POSITION SUMMARY
Performs high-level executive, professional, managerial, and administrative work in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and overseeing the development and delivery of comprehensive human services programs under the policy direction of the Board of County Commissioners. Provides strategic leadership to ensure effective service delivery, operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and organizational accountability.
Serves as a member of the County Executive Leadership Team and as a liaison among County departments, elected officials, state and federal agencies, community organizations, and the public. Directs departmental operations, personnel, budgets, programs, and strategic initiatives while advancing the County’s mission, priorities, and commitment to serving the community.
Ensures all departmental operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Promotes a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, transparency, professionalism, customer service, continuous improvement, ethical leadership, and stewardship of public resources.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the broad policy direction of the Board of County Commissioners with substantial independence in planning, organizing, and directing departmental operations and activities. Exercises considerable judgment and initiative in carrying out the responsibilities of the position.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises direct and indirect supervision over management, professional, administrative, technical, and clerical personnel to ensure the effective, efficient, and compliant delivery of human services programs and services. Supervision may be exercised through management staff and includes responsibility for personnel leadership and organizational performance. Employees may work in multiple office locations, remotely, or in hybrid work environments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides executive leadership and oversight for all Department of Human Services programs, including but not limited to Child Welfare and Child Protection Services, Youth in Conflict, Foster Care and Adoption Services, Adult Protective Services, Core Services Programs, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Assistance Programs, Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), Old Age Pension (OAP), Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND), Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Programs, Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Case Management Agency (CMA), Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), and other programs assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.
- Provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Department by establishing long-range goals, objectives, organizational priorities, performance measures, and service delivery strategies.
- Serves as a member of the County’s Executive Leadership Team and collaborates with County Commissioners, elected officials, department directors, and community partners to establish and achieve County-wide goals and initiatives.
- Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable federal, state, and county laws, regulations, policies, procedures, program standards, audit requirements, and reporting obligations.
- Assesses organizational, operational, fiscal, regulatory, and reputational risks and implements appropriate mitigation strategies to protect the interests of the County and the community.
- Develops, administers, monitors, and maintains responsibility for complex departmental budgets involving federal, state, county, and grant funding sources while ensuring transparency, accountability, and stewardship of public resources.
- Directs fiscal forecasting, resource allocation, grant administration, contract oversight, and financial planning efforts to support departmental priorities and long-term sustainability.
- Oversees the development, negotiation, administration, and monitoring of contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and service provider agreements.
- Identifies and pursues funding opportunities, including grants and alternative funding sources, and advocates for appropriate allocation of financial resources.
- Establishes and monitors key performance indicators, operational metrics, and service outcomes to evaluate program effectiveness, improve organizational performance, and ensure accountability.
- Gathers, analyzes, interprets, and presents quantitative and qualitative data to support strategic planning, operational decision-making, regulatory reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Analyzes and interprets proposed legislation, administrative regulations, policy changes, and emerging trends affecting human services programs and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding implementation, advocacy, support, or opposition.
- Prepares, presents, and advocates departmental priorities, policy proposals, budget requests, operational recommendations, and strategic initiatives before the Board of County Commissioners and other governing or advisory bodies.
- Develops and maintains effective working relationships with federal and state agencies, elected officials, community organizations, behavioral health providers, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, judicial partners, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders to improve service delivery and address community needs.
- Represents Otero County on boards, councils, committees, task forces, commissions, and regional, state, and national organizations related to human services and community well-being.
- Provides leadership during emergencies, critical incidents, disaster response efforts, and crisis situations to ensure continuity of departmental operations and services.
- Directs organizational improvement efforts, change management initiatives, process enhancement projects, technology implementation, and service innovations designed to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and customer service.
- Recruits, hires, develops, evaluates, coaches, mentors, disciplines, administers corrective action, and when necessary, terminates employees in accordance with County policies and applicable law while fostering employee engagement, accountability, workforce development, succession planning, and a positive organizational culture.
- Provides leadership, direction, guidance, and support to managers and staff in resolving complex operational, personnel, client, and community issues.
- Reviews and resolves grievances, complaints, appeals, and concerns from employees, clients, community members, and partner organizations in accordance with County policies and applicable regulations.
- Maintains strict confidentiality of protected information and ensures compliance with all applicable confidentiality laws, regulations, and County policies.
- Manages multiple priorities, projects, deadlines, and operational demands simultaneously while maintaining high standards of service delivery, compliance, responsiveness, and organizational effectiveness.
- Promotes a culture of professionalism, ethical conduct, innovation, continuous improvement, and customer-centered service throughout the Department.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Board of County Commissioners consistent with the nature and responsibilities of the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
- Strategic Leadership - Ability to develop and implement a long-term vision for the Department while aligning departmental objectives with County goals, community needs, and regulatory requirements. Demonstrates sound judgment, innovation, adaptability, and a results-oriented approach. Ability to establish strategic priorities, allocate resources effectively, and guide organizational decision-making.
- Program Administration and Development - Knowledge of human services programs, public administration principles, and service delivery systems. Ability to plan, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve complex human services programs and initiatives while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations and funding requirements.
- Policy Analysis and Development - Ability to analyze, interpret, develop, and implement policies and procedures. Demonstrates the capacity to evaluate legislative and regulatory impacts and formulate recommendations that support organizational goals, regulatory compliance, and effective service delivery.
- Budget and Financial Management - Considerable knowledge of public-sector budgeting, fund accounting, fiscal forecasting, grants management, financial reporting, and resource allocation practices. Ability to manage multiple funding streams and ensure fiscal accountability, transparency, and stewardship of public resources.
- Leadership and Organizational Development - Ability to inspire, motivate, develop, and lead diverse teams in a complex and evolving environment. Demonstrates expertise in personnel management, workforce planning, employee relations, professional development, succession planning, performance management, and organizational effectiveness.
- Organizational Change Management - Ability to successfully lead organizational change initiatives through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, communication, workforce development, and continuous improvement practices. Demonstrates flexibility and resilience when responding to changing organizational, community, and regulatory needs.
- Decision Making and Judgment - Ability to exercise sound judgment, evaluate complex issues, balance competing interests, assess risk, and make timely decisions in the best interests of the County while operating within legal, ethical, and policy frameworks.
- Relationship Building and Community Engagement - Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, courts, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, healthcare providers, service organizations, and the public. Demonstrates diplomacy, professionalism, and effective stakeholder engagement.
- Public Service and Stewardship - Demonstrates commitment to public service, ethical conduct, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds, resources, and community trust.
- Communication and Public Presentation - Exceptional verbal, written, interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation, and presentation skills. Ability to communicate complex information effectively to diverse audiences and prepare professional reports, recommendations, strategic plans, and presentations.
- Performance Management and Data Analysis - Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and utilize quantitative and qualitative information to evaluate organizational performance, improve service outcomes, support decision-making, and ensure accountability.
- Technology and Innovation - Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Google Workspace, state and county systems, including TRAILS, ACSES, CBMS, and other technology platforms. Ability to ethically and effectively utilize emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and data analytics tools, to enhance operational efficiency, decision-making, customer service, and service delivery.
- Time Management and Prioritization - Ability to manage competing priorities, strategic initiatives, projects, deadlines, operational demands, and regulatory requirements while maintaining responsiveness, compliance, organizational effectiveness, and high-quality service delivery.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Human Services, Social Work, Social Sciences, Government, or a closely related field.
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in human services, public administration, local government, community services, organizational management, or a closely related field.
- Five (5) years of supervisory, managerial, operational, or administrative leadership experience involving responsibility for personnel, budgets, program administration, or organizational performance.
- Experience overseeing complex operations, multiple functional areas, regulatory compliance activities, or cross-divisional initiatives within a public-sector, government, or highly regulated environment.
- A master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required professional experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Human Services, Social Work, Social Sciences, Government, or a closely related field.
- Significant knowledge and experience with Colorado county-administered human services programs, services, regulations, funding mechanisms, and service delivery systems.
- Considerable experience in human services administration, public administration, local government operations, community services, or a closely related public-sector environment.
- Experience managing complex budgets involving federal, state, local, and grant funding sources.
- Experience in strategic planning, organizational operations, budget development, performance management, business process improvement, quality improvement initiatives, organizational change management, and cross-functional operational coordination.
- Experience overseeing multiple programs, divisions, functional areas, or geographically dispersed teams.
- Experience collaborating with courts, law enforcement agencies, behavioral health providers, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, community stakeholders, intergovernmental partners, elected officials, governing boards, advisory committees, and public-sector leadership teams.
- Experience preparing and presenting executive-level reports, budget presentations, operational analyses, strategic plans, policy recommendations, and public presentations.
- Experience interpreting and implementing federal and state regulations, legislative changes, and program requirements.
- Experience supervising managers, developing leadership talent, implementing succession planning strategies, and fostering employee engagement.
- Experience administering grants, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, or other externally funded programs.
- Experience overseeing audits, compliance reviews, corrective action plans, accreditation activities, risk management initiatives, or performance improvement efforts.
- Experience responding to emergency management situations, critical incidents, public health emergencies, disaster response efforts, or continuity of operations planning.
- Experience serving in a senior leadership, executive management, department director, deputy director, assistant director, county administrator, or comparable leadership role.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be bondable.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to the County’s insurance carrier.
- Maintains valid motor vehicle insurance as required by law.
- Reliable transportation.
- Full-time position with availability outside normal business hours as needed.
- Required to perform essential duties during declared emergencies, disasters, continuity of operations events, or other circumstances requiring continued governmental operations. Employees designated as Emergency Essential may be required to report to work or remain available during such events.
- Subject to emergency call-outs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Extensive travel throughout the region and state; occasional out-of-state travel may be required.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Requires frequent use of office equipment including computers, printers, copiers, telephones, mobile devices, calculators, videoconferencing systems, electronic communication platforms, County vehicles, and software applications used for word processing, spreadsheets, budgeting, presentations, reporting, data analysis, and case management.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach intermittently throughout the workday.
- Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
- Ability to use hands and fingers to operate computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, through videoconferencing platforms, and by other electronic communication methods.
- Ability to read, analyze, and prepare written documents, reports, presentations, and correspondence.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Ability to hear and respond to conversations and other auditory signals in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication devices.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
- Ability to travel throughout the County, region, and state, including operating a motor vehicle under varied weather and road conditions.
- Ability to attend meetings, community events, emergency response activities, and other work-related functions outside of normal business hours as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work is generally performed in a standard office environment requiring normal physical effort.
- Regular travel throughout the County, region, and state is required to attend meetings, conferences, training programs, inspections, hearings, community events, and other business-related activities.
- Occasional work may be performed outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during emergency situations.
- The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying weather conditions while traveling or conducting business outside County facilities.
- The position may involve interaction with individuals experiencing crisis situations, behavioral health challenges, trauma, substance use disorders, domestic violence situations, financial hardship, or other difficult personal circumstances.
- The employee may periodically visit residential facilities, community-based service locations, medical facilities, schools, courts, correctional facilities, or other environments where conditions may be unpredictable.
- The employee may encounter potentially hazardous, unpredictable, or emotionally charged situations involving clients, families, community members, emergencies, public safety incidents, behavioral health crises, or other circumstances that require sound judgment and professional response.
- The position requires the ability to respond appropriately and professionally in stressful situations involving competing priorities, urgent deadlines, public scrutiny, emergencies, critical incidents, and sensitive or confidential matters requiring independent judgment and sound decision-making.
- The work environment is generally quiet to moderately noisy.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
