Under the direction of the County Administrator, the Human Services Director provides executive leadership, vision, and strategic direction for Steele Countys Human Services Department. The Director designs the organizations structure, staffing model, operating approach, and program portfolio; ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations; and builds strong internal and external partnerships. Duties are performed with significant latitude, independent judgment, and accountability for outcomes. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Oversee the operations, priorities, and activities of the Human Services department, ensuring alignment with the strategic vision and values of Steele County. Monitor legislative developments in relation to new service delivery requirements; serve as the Countys human services legislative representative, advancing priorities and informing policy positions. Determine the feasibility and need for changes to the service delivery system and make recommendations based on community needs, best practices, and evidence-based approaches. Manage ongoing program analysis and needs assessments; use data to drive improvement while maintaining person- and family-centered services. Keep the County Administrator and County Board informed on key performance and outcome findings, including successes, opportunities, and potential challenges. Direct, manage, and oversee the activities of all department personnel directly or through designated supervisory personnel; build a strong, impactful leadership team that authentically supports staff and cultivates a healthy, inclusive, and high-performing work culture. Define job responsibilities and functions within the department; assign work duties and responsibilities, monitor and review work assignments, and evaluate the performance of employees. Assist with training new and existing employees; recruit, hire, onboard, develop, and retain a talented workforce; determine the need to discipline or discharge department employees. Develop and manage the human services budget; allocate human and fiscal resources within the department to ensure the attainment of departmental goals and objectives cost-effectively; oversee grants, payment, and reimbursement sources, and the management of those resources. Manage the development and monitoring of the purchase of service contracts with vendors. Perform and conduct a variety of public relations activities and responsibilities; promote the departments mission and values in the community. Collaborate with other county departments, community partners, state agencies, tribes, providers, and residents to improve service delivery to clients and address evolving community needs. Champion equity, accessibility, and integration across systems so residents experience seamless, equitable services when interacting with multiple agencies. Keep abreast of changing trends, policies, best practices, and developments in areas of responsibility; attend conferences, seminars, regional meetings, and participate in various professional organizations, as appropriate. Assume special projects at the direction of the County Administrator or County Board. Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, program standards, licensing requirements, and reporting obligations; partner with County Finance on audits and internal controls. Serve as a trusted advisor to county leadershipproviding insights on trends, risks, opportunities, and recommended strategies. Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: ? Deep knowledge of local, state, and federal laws/regulations applicable to county human services programs. ? Understanding of systems of care across human services (e.g., child and family services, adult services, behavioral health, disability services), including best and evidence-based practices and when to deploy them based on capacity, timing, and resources. ? Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices (e.g., training, delegation, performance management, discipline). ? Financial acumen, including budgeting, grants, payment/reimbursement sources, contracting, and data-informed resource allocation. ? Skill in researching, compiling, and summarizing informational and statistical data; preparing reports; and presenting findings to diverse audiences. ? Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimal direction. ? Ability to interpret and communicate complex policies, procedures, and protocols; review, analyze, and apply legal documents, regulations, professional journals, and reports. ? Exceptional communicationclear oral and written presentation; active listening; and translation of complex information for the public, board members, legislators, and partners. ? Leadership and team-building ability to recruit, motivate, develop, and retain top talent; build trust; and foster inclusive, cross-functional collaboration. ? Change management expertise to guide teams through transitions; engage impacted stakeholders; and sustain results. ? Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and drive continuous improvement. ? Commitment to ethics, accountability, humility, transparency, and continuous learning. ? Cultural competence and equity orientation; ability to work effectively with diverse populations and reduce disparities in access and outcomes. Minimum Qualifications ? Bachelor's degree in behavioral or social sciences, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Health, or closely related field. ? Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human services or public administration, including at least three (3) years of management/supervisory experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience ? Valid drivers license ? Ability to pass a standard background check Core Competencies ? Communication: clearly articulates vision, goals, and expectations; practices active listening; and translates complex information for diverse audiences. ? Emotional Intelligence: demonstrates self-awareness; manages emotions; and builds trust and empathy across relationships. ? Adaptability: navigates change and uncertainty with resilience; promotes flexibility and innovation. ? Collaboration & Team Building: fosters inclusive, cross-functional teamwork; resolves conflicts constructively; empowers others to lead and contribute. ? Strategic Thinking: monitors industry trends; aligns organizational goals with community priorities and Board objectives; leverages data while staying person- and family-centered. ? Change Management: guides teams through transitions with clarity and support; engages impacted stakeholders; communicates the why, what, and how of change. ? Ethics & Integrity: models accountability and ethical behavior; leads with humility, transparency, and continuous learning. ? Leadership Presence: inspires trust and commitment; maintains composure and professionalism in high-stakes situations. ? Cultural Competence: works effectively with diverse populations; champions equity in policy and practice. ? Innovation Mindset: embraces new ideas and technologies; encourages creative problem-solving. ? Results Orientation focuses on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement; balances long-term vision with short-term priorities. Physical Job Requirements (Percentage of Time) Category: ? Stand: 1-33% ? Walk:1-33% ? Sit: 34-66% ? Use of hands: 34-66% ? Reach with hands & arms: 1-33% ? Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: 1-33% ? Talk or hear: 34-66% ? Taste or smell: Never ? Lift & carry: 1-33% Working Conditions Duties of the job are primarily administrative in nature, performed in a typical County office. While the incumbent may be occasionally subjected to clients who may be angry, the physical and environmental hazards and risks associated with the job can best be characterized as minimal. The position is mentally demanding and does require periodic travel.