Human Services Human Resources Manager

County of Sonoma; Santa Rosa (CA); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health Plan

Retirement Plan

Parental Leave

Professional Development

Job summary

County of Sonoma seeks an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead the HR team within the Human Services Department. You will oversee all aspects of HR, including labor relations, payroll, classification, and compliance, while guiding organizational development and workforce planning across diverse program areas.

The ideal candidate will supervise managers, drive equitable and modern HR practices, and partner with executive leadership to align HR strategy with departmental priorities and

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of public sector HR administration and labor relations.
• Ability to lead organizational development and workforce planning.
• Strong communication, policy interpretation, and training delivery.
• Experience guiding compliance with civil rights, FLSA, and labor agreements.
• Proven ability to manage complex HR programs with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Advise executive management on workforce planning and policy interpretation.
• Collaborate to improve HR processes, tools, and initiatives across departments.
• Oversee investigations, performance management, and corrective actions.
• Lead classification, compensation activities, and organizational structure reviews.
• Coach managers on HR best practices and training delivery.

Job description

Position Information

The Human Services Department is looking for an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead their Human Resources team! Starting salary up to $80.40/hour ($167,804/year) plus a competitive total compensation package!*

About The Position

The Human Services Department (HSD) is looking to hire a strategic, experienced Human Resources leader to direct the Department's comprehensive human resources program. The Human Services Human Resources Manager will manage, plan, organize, implement, and oversee all aspects of human resources for HSD. As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, the Human Services Department’s mission is to build upon strengths, as we bridge clients to opportunities through responsive safety-net services. This position will directly supervise managers and lead an amazing team of human resources subject-matter experts who work across a variety of Department program areas, including Safety, Employee and Labor Relations, Disability Management, Staff Development, Training, Recruitment and Classification, Civil Rights/Fair Hearings, and Payroll. This role works closely with the Department's executive management team, divisional and administrative managers, and other stakeholders to provide organizational and high-level leadership, advice, recommendations, and consultation to achieve departmental objectives and navigate complex issues. In addition, this position will:

• Serve as a key advisor to the Department's executive management team, guiding workforce planning, organizational development, and consistent policy interpretation related to human resources functions
• Cultivate collaboration between the Human Resources team and the Department's executive management team to evaluate, improve, and implement human resources processes, tools, and initiatives that promote an equitable, efficient, and service-oriented workforce
• Interpret, apply, and maintain compliance with all County and Department policies, ordinances, Civil Service Rules, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Champion Department-wide efforts that support employee wellbeing, workplace culture, equity, compliance, and organizational priorities
• Oversee and manage complex employee and labor relations matters, including investigations, performance management, corrective action, and conflict resolution
• Lead departmental classification and compensation activities, including position reviews, reclassifications, and organizational structure assessments
• Coach and support managers and supervisors on HR practices, County policies, and labor agreements; and develop and deliver related training
• Design, improve, and implement HR processes, tools, and initiatives that support an equitable, efficient, and modern workforce

Skills

As the ideal candidate for this position, you will demonstrate the ability to promote positive staff relationships at all levels, have excellent communication skills, and possess many of the following:

• Experience supervising and leading a team of individuals with diverse backgrounds, preferably in a public sector organization, or a field with similar complexity, regulatory requirements, and labor structures
• The ability to be a trustworthy and approachable leader who can respond to critical situations and apply sound judgement
• Experience leading or supporting organizational change initiatives
• A strong understanding of employment laws, County policies, labor relations practices, and collective bargaining environments
• The proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple high-impact assignments simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and consistent follow-through with minimal oversight
• The ability to assess issues, identify systemic patterns and causes, and develop sustainable solutions while paying close attention to critical details
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to create an environment of trust across all organizational levels
• A commitment to strengthening the Department's workplace culture and organizational performance
• Demonstrated expertise in developing concise written guidance and formal documentation for leadership and managers
• The ability to explain complex HR concepts in a clear, supportive, and actionable manner
• A passion for providing ethical and accountable leadership committed to transparency, responsible use of public resources, and equitable service delivery in support of the Department's mission
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint

About The Human Services Department (HSD)

The Human Services Department is dedicated to providing responsive, client-focused services so that all in our community can live freely chosen lives up to their full potential throughout their lifespan. We work to protect vulnerable children and adults, to help people rise above poverty and thrive in our community, and to promote maximum independence and well‑being for individuals and families. With a staff of over 1,000 and numerous community partners, HSD provides services to more than 150,000 individuals with an operating budget of $334 million through 12 locations. The core values that drive our work are dignity, humility, integrity, responsiveness, partnership, and belonging.

HSD Divisions

• Adult and Aging Division: Supports older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and families through protective and supportive services, including Adult Protective Services, In-Home Supportive Services, and Veteran’s Services
• Economic Assistance Division: Offers medical insurance benefits, financial assistance, and basic needs support through Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and County Medical Services
• Employment and Training Division: Provides job search, employment, and training services, including CalWORKs, General Assistance, Housing Assistance Response Team, Job Link, and the Workforce Investment Board
• Family, Youth, and Children Division: Focuses on child protection and welfare through programs such as the Valley of the Moon Children’s Center, child abuse prevention, forensic interviewing, and foster care services
• Administration Division: Supports staff and program divisions with human resources, IT, finance, compliance, contracts, facilities, care and shelter, and program research and evaluation

About The County Of Sonoma

Named by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s 500 Best Midsized Employers in 2022, 2023, and 2024 (one of only two government agencies in California to make the 2024 list), the County of Sonoma has a mission to enrich the quality of life in Sonoma County through superior public services. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is fully committed to a mission and vision to support and enrich the community and values high-quality services, strong leadership, engaged citizen participation, transparency and accuracy in information, and efficient and fiscally sustainable governance. The Sonoma County 2021-2026 Strategic Plan is based on the following pillars:

• Climate Action and Resilience
• Healthy and Safe Communities
• Racial Equity and Social Justice
• Resilient Infrastructure
• Organizational Excellence

What We Offer

Benefits

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post‑retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation - 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education
• Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Human Services Human Resources Manager position in the Human Services Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list.

The Civil Service title for this position is Senior Department Human Resources Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Education:

Any combination of education, training, and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, this would include academic coursework equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Business or Public Administration, Social or Behavioral Science, Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, or a closely related field; and four years of progressively responsible human resources experience in a unionized environment, at least two years of which have been in a management or supervisory capacity. Experience in a government agency is desirable.

License:

Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of public sector human resources administration including recruitment, selection, training, job analysis, classification and compensation, personnel record keeping, performance management, payroll, and position control; principles and practices of public sector labor relations administration, including interpretation and application of negotiated agreements, employer-employee relations practices, meet and confer obligations, and progressive discipline; principles and practices of management, supervision, and training; applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to EEO, employee health and safety, collective bargaining, and labor relations; applicable federal, state, and local employment compliance requirements including Civil Rights Act, ADA, Family Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, Pregnancy Disability Leave, Fair Labor Standards Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Worker's Compensation.

Considerable knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to California local government human resources administration and related personnel practices; theory and practices of organization analysis, behavior, and systems; effective group leadership, conflict resolution, and problem-solving; functions and operations of a local government public agency.

Ability to effectively manage complex human resources programs and related activities; formulate, develop, and implement goals and objectives that achieve quality performance measures and accountability; select, train, engage, and motivate professional and clerical subordinates; analyze complex personnel and organizational problems, develop effective resolutions, and implement effective courses of action; represent the department in grievances, meet and confer, and arbitration hearings; prepare clear and concise reports; work effectively as a member of the executive team; maintain objectivity in the administration of the department’s human resources management program; understand, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they relate to human resources administration; advise and collaborate with other division directors and staff to ensure compliant personnel practices; evaluate statistical data and effectively present the facts, conclusions, and recommendations; understand and accept differences in human behavior, particularly those with diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds; communicate with tact, skill, and diplomacy when engaging in difficult problem solving and issues; advise and engage the cooperation and support of the public and other parties concerned with personnel operations; communicate effectively in writing and orally in a clear, logical, and concise manner; develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff in the department, other departments, and external agencies.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.

• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

Important Note:

Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

County of Sonoma Benefits: Management*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

• Paid Time Off – Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
• Health Plan – Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
• Retirement – Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
• IRS 457 Plan – Pre‑tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
• Retiree Medical – County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post‑retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
• Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.
• Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at [phone]. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at Labor Agreements & Salary Resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to Human Resources or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at [e-mail] or [phone].

• Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.