Social Services Program Manager III - DFCS

Social Services Program Manager III - DFCS

Salary

$163,134.40 - $198,330.08 Annually

Location

Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-Y30-B

Department

Social Services Agency - DFCS

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

92

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Under general direction, to plan, develop, organize, evaluate, direct, and control the activities and/or staff of a large Social Services Agency service and/or program.

The Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) is looking for a qualified candidate for the Social Services Program Manager III (SSPM III) in Administrative Services Bureau (ASB). This senior leadership position provides strategic direction for critical administrative and operational functions that support Child Welfare services. The successful candidate will oversee bureau-wide initiatives, lead multidisciplinary teams, and partner with executive leadership to strengthen organizational effectiveness, improve service delivery, and advance the department's mission of protecting children and strengthening families. The SSPM III is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and evaluating the Administrative Support Services Bureau. This position oversees programs and initiatives that provide operational support to Child Welfare, including human resources coordination, policy development, onboarding of newly hired Child Welfare social workers, and other essential administrative functions that ensure the agency operates efficiently and effectively. It is anticipated that the Administrative Bureau will expand to take on additional task related to CQI, Case Reviews, and the prevention continuum of contacts. The incumbent serves as a key member of the department's leadership team, providing strategic guidance on organizational priorities, operational improvements, and system-wide initiatives while ensuring compliance with County, State, and Federal requirements

For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact lorraine.aguilar@ssa.sccgov.org

This eligible list may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur.

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Plans, organizes, directs, administers, and oversees the Social Services Agency activities of one or more programs/operations that provide direct service to the public and/or other agencies;
• Defines personnel resource needs and allocates them as required to reach program objectives;
• Selects, hires, directs, and evaluates staff and ensures the orientation, training, and development of program staff;
• Provides consultation on cases that may be individually-based or family-focused, as part of direction, guidance, and mentoring of staff;
• Develops and implements administrative policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems;
• Determines the scope, character, and service delivery system of social services in the County of Santa Clara;
• Communicates with Federal and State and authorities on the development of pending legislation or regulations and works with these representatives to ensure appropriate interpretation of requirements;
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, and County mandates relative to assigned programs;
• Assesses service delivery system and ensures customer satisfaction;
• Initiates, reviews, and evaluates recommendations on goals, policies, plans, projects, programs, and outcomes to meet community needs, and implements as applicable;
• Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes service or program data, and implements as applicable;
• Develops visible and highly recognized partnerships with community-based organizations and other County departments or agencies;
• Acts as liaison and represents the Social Services Agency in contacts with public and private organizations, individual members of the public, and the Board of Supervisors;
• May develop and establish public education or social media campaigns and deliver oral and written presentations to internal and external agencies and organizations;
• Administers and monitors contracts, including overseeing the solicitation process, drafting provisions, and evaluating performance of contract agencies and community-based organizations;
• Confers with State and other agencies on interpretation of rulings involving court orders or decisions, legal mandates, or policy changes;
• Coordinates program automation and guides staff/customers on related processes;
• Coordinates general Social Services Agency support for staff and customers;
• Researches funding alternatives and administers public funds and any other type of funds, including grant funding;
• Determines and submits budgetary requirements to maintain program;
• Prepares reports and correspondence;
• May give depositions, testify in court, and meet and coordinate with law enforcement, County Counsel, and other legal entities;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Behavioral Science, Social Work, Social Psychology, Psychology, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Vocational Rehabilitation, or closely related field. Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis;

and

Seven (7) years of analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience in the field of human services.

A Master's or Doctoral Degree in Behavioral Sciences, Social Work, Social Psychology, Psychology, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Vocational Rehabilitation, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Special Requirements

• Some positions may require Live Scan screening as part of the background check process.
• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of organization, budget preparation, personnel and financial administration, community relations, and employee supervision, training, and development;

• Program evaluation, planning, and development principles and techniques;

• Operation and functions of public assistance and social service agencies, including social services objectives applicable to the areas of responsibility;

• Diversity issues as they impact the local community;

• Current capabilities, processes, and applications of automation;

• Principal public and private resources available to the community for referral or utilization in social services programs;

• Laws, regulations, and administrative guidelines that affect employment, training, public assistance, and other social services applicable to the areas of responsibility;

• Labor laws and administrative policies governing memoranda of understanding with the County's various represented employee organizations;

• Applicable sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code;

• Health and safety standards, such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), etc.;

• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;

• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and direct the activities of Social Services Agency programs and services;

• Effectively select, hire, and supervise staff and ensure appropriate orientation, training, and development of program personnel;

• Effectively allocate resources and personnel;

• Develop and maintain internal operational procedures and policies for the programs/offices assigned;

• Interpret and assure the appropriate implementation of Federal and State regulations pertaining to the various programs assigned and keep abreast of developments related to program activities;

• Analyze procedures, data, and other pertinent reports and recommend a course of action;

• Apply principles and theories of casework in a consultative and managerial capacity;

• Optimally utilize technology to automate processes and educate the public on social service programs;

• Direct the development and preparation of a variety of plans, including major needs assessments, demographic data, survey results, and program designs;

• Consult with and advise the Department Director or other executive management staff on the activities, status, and fiscal impacts of programs or new program requirements;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;

• Prepare and present oral and written reports clearly and concisely;

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Create a customer-friendly environment;

• Effectively represent the Agency before the Board of Supervisors, at meetings with State and Federal agency representatives, and before other stakeholders, boards, commissions, or citizen groups.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits

The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account

The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D

The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness

The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement

A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.

01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete.

Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:

a) Employer Name

b) Job Title

c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment

d) Total Hours Worked per Week

e) Detailed Description of Job Duties

Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your Santa Clara County Employee ID number? If you do not have a Santa Clara County Employee ID number, type "N/A".

03

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None of the above

04

What is your area of study?

• Behavioral Science
• Social Work
• Social Psychology
• Psychology
• Counseling
• Education Counseling
• Gerontology
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Nursing
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Other related area
• None of the above

05

If you selected "Other" in the previous question, indicate your major or area of study. If none, type n/a.

06

How many years of work experience do you have performing analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management duties in the field of human services? Relevant experience includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data, formulating recommendations, and report writing.

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven to less than eight years
• Eight years or more

07

Describe your analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory or management experience in the field of human services, which includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing. REQUIRED: Include a detailed description of your job duties along with employer names, job titles, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. If none, type N/A.

08

Do you have experience managing staff who oversee direct child welfare service programs?

• Yes
• No

09

Describe your experience managing staff who oversee direct child welfare service programs. Include the following in your response 1) the types of programs and staff you managed, 2) number of units managed. Also include name of employer, work title, dates worked (month/year began to month/year ended) and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of experience state, "None".

10

Select the amount of experience you have ensuring compliance with State and Federal regulations.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more
• Not Applicable

11

Describe your experience ensuring compliance with State and Federal regulations. Include name of employer, work title, dates worked (month/year began to month/year ended), and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of experience, state "None".

12

Describe your experience developing, evaluating, and implementing training for new staff. Be detailed and specific, describe the methods or tools used to evaluate training effectiveness and the support provided to trainers or supervisors responsible for developing new social workers. Include name of employer, work title, dates worked (month/year began to month/year ended) and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of experience state, "None"

13

Describe your experience collaborating with supervisory, management and executive-level leadership to align staff training with operational needs. Include name of employer, work title, dates worked (month/year began to month/year ended) and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of experience state, "None".

14

Describe your knowledge and/or experience applying evidence-based practices relating to improving the well being of children and families. Include name of employer, work title, dates worked (month/year began to month/year ended) and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of experience, state "None".

15

Describe your experience in organizing stakeholder engagement processes. Include your role and steps you took for optimal participation and outcomes. Include name of employer, work title, dates worked (month/year began to month/year ended). If you do not possess this type of experience, state "None".

16

How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event
• Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Student Career Center
• Handshake
• Professional Association
• Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
• Hospital Website
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• Other (Specify in the next question)

17

If you selected the "Other" option above, please identify.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Clara

Address 70 W. Hedding Street

8th Floor, East Wing

San Jose, California, 95110

Phone (408) 299-6816

Website http://www.sccjobs.org/