Deputy Director - Department of County Human Services (DCHS)

Job Summary Multnomah County is seeking a Department of County Human Services (DCHS) Deputy Director that will be responsible for assisting the Department Director with the leadership, vision, direction and accountability for activities and operations of the department’s divisions. You will assist the Director in leading a dedicated workforce of approximately 1,140 employees, currently organized into four main divisions, and manage a budget of approximately $559 million. This position provides support to the Department Director and the four Divisions of DCHS: Aging, Disability, and Veterans Services; Intellectual and Development Disabilities Services; Youth and Family Services; and Preschool and Early Learning. This position also provides support to the areas of Business Services, Human Resources, and the Director’s Office. It directs the daily administrative operations of the department and leads day-to-day functions, the Strategic Engagement Team (SET), Trauma Informed Practice, Emergency Management & Mass Care Coordination, and any other functions as assigned by the Department Director. It provides leadership and policy direction as DCHS liaison to Central County services such as IT, Facilities, Talent Development, Privacy/HIPAA, Government Relations and Communications. Responsibilities Direct the daily business and administrative operations of the department by managing and coordinating operational activities and leading day-to-day functions that are carried out by the DCHS divisions, as assigned by the department director. Provide leadership and policy direction as DCHS liaison to central County services such as IT, Facilities, Fleet, Records, Communications, Distribution services and others. Participates in committees both internal and external as the DCHS Director's representative. Direct the daily administrative operations of the department and lead day-to-day functions performed by Performance and Data Management, The Strategic Engagement Team (SET), Trauma Informed Practice, Emergency Management, and any other functions as assigned by the department director. Direct the centralized leadership for emergency preparedness, severe weather response, and federal action emergency activations. Oversee the execution of Mass Care (Emergency Support Function 6 / ESF-6) services, including shelter, food, water, and life-safety distribution systems for unhoused and vulnerable populations. Ensure the Department Strategic Plan is embedded and implemented across each Division and intersects with the Countywide Strategic Plan. Provide oversight and direction in the development, administration and ongoing management of the DCHS $559 million budget in partnership with the Department Director and Finance Director. Provide policy direction for determining priorities for the department in contracted services and staffing. Review, monitor and approve expenditures in partnership with the Finance Director. Implement related budget modifications. Serves as Departmental management liaison to the DCHS Citizen Budget Advisory Committee. Guide internal teams to engage in department-wide high priority initiatives and work collaboratively with senior leaders to identify process improvement opportunities addressing efficiency, effectiveness, customer focus, data driven and with equity lens. Guide and provide oversight to ensure enterprise-wide initiatives are realistically scoped, fiscally responsible and operationally sustainable. Oversee and implement the department’s Strategic Plan and framework to align with the DCHS North Star, the DCHS Work Force Equity Strategic Plan and the County's Strategic Plan and mission and equity goals. Work with division leadership to identify mission critical initiatives and priorities that central services can support. Establish a multi-dimensional approach to delivering services and achieving mission using Quality Improvement tools, Innovation practices, Equity centered, and Human centered Design and research. Designs, aligns, and evaluates cross-divisional human-centered service systems across the Department of County Human Services (DCHS); Guides programmatic equity and innovation for core divisions; Leads programmatic and funding alignment across the Department. Provide leadership and oversight for all special projects that come from the Board of Commissioners and the Chair’s Office. Provide executive direction over the centralized Data and Evaluation Services team to improve transparency, track outcome metrics, and advance continuous quality improvement. Oversee research designs, gap analyses, and community-centered evaluations (e.g., Decline Studies, focus groups) to align program hours and services with family preferences. Create and support talent management strategies to support diversity and backfill requirements. Develop department-wide staff performance management that ties to department goals and its strategic plan. Assist Department Director in reviewing recruitment strategies and processes. Develop grant/foundation strategy for each fiscal year. Oversee the Leadership development and training initiative for the department. Provide oversight and policy direction for DCHS fiscal systems development and planning. Lead, coordinate and participate in the development of departmental work plans, strategic plans, goals and objectives. Direct and approve through subordinate managers the planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, training, review, and the daily administrative and transactional business workflows of the department, ensuring strict compliance with all County procurement and contracting policies. Act as a resource, and provide direction, guidance, and leadership to staff; advise on the more complex and sensitive concerns and issues; may select, direct, and manage the work of consultants. Develop, administer, assist, and monitor budgets in partnership with the Finance Director; develop justifications for budgetary recommendations and/or adjustments; participate in forecasting additional funds for staffing and resources; identify, obtain, and manage funding from grants and community partners; participate in the interpretation, negotiation, management and enforcement of contracts; coordinate the finalization of budgets to ensure timely submission of the department budget. Apply an equity lens to all decision-making, actively identifying and dismantling policies and practices that create unnecessary barriers and perpetuate unlawful discrimination. Enforce policies that protect marginalized employees and ensure equitable service delivery for the community. Cultivate deep partnerships with specialized housing providers and advocacy groups to design and implement residential programs that specifically support individuals with diverse needs. Strengthen data privacy to ensure DCHS safeguards client information. Cultivate deep partnerships with city officials, school districts, and community groups to create a functional system of care. Develop and conceptualize new enterprises or joint ventures among various agencies, both internal and external to the County, to create innovative, or more efficient or effective services. Innovate internal policies and practices to ensure strong financial stewardship of public funds, contracts, and resources. Serve as a primary liaison and authorized representative for DCHS to public officials, Board Commissioners, government relations bodies, and media outlets. Minimum Qualifications / Transferable Skills A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience. Minimum of 6 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in Human Services. Minimum of 6 years experience managing and working in a public sector unionized (represented) environment. Preferred Qualifications / Transferable Skills Master’s Degree. 6 years of Experience in Senior Level role focused on Human Services. Substantial experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource optimization. Examples include managing multi-million dollar (i.e., $300 Million +) departmental budgets, forecasting personnel costs, and overseeing capital expenditures. Public Sector/Governmental Experience: Direct, substantial experience in a large county (i.e., 5,000 + employees), state, or municipal government or other comparable complex public-sector entity. Demonstrated experience communicating complex human capital strategies and organizational data clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, ranging from frontline employees and union representatives to executive leadership and the Board of Commissioners. Experience in promoting a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values. Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position. Benefits Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website. Equal Pay Law Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience, education, seniority, training, and/or tenure. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range. Work Location This position works onsite at the Five Oak Building 209 SW 4th Ave Portland, OR 9720. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. Type of Position This is an Unclassified Executive position that is at-will, salaried, FLSA Exempt, and not eligible for overtime pay. Salary 132,703.77 - 212,326.20 Annual Location In-Person Position Type Full Time Experience 5-10 years Job Category Government & Public Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr Multnomah County