partner with the Deputy Director on strategic and financial planning and align operations, business strategies, and resource allocation with county and state priorities.
Coordinate public assistance program implementation and administration, evaluate service needs, recommend new or revised programs, and support new initiatives.
Develop and implement operational strategies and systems to improve program effectiveness, staff efficiency, and customer service, partnering with County IT, contractors, and state agencies on technology solutions.
Build and maintain partnerships with county departments, regional and state agencies, community organizations, and service providers to coordinate services and improve outcomes.
Advance equitable, accessible, culturally responsive, and respectful services and workplace practices that support inclusion and improve customer and employee experiences.
Oversee program communications and resources, including public-facing information, web content, and internal guidance.
Prepare and present operational, financial, and performance information, including reports, recommendations, and Requests for Board Action, to support decisions and authorizations.
Represent the Deputy Director and support department leadership in assigned initiatives, management decisions, cross-departmental efforts, and other responsibilities.