Director of Human Services

Pierce County is looking for a dedicated Director of Human Services who has/is:

• Deep knowledge of front-line, high-touch, social services work and a comprehensive understanding of the vital human services programs and regional services system supporting veterans, homelessness and housing, aging and disabilities, early childhood, developmental disabilities, and community action programs. 
• Skilled in leading teams, social service contracting, grants, budgeting and making sound, independent decisions on complex issues through clear, transparent, and honest communication. 
• Demonstrated experience navigating relationships with diverse community partners, including public and non-profit organizations and ability to maintain strong working relationships with inter-agencies and key stakeholders in all aspects of program delivery. 
• Devoted to ensuring all of Pierce County has access to and a voice in community-based services that are tailored to the needs of the community.

A complete classification can be found here.

Our strategic leader will focus on:

• Continuous improvement for themselves and their organizations
• Fostering a growth mindset and life-long learning
• Data-driven decision-making
• Consideration for customer perspectives and impacts
• Collaboration across large, diverse work environments
• Ensuring equity and inclusion in all facets of work
• Policy and guideline development; turning ideas into action
• Championing the streamlining processes to create positive change

Director of Human Services Highlights:

Mission and Vision: Pierce County Human Services (PCHS) strives to ensure all of Pierce County has access to and a voice in community-based services that are tailored to the needs of the community.

Comprehensive Support: As the county’s primary human services provider, the department partners with nearly 170 agencies and manages more than 400 contracts to create a coordinated regional support network.

Programs and Services: We offer essential services, including support for veterans, aging and disability resources, housing and homelessness prevention, early childhood programs, behavioral health coordination, and transportation options for areas with limited access.

Commitment to Equity: We work to remove barriers that prevent people from getting the help they need. The department focuses on responsive service delivery, a workforce that reflects our community, and partnerships that support broad access for all residents.

Find out more about our Human Services Department here.

• Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may substitute on a year for year basis.
• Bachelor’s Degree in business, public administration, or in a field directly related to community services and human services;
• Senior-level experience leading a human services, community services, or comparable public sector organization, with responsibility for program development and service delivery, strategic planning, and supervision of managers and staff.
• Senior-level experience contract compliance experience including managing complex budgets, grants, procurements and contracts, including fiscal oversight, regulatory compliance, reporting, and accountability to funding and governing bodies.
• Demonstrated experience advising elected officials or senior executives, and building effective partnerships with governmental, nonprofit, and community organizations.
• Six (6) years of responsible leadership and supervision experience.
  
• Attach a Resume and a substantive Cover Letter to complete this application process.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in business, public administration or in a field directly related to community services
  and human services.

Additional Requirements:

• Must meet travel requirements, which may include out of state travel or other off-site locations for meetings.
• Authorize and successfully complete a background check prior to employment.
• Work a flexible schedule, which may include responding to emergencies and taking calls outside of regular office hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays if needed
  

About Pierce County:
Pierce County is a vibrant region where career opportunities intersect with an exceptional quality of life. With stunning natural landscapes, from the shores of Puget Sound to the majestic Mt. Rainier National Park, the area offers endless outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and golfing on nationally ranked courses. Urban amenities abound as well, with thriving arts, cultural, and culinary scenes that complement the area’s natural beauty. As one of the fastest-growing counties in Washington State, Pierce County is a hub of innovation and community collaboration, making it an exciting place to grow your career and make a lasting impact.

Pierce County is committed to a "Forward Together" mission that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion while tackling critical community challenges. The focus on affordable housing, reducing homelessness, expanding behavioral health services, and creating good-paying jobs ensures a high quality of life for all residents. This dedication to fostering inclusive communities, safe infrastructure, and equitable access to opportunities makes Pierce County a place where careers thrive, and individuals can make meaningful contributions to a resilient, vibrant future.