Reimagine Public Service. Lead Systemwide Impact.
The
County of Santa Clara is not just any government agency—it’s a premiere public agency known for its high standard of excellence, strategic leadership, and innovative thinking. With a population of more than 1.9 million residents, Santa Clara County is the largest of the nine Bay Area counties in Northern California, and larger than 12 states. With a workforce of
more than 23,000 employees across 30+ departments, we deliver critical safety-net services in health, public safety, social services, housing, and more. Our organization is made up of public servants who are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in our community, and especially for those most in need.
The
Social Services Agency (SSA) plays a critical role in strengthening our community’s safety net. Within SSA, the
Department of Employment and Benefit Services (DEBS) provides services that promote health, nutrition, safety, and well-being to Santa Clara County residents. DEBS provides essential income support, employment services, and pathways to stability for tens of thousands of households.
We are seeking a
strategic, people centered, and operationally exceptional leader to serve as the next
Assistant Director, Employment and Benefit Services. This is an opportunity to shape how vital services are delivered across the county, building systems that provide families with compassionate, timely, and effective support.
Your Mission
Lead a portfolio of bureaus within DEBS that provide essential public assistance and employment programs. As the Assistant Director, you will partner with leadership, community organizations, and dedicated staff to advance SSA’s mission of supporting residents in achieving safety, stability, and economic mobility. You will guide multi-bureau operations, ensure compliance with complex regulations, and drive improvements in service delivery, all while fostering an environment of transparency, learning, and collaboration.
What Makes This Role Meaningful
- Scale & Service Impact: You’ll oversee operations that provide core safety net programs, including Employment Services, Intake Services, and Continuing Benefit Services, that directly support thousands of households in navigating employment, income supports, and pathways to self sufficiency.
- Operational Excellence: You will drive consistency, quality, and accountability across multi layered bureaus, helping ensure DEBS delivers services with integrity, clarity, and compassion.
- Community Connection: You’ll work closely with community partners, listening deeply to assess needs, identify service gaps, and ensure DEBS programs effectively support those who need them most.
- Strategic Leadership: From budget development to policy implementation, you will influence decisions that shape the overall direction and performance of the department.
What You’ll Do
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Plan, organize, manage, evaluate, and direct bureau operations and staff.
- Guide managers in setting and implementing departmental objectives aligned with Agency priorities.
- Establish and monitor operational procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and exceptional service delivery.
Organizational Effectiveness
- Review organizational structures, service models, and workloads to maximize efficiency.
- Provide coaching and direction to strengthen staff understanding of policies, procedures, and program expectations.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain strong relationships with community partners to assess needs, evaluate program effectiveness, and expand outreach efforts.
- Represent DEBS in interagency initiatives, collaborative forums, and community engagements.
What You Bring
- Deep understanding of eligibility programs, case management practices, and the operational realities of caseloads, workloads, and service delivery.
- A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, strengthens partnerships, and inspires teams to work toward shared goals.
- A proven ability to lead large, diverse teams with clarity, transparency, and integrity.
- Exceptional communication and public-speaking skills, with the confidence to engage stakeholders, community partners, and staff at all levels.
- A strong commitment to equitable, client-centered public service, paired with sound judgment in complex or sensitive situations.
To view the full job specification, including the employment standards, click this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/newprint/81256
What Success Looks Like
In the first 6–12 months, you will:
- Strengthen bureau operations by improving communication, consistency, and alignment with Agency priorities.
- Assess workflows, caseload management practices, and service delivery to identify the most urgent improvement opportunities.
- Build trust with staff, managers, and community partners through transparency, responsiveness, and clear expectations.
In the long term, you will:
- Improve timeliness, quality, and efficiency across eligibility and employment services programs.
- Enhance operational effectiveness through improved workflows, resource allocation, and modernized case management practices.
- Position DEBS as a model for client-centered, equitable, and effective service delivery within Santa Clara County.
Why Join Us?
- Influence the future of service delivery in one of California’s most impactful public agencies.
- Help build systems that advance equity, improve outcomes, and strengthen community well being.
- Work alongside passionate professionals dedicated to public service.
- Be part of a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
More About Our Competitive Executive Benefits
Strategic Financial and Retirement Benefits
- CalPERS pension with reciprocity across most California public agencies (2.5% @ 55 for Classic Members, 2% @ 62 for Non-Classic Members)
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with both pre-tax and Roth options, up to IRS limits
- $325,000 in term life insurance plus $300,000 in accidental death and disability coverage
- Eligible employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
Executive-Level Health, Wellness, and Family Support
- Premium health insurance options (Kaiser, HealthNet, Valley Health Plan) with up to 96% County-paid coverage
- Fully covered dental (Delta or Liberty) and vision (VSP) plans for individuals and families
- Employee Assistance Program, Dependent Care Assistance, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Access to wellness and leadership development programs designed to support executive performance and resilience
Leadership Mobility, Time Off, and Professional Growth
- 39 days of annual leave with a cash-out option, plus 13 paid holidays
- Relocation assistance to support seamless transitions
- Tuition reimbursement and internal executive development programs
- To learn more about benefits, check out our dedicated page.
Ready to join the leadership team? Apply now.
Learn more about the County and the impact you can have as a leader.
This recruitment will be open on a continuous basis until the position is filled. The first review of applications will be August 24, 2026 .This recruitment may close or be extended as early as 10 days after posting. Early application is strongly encouraged. Please check the website regularly for updates.
