Job Abstract

Within the context of a dynamic human service environment that promotes the well-being of our diverse community by protecting and improving the lives of children, adults and families through advocacy, education and effective supportive services, the deputy director provides transformative leadership in managing the multifaceted operations of an agency whose workforce is committed to serving the residents of Fairfax County. Under direction of the director, this position is responsible for business operations, administration, and providing leadership of day-to-day activities. This includes policy and planning for key administrative functions such as information technology, budget, finance and billing, procurement, contracts and grants management, human resources, data analytics, business process improvement and administrative support services, facilities, safety and disaster planning, and administrative coordination and support across all departments and business lines of DFS. Administers, plans, and directs the overall operation of DFS's core business operations. Assists the director of DFS with development of policies, procedures, processes and best practices in support of strategic planning and resource development. Develops and implements a strategic plan for administrative operations to ensure the seamless integration of administrative operations into services and programs. Serves as directed as the DFS liaison with community groups, other county departments, the state and other human services organization as appropriate.

• Plans, coordinates, develops, and directs comprehensive cross-agency functions and initiatives to ensure service programs have necessary resources, are in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and County laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, and meet the changing needs of the County’s citizens;
• Oversees and coordinates the process which evaluates the effectiveness of service programs, and provides support, guidance, and oversight in the development or revision of services, policies, and procedures in response to the community’s needs;
• Guides the process that identifies inefficiencies, non-value-added activities and quality barriers and redefines work processes to enhance staff, organizational, and program effectiveness;
• Directs the implementation of policy changes adopted by the Director;
• Consults with DFS Director and Division Directors in the design/redesign of service programs initiatives and projects and in the allocation of staff when decisions may impact other programs or are of strategic importance to the agency;
• Monitors progress towards attainment of agency goals, priorities and objectives and makes necessary adjustments to meet agency requirements;
• Provides accountability for the availability, utilization, and effectiveness of the cross-agency material, human, and financial resources;
• Guides the process in identifying the priority of cross cutting initiatives and assists the senior management team in deciding placement of organizational accountability and responsibility for agency wide projects and initiatives;
• Participates as a member of the senior management team in planning and coordinating agency service programs in the context of the overall human services system in order to ensure a comprehensive array of services is available to County citizens that support and promote the well being of families and individuals;
• Represents the agency in contacts with State, County, community, and other human service organizations;
• Ensures ongoing open communication occurs at all staff levels to keep employees informed about issues that affect the agency, their assigned program area, location, or employment status;
• In the absence of the Director, assumes responsibility for the agency’s operations and serves as the primary point of contact.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of human service programs and the services they provide;
• Knowledge of current social service problems and the methods and approaches used to address them;
• Knowledge of cross-agency programs, policies, and procedures;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration (including personnel, budget, and management analysis) and the ability to apply them in overseeing a variety of human service programs;
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and County laws and regulations affecting human service programs and the ability to interpret and apply them correctly;
• Skill in solving problems and resolving conflict;
• Ability to provide leadership and organizational vision, and to manage change;
• Ability to plan strategically, develop outcomes measures, and share responsibility for achieving goals;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to effectively manage, train, and motivate employees;
• Ability to develop and implement creative approaches in order to address problems and opportunities;
• Ability to analyze data and draw sound conclusions;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates,
• coworkers, County officials, public and private sector organizations, community groups, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, social work, human services, or a related field; plus seven years of professional experience in a human service field, including two years supervising professional staff. A master’s degree in an appropriate field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry, and credit check to the satisfaction of the employer.

Additional Work Schedule Requirements: This position may require evening and weekend hours.

This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in business administration, public administration, health services administration, or another related field.
• Four (4) or more years of supervisory or management level experience in a public or private social services or human services agency.
• Experience working in public or private sector human service/social service organizations with diverse programs and diverse client populations.
• Advanced knowledge of county policy and related legal authorities related to the financial management, information technology, and communications, administrative operations.