Steele County
Job Description
Job Title: Child & Family Services Program Manager
Department: Human Services
Immediate Supervisor: Director of Human Services
FLSA Status: Exempt
Union: N/A
Job Summary
Under general supervision from the Director of Human Services, the Child and Family Services Program Manager will perform complex professional work managing the child and family services programs and staff. This includes planning, implementing and evaluating the child and family services programs and strategic plans. Develops and maintains a service-oriented approach and creatively supports the quality initiatives of the department, county and community. Supports the department in the maintenance of a healthy work culture by recruiting, training and developing staff. Responsible for managing the child and family services budget and related work as assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Plans, manages, evaluates and directs overall operations and work activities of the department both strategically and on a day-to-day basis.
- Collaborates with leadership team to develop and implement department policies and procedures.
- Oversees activities of supervisors and staff.
- Provides support and consultation to direct reports and staff.
- Leads department meetings.
- Works with Human Resources to manage and direct personnel functions of the department, including recruiting, training, and performance management.
- Supports healthy work culture by encouraging continuous improvement of staff
- Performs staff evaluations; disciplinary actions; and addresses complaints and problems.
- Issues performance improvement plan or discipline when staff is underperforming.
- Sets management financial objectives and priorities along with the child and family services leadership team to prioritize, measure, and evaluate budget goals.
- Participates in annual budget process and provides suggestions for child and family services programs.
- Monitors program area revenues and expenditures.
- Works with accounting staff to develop short and long range financial outlooks for the department.
- Programs the child and family manager may be responsible for include: child protection and child welfare services, including out of home placements, truancy, adoption and foster care; mental health; chemical dependency; home and community based waiver services, long term care needs assessments; case management services; licensing of foster care; health plan care coordination and other programs as necessary.
- Serves on various boards and speaks at County meetings, social organizations or community events to promote department programs.
- Engages in professional development and training; networks with other departments, agencies and organizations to expand knowledge of services and coordination.
- Facilitates meetings, processes, and dialogue to encourage collaborative outcomes and relationships with internal county business, community partners, and community members.
· Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.
- Keeps abreast of changing legislation, trends, policies, and developments in areas of responsibility.
Attends various state, regional and local training sessions.
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Minimum Qualifications
· Bachelor’s Degree in behavioral or social sciences, business administration, nursing, social work, public administration or closely related field
· Three to five years of child and family services, county or state human services experience
· Three years of experience working in a lead, supervisory or management capacity; preferably in county or state human services
· Valid Driver’s License
· Ability to pass a background check
Essential Knowledge
· Knowledge of organizational priorities and strategy.
· Knowledge of principles and methods of social service administration.
· Knowledge of human behavior essential to working effectively with individuals and groups.
· Knowledge of current social, economic, and health programs.
· Knowledge of Federal, State and local welfare policies and programs, and the laws on which they are based.
· Knowledge of advanced principles of social work practice, including structured decision-making, family engagement, and client-centered decision-making with a background in child welfare best practices.
· Fundamental knowledge of community resources.
· Knowledge of operation and use of computer equipment and human service customized applications and business productivity software programs.
· Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state and local welfare policies and programs, social services, and juvenile laws and rules.
Essential Skills
· Oral, written and interpersonal communications.
· Ability to plan, organize, motivate and direct a large staff or professional and administrative employees
· Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and rapport with employees, clients, supervisors, department heads, officials, and the public.
· Skilled in budget development and allocation.
· Skilled in supervising, planning and administering adult and family services programs in accordance with established department policies and regulations, laws and requirements pertaining to programs.
· Skill in the use of computers, statistical software, and technology.
· Skill in analytical thinking and problem-solving.
· Ability to facilitate meetings with staff from a variety of programs.
· Ability to analyze data, identify trends and recommend actions.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
Physical Job Requirements (Percentage of Time)
Category: Light work
Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects in the performance of the job.
· Stand: occasionally (1-33%)
· Walk: occasionally (1-33%)
· Sit: frequently (34-66%)
· Use of hands: frequently (34-66%)
· Reach with hands & arms: occasionally (1-33%)
· Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: occasionally (1-33%)
· Talk or hear: continuously (66-100%)
· Taste or smell: never
· Lift & carry: up to 10 pounds frequently (34-66%), up to 25 pounds occasionally (1-33%)
Working Conditions
Duties of the job include primarily administrative and staff supervision responsibilities. Employee works primarily in an indoor office setting and is exposed to minimal adverse or hazardous physical conditions. Employees are exposed to some disagreeable, hostile, uncooperative and/or angry clients or members of the public that can make the job less than desirable. Potential hazards and risks can be minimized through departmental procedures, training, and general county risk management techniques employed by the County.
This description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Shape the future of human services in Steele County. This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to build a lasting legacy. In collaboration with our new Human Services Director for Steele County, you will not only design operations but also define the department’s identity, values, and reputation for years to come. We are seeking a visionary and resilient leader who can create a high-performing team, foster a healthy and inclusive work culture, and implement innovative systems that deliver services with accountability, dignity, and measurable impact. This is your chance to lead transformative change and make a difference for thousands of residents.
What We’re Looking For
· Proven leadership experience in human services, public administration, or related fields.
· Strategic and operational expertise , including managing complex budgets and multi-disciplinary teams.
· Knowledge of Minnesota county services and systems is a strong plus.
· Ability to implement best practices and evidence-based approaches across human services and related systems.
· Resilience and adaptability to thrive in ambiguity, lead change management strategies, and drive results.
· Visionary thinking with the ability to inspire, innovate, and support impactful teams.
· Exceptional team-building skills to recruit, motivate, and retain top talent.
· A relationship builder who earns trust and fosters collaboration with internal and external partners.
About Steele County Human Services
The Minnesota Prairie County Alliance (MNPrairie) is a collaborative human services agency formed in 2014 by Dodge, Steele, and Waseca counties to deliver essential services through a shared structure. Steele County has made the decision to transition out of the collaborative and establish an independent county human services department. Planning and activities for this separation are underway, with the new department scheduled to launch on January 1, 2027. This change reflects Steele County’s commitment to local service delivery and meeting the unique needs of its residents.
