Deputy Director, Human Services

Sacramento County; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sacramento County is seeking a Deputy Director of Human Services to oversee day-to-day operations across the department or provide direction to a branch. The role requires strategic planning, staff management, and the ability to integrate multiple programs within county structures.

The position emphasizes policy implementation, budget development, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders to deliver effective human services across the county.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in management, public administration, health services administration, social work or related field; master's preferred.
• Four (4) years of experience managing a major organizational unit or program within the field of human services delivery or human services administration with responsibilities for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of subordinate staff; and including program development and management, budget preparation and administration, development of policies and procedures, and supervision and evaluation of staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and administer a comprehensive branch program incorporating diverse services and programs.
• Select, motivate and manage a large staff, evaluate performance and effectiveness and provide for their training and professional development.
• Analyze and resolve complex administrative problems and negotiate effective solutions among diverse interests.
• Coordinate and integrate multiple programs within the context of the county structure while addressing community concerns.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a large and diverse group of people encountered in the course of the work.

Skills

Administration basics

Budgeting

Conflict resolution

Human services programs

Government structures

Social/economic issues

Community resources

Education

Bachelor's degree in management or related field

Master's degree desirable

Job description

The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

8/26/2026, 9/9/2026, 10/7/2026 (Final)

Under executive direction, the Deputy Director, Human Services provides overall coordination of day-to-day operations for the department; and/or to provide direction to a branch or group of divisions; to act for the Director within delegated authorities; and to perform related work as assigned.

Examples Of Knowledge And Abilities

Knowledge of

• Administrative principles and methods, including policy implementation, goal setting, program development and administration, and employee supervision
• Budget development and administration
• Principles and practices of conflict resolution
• Human services programs related to assigned area of service
• Governmental organizational structures
• Social, political and economic issues influencing area of responsibility
• Available public and private community resources

Ability to

• Plan, coordinate and administer a comprehensive branch program incorporating diverse services and programs
• Select, motivate and manage a large staff, evaluate performance and effectiveness and provide for their training and professional development
• Analyze and resolve complex administrative problems and negotiate effective solutions among diverse interests
• Coordinate and integrate multiple programs within the context of the county structure while addressing community concerns
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a large and diverse group of people encountered in the course of the work

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training and experience likely to provide the required Knowledge and Abilities for this class as described above. Typical ways include:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a management field such as public administration, business administration, or health services administration; or in a related human service field such as social work, psychology, mental health, public health, health sciences, or sociology; or a closely related health field such as life sciences or physical sciences. A Master's degree is desirable.

And

Four (4) years of experience managing a major organizational unit or program within the field of human services delivery or human services administration with responsibilities for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of subordinate staff; and including program development and management, budget preparation and administration, development of policies and procedures, and supervision and evaluation of staff.

Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full‑time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part‑time paid experience may be accumulated and pro‑rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please speak to someone in our office before the cut‑off date listed in this notice.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification i s twelve (1 2) months.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut‑off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

County of Sacramento

Department of Personnel Services

Employment Services Division

700 H Street, Room 4667

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone [phone]; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email [e-mail]

Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sacramento

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at [e-mail] or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit: Job Applicant Accommodations