Strategic Public Assistance Programs Leader

Dakota County; West Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 103,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Dakota County in Minnesota seeks a Public Assistance Program Operations Manager for the EEA Department to lead a large, complex section overseeing Medical Assistance/Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance, and related programs. You will drive equity, continuous improvement, and regulatory readiness.

You will co-lead a team, shape policy, and partner with IT and state agencies to modernize operations, ensuring accessible services and outcomes for county residents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 4 years full-time paid experience in a human services agency, 2 years in supervisory or operations lead capacity
• Master's degree preferred for advanced leadership
• Valid Driver's License required
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may apply (8 years total)

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop staff, supervise supervisors, and foster accountability and continuous learning
• Manage staffing, scheduling, performance management, and employee concerns
• Oversee program operations and service delivery to meet department goals
• Monitor workload and staffing capacity with co-manager
• Drive continuous quality improvements using performance data and customer needs
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and county requirements and audits
• Develop and maintain policies in line with regulations
• Monitor legislative and policy changes and advise on impact
• Collaborate with Deputy Director on strategic and financial planning
• Coordinate public assistance program delivery and new initiatives
• Lead operational strategy development with IT and external partners
• Build partnerships with county departments and external agencies
• Advance equitable and culturally responsive services and workplace practices
• Develop communications resources including public-facing information
• Present operational, financial, and performance data to leadership and Board

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Communication

Public assistance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services Administration or related field

Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services Administration or related field

Tools

Windows-based applications

Job description

Dakota County in Minnesota seeks a Public Assistance Program Operations Manager for the EEA Department to lead a large, complex section overseeing Medical Assistance/Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance, and related programs. You will drive equity, continuous improvement, and regulatory readiness.

You will co-lead a team, shape policy, and partner with IT and state agencies to modernize operations, ensuring accessible services and outcomes for county residents.