Chief of Direct Services (Strategic Planning Manager II)

The Department of Community and Human Services values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experiences. King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable... opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community. Adult Services Division seeks a proven leader and visionary to serve as a strategic leader and subject matter expert on adult direct services. This position serves as the leader for direct services within the Adult Services Division and will oversee operations of the Resource Access and Veterans Team. This position is responsible for ensuring the vision and values of the Division are met, managing complex decisions, serving as point person for community and elected leaders. This position reports to the Adult Services Division Director. WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to all qualified candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Interviews for this selection process will occur on or around July 1st & July 3rd. APPLICATION PROCESS If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement. The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy: • NeoGov Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process) • Supplemental Questions (The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process) Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. WORK SCHEDULE/CONDITIONS: This position is overtime exempt. The typical work week is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position is not represented. MISSION CRITICAL POSITION STATUS: This position has been designated Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director, or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency. TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT: The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of teleworking complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Employees will be provided with a county-issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including wearing masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint. King County has robust tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. RECRUITER Greg Mallory, grmallory@kingcounty.gov Leadership: Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for all direct service programs within the organization. Inspire and motivate a diverse team of professionals to achieve organizational goals and uphold the mission and values of the organization. Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability among team members. Equity: Develop and implement strategies to ensure equity and inclusivity in service delivery, including addressing systemic barriers and promoting access for marginalized communities. Monitor program outcomes and make data-driven decisions to advance equity and reduce disparities in service provision. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advocate for policies and practices that promote social justice and equitable outcomes. Decision Making: Make informed and timely decisions related to program design, implementation, and evaluation, considering input from stakeholders and best practices in the field. Assess risks and opportunities associated with various initiatives and develop mitigation strategies as needed. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and ethical standards in decision-making processes. Advising: Serve as a trusted advisor to the division director, providing insights and recommendations on matters related to direct service delivery. Offer guidance and support to administrators, program managers, and staff to enhance their effectiveness in delivering high-quality services. Act as a liaison between frontline staff and upper management, conveying concerns, feedback, and innovative ideas for continuous improvement. Engage with other direct service leaders across the county to ensure the outcomes and effectiveness of direct services while bridging and modeling a One King County approach to the work. Budgeting: Develop and manage budgets for direct service programs, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and financial sustainability. Monitor expenditures and revenue streams, identifying opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation. Collaborate with the finance department to prepare accurate financial reports and forecasts for internal and external stakeholders. Helping People: Maintain a client-centered approach to service delivery, prioritizing the well-being and empowerment of individuals and families served by the organization. Oversee the development and implementation of client support plans that address their unique needs and goals. Foster strong relationships with community partners and referral networks to enhance the continuum of care and support available to clients. • A well-developed understanding of equity and social justice principles and experience leading teams and/or implementing policies that integrate equity and social justice into program design and workplace culture; • Master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, public health, nursing, or related field. • At least 7 years of cumulative professional experience providing or leading direct services. • At least 3 years of experience leading teams of 20 people or more. • At least 5 years experience leading multiple teams across multiple sites. • At least 5 years experience leading supervisors of people. • Professional leadership experience as the director, assistant director or equivalent executive leader of an organization, institute, or center that delivers services, develops or analyzes policies; such organizations, institutes, or centers may include but not limited to those focused on human rights, anti-poverty programs, low-income housing, anti-racism, or issues supporting survivors of traumatic experiences; • Experience developing, analyzing, or managing budgets of at least $10M; • Professional experience regularly interacting with executive and/or elected leaders on politically sensitive or controversial issues or policies; • A skilled relationship-builder who understands the connection between effective community engagement and successful policy; • The curiosity to question established practices, the emotional intelligence to drive change while strengthening relationships and the growth mindset needed to incorporate new ways of working, thinking, and relating; • The grit to do hard work and the ability and willingness to inspire others to work hard and a high-performer, initiative-taker who knows how to work independently and efficiently; • Exceptional writing and oral presentation skills; • A creative and intuitive problem solver who can tackle challenges with a positive, can-do attitude; • A combination of life experience, work experience, and/or education that equips the candidate to credibly set strategic direction, work with community partners, and lead a team and • A valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to travel around the county in a timely manner. Desired Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills • Experience working in King County Department of Community and Human Services or Public Health. • Current or former licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHC/LMHCA, Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Associate) Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. To Apply If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement