Human Services Director Job Mankato area,Minnesota USA,Management

Human Services Director

Under general supervision of the County Administrator, this position serves as the department head for Human Services. The Human Services Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of programs, operations, and staff to ensure effective, compliant, and equitable service delivery. Responsibilities include establishing department goals and priorities; directing budget development and administration; developing and implementing policies and procedures; determining staffing needs; providing leadership to management staff;

advancing program development; coordinating public information; and representing the County on legislative and intergovernmental matters.

Duties / Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

Leads and develops a high-performing team by fostering a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment. Provides clear direction, sets performance expectations, and supports supervisors through ongoing feedback, coaching, and opportunities. Exercises independent judgment in operational and personnel decisions, proactively resolving issues and promoting effective problem-solving. Oversees daily operations by assigning work, managing schedules, approving timecards, and ensuring adequate staffing to meet service needs.

Participates in staffing decisions and takes primary responsibility for guiding employee performance and conduct, including addressing concerns and implementing appropriate corrective actions. Promotes open communication and transparency as part of employee engagement. Ensures compliance with the Employee Handbook and procedures and interprets labor agreements. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external partners, including other departments, community members, professional organizations, and regulatory agencies, to achieve organizational goals.

Models a customer-focused, safety-conscious, and results-oriented approach to high-quality service delivery.

Establishes goals and objectives for the Human Services Department. Establishes department vision, goals, and measurable objectives. Develops and recommends policies, priorities, and long-range plans. Evaluates outcomes and service impacts using data and community input. Represents the County in joint powers and interagency collaborations.

Develops departmental budget and provides fiscal oversight of the budget. Oversees the development of the departmental budget by reviewing past expenditures, prioritizing needs, and projecting the resources necessary to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. Prioritizes spending and provides guidance to the department to ensure budgetary limits and targets are achieved.

Develops, interprets, and administers departmental policies and procedures. Ensures fiscal resources are allocated in alignment with strategic priorities, statutory requirements, and service demands. Reviews and analyzes expenditures, identifies trends, and forecasts future financial needs. Implements internal controls and monitors financial performance to ensure accountability, transparency, and compliance with County policies and state and federal regulations. Guides leadership staff in budget management and supports funding strategies, including grants and intergovernmental funding streams.

Provides workforce planning and staffing recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, while maintaining service delivery needs. Oversees the development, revision, and maintenance of job descriptions to ensure clarity, compliance, and alignment with public sector best practices.

Provides direction and guidance to supervisors and managers. Supports resolution of complex service delivery, personnel, and operational issues. Ensures consistent application of policies, labor agreements, and best practices in public service delivery.

Develops and recommends Human Services programs. Evaluates community needs and program effectiveness. Recommends new or modified services to address gaps and align with County priorities. Monitors legislative and regulatory changes impacting service delivery.

Coordinates public information and community relations activities.…