Division Manager - Human Services Agency

Be part of a dedicated leadership team committed to building the capacity of the workforce to meet current and emerging needs by stimulating creative thinking, facilitating joint problem-solving, and promoting enthusiasm about change. 
 

WHAT WE OFFER
 The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• General Salary Increases - 3.5% effective December 20, 2026 and 3.5% effective December 19, 2027.
• Merit Increases – New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards.  Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase. 
• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.  
• Bilingual Incentive – This position is eligible for bilingual incentive up to $1.32 per hour (Level III). 
• Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule – We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for most positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.  
• Annual Leave Accrual – New regular, full-time employees in this classification will earn 208 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service. 
• Annual Leave Redemption – An employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions. 
• Health Plans–Full time employees are afforded a flexible credit allowance for the purchase of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans:
  • Tier 1 for Employee only - $463.99 per biweekly pay period
  • Tier 2 for Employee plus one dependent - $834.32 per biweekly pay period 
  • Tier 3 for Employee plus family - $1,024.11 per biweekly pay period  
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental and vision care and/or dependent care expenses.
• Pension Plan - Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and Social Security.  If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems, such as CalPERS.
• Holidays - 13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Additional Benefits - Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, and Wellness Program.

 
OUR COUNTY AND COMMUNITY
Ventura County is located on California's "Gold Coast," approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. The County includes 42 miles of coastline which is home to the fol­lowing cities and points of interest: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura as well as national protected areas such as parts of the Angeles National Forest, Channel Islands National Park, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Ventura County’s beauty and weather combined with a wonderful quality of life are among the many reasons our residents choose to call Ventura County "home."
 
THE AGENCY
The Human Services Agency (HSA) is comprised of nearly 1600 staff members who serve approximately a third of Ventura County residents, all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives.  We are committed to delivering services in a manner that is inclusive, competent and respectful of each community's beliefs, practices and expressions.  We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and assist communities by bringing these values into the workforce.
 
To learn about the Human Services Agency, click “Who We Are” to view a short video.
  
THE POSITION   
Under general direction of an agency Deputy Director as part of the agency's extended leadership team, the Division Manager provides senior leadership and management of major program operations and/or services with a focus on strategic oversight, direction, management and coordination of multiple lines of business in an HSA department.
 
IDEAL CANDIDATE:  

The ideal candidate will have experience and knowledge serving diverse populations and will have experience leveraging data to create and lead equity-based programs that maximize safety, health, and independence. We are seeking an individual who is a proven innovator, effectively implementing new ideas grounded in solid systems with the goal of improving the lives of Ventura County residents in need of assistance. As a Ventura County leader, the candidate will also promote a diverse and inclusive environment in which the personal rights of all are respected and appreciated.
  
The successful candidate will truly be a leader of people – not solely a manager of programs – and should be able to facilitate positive outcomes from staff in a flexible manner by addressing new and complex issues in a dynamic environment. The individual selected will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to build relationships with partners from other County departments, professional staff, and the community. The ideal candidate will have the experience and/or proven ability to oversee multiple teams with diverse program offerings and services, and to attend to the system and infrastructure development necessary to ensure longevity and continuous improvement of high-quality services.

Ideal candidates will possess the following competencies: 

• Adaptability & Flexibility - Responding positively to change and fluidly modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Change Management - Leading, guiding, and encouraging successful institutional evolution and helping others adapt to innovations and modified work practices
• Communication - Respectfully delivering pertinent, truthful, and timely information and comprehending information delivered by others
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Analyzing and evaluating information, problems, and options with logic and good judgment
• Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging - Embracing the County's commitment to valuing individuals with varied backgrounds, promoting equal access and opportunity for all, and empowering others in their unique strengths
• Engagement & Inclusion - Involving coworkers, teams, and outside partners for input, contribution, coordination, and shared responsibility
• Leadership - Establishing shared goals, values, and principles and strategically guiding others
• Organizational Culture Management - Establishing, adapting, and upholding norms, behaviors, and processes to support a coherent and effective institutional philosophy
• Organizational Design & Systems Thinking - Building and managing an integrated institutional structure characterized by clear roles, efficient operations, and stable interrelationships
• Political & Organizational Savvy - Managing the complexities of politics, procedures, and protocols across organizational levels and boundaries
• Professional Impact - Presenting oneself as a positive representation of the County, reflecting its mission, values, and guiding principles in all one does
• Professional Integrity & Ethics - Demonstrating high standards of conduct and consistently adhering to sound moral principles
• Project Management - Leading and coordinating participants and resources to ensure undertakings achieve their objectives on-time, on-budget, and according to specifications
• Results Focus - Initiating tasks, meeting organizational goals, and committing to proficient accomplishment
• Strategic Vision - Developing and communicating clear, compelling, long-term objectives aligned with the County's mission, values, and guiding principles

PAYROLL TITLE:  Division Manager-HSA
 
Division Manager-HSA is a Management classification and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Incumbents in this classification are eligible for benefits at the MB3 level. 

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides leadership and mentorship to management and other staff as part of collaborative efforts to guide strategic and operational activities aimed at meeting agency and department goals and objectives; plans, directs and monitors the assignments and work product of direct reports.
• Practices and models inclusive behaviors including empowerment, conflict competence, approachability, respect, fairness, discretion and judiciousness when interacting with staff at all levels of the organization and when approaching both internal and external work efforts. 
• Analyzes resource utilization data, recommends budget priorities, and recommends resource enhancements to achieve client service goals using an Agencywide perspective.
• Represents the County and the agency in collaborating with governmental and private organizations, stakeholders, community groups and the public; manages county, state and community partnerships and relations, and responds to and resolves inquiries and concerns brought forth by elected officials, community groups and clients. 
• Participates in the development and refinement of department/division goals, objectives, policies, practices, procedures, performance metrics and monitoring systems for new and existing programs to advance agency goals and priorities. 
• Oversees and implements changes to policies, procedures and practices to promote customer service and diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with agency values and strategic priorities. 
• Through ongoing professional and leadership development, stays current on and demonstrates practices and behaviors that promote employee engagement; respect for community voice; collaborative, integrated and healing-centered service delivery; continuous learning; diversity, equity and inclusion, and resource optimization. 
• Sponsors quality assurance efforts aimed at ensuring adherence to mandates and/or best practices, and sponsors systems improvement activities, projects and initiatives aimed at advancing the agency’s strategy. Prepares and/or coordinates required activity/work measurement reports; compiles and analyzes financial and statistical information to improve the effectiveness and/or efficiency of operations and/or change service delivery methods.  
• Represents the agency or department in developing, negotiating and monitoring contracts and contractor performance, and represents the agency or department while serving on various boards, commissions, task forces, committees and other meeting forums at the federal, state and local levels. 
• Provides department coverage in the absence of the Deputy Director. 
• Teams with managers on agency-wide and program policy matters and challenges; encourages and fosters cross-departmental coordination and collaboration.
• Coordinates complex administrative support involving technical, operations, or administrative staff to analyze new legislation, work methods or reporting requirements, set up and make enhancements to automated systems, train staff and assist in presenting informational sessions to agency/departmental staff and staff from other agencies and departments.

 

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
  
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE 
Extensive administrative, supervision or management, or lead operational experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies.
 
Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline AND a minimum of five years management, supervision or professional level administrative experience within a multi-disciplinary public administrative or human service delivery system. 
 
Substitution:
Related experience as noted above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Must be willing and able to work evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays.
• Must possess knowledge of State of California laws, rules, and regulations governing the delivery of social services applicable to the assigned department. In addition, special certificates and/or training may be required depending on the assignment.
• Must be willing and able to travel throughout the State of California.
• Some positions may require possession, prior to appointment, and maintenance of a valid California driver license.  
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire and will be evaluated during the probationary period. 

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily performed in an office environment but may require visits to other organizations, agencies and departments, private businesses, client homes, field, or work locations; and will require direct meetings with the public, co-located and external program partners and other community groups. Work locations, work schedules, and work units will vary, and may change as needed according to business needs and at the discretion of management. Worksite reassignment may occur due to changes in facilities or other operational requirements within the business.

Operational Service Hours:

Positions may require flexible schedules, including evenings, at designated service locations to ensure adequate staffing coverage during extended hours to accommodate customer needs.

 
DESIRED

• Experience managing organizational change in a human service delivery system is highly preferred.
• Five or more years of increasingly responsible leadership experience in a public social service environment, including at least five years of administrative, management, and supervisory responsibility
• Demonstrated success and skills in change leadership within an organization and assisting internal and external key stakeholders in managing the impact of change
• Highly skilled program and project management acumen
• Awareness and ability to manage self and staff in politically challenging situations
• Well-established resource optimization skills to oversee multi-million-dollar programs and maximize human, technology, and other resources to create operational efficiencies

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by the County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
 
To apply online, please refer to our website at www.venturacounty.gov/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
 
Sufficient information must be provided under the Education/Work Experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications in order to determine eligibility.  A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the application.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – qualifying:  All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining qualifications for the position.  Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.
 
APPLICATION EVALUATION – qualifying:  All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met.  Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the examination process.
 
COMPARATIVE SCREENING - qualifying:  If there is a high number of qualified applicants, a comparative screening will be conducted.  Applications will be evaluated and ranked according to criteria that most closely meets the business needs of the department, so it is essential that applicants provide as much relevant detail as possible and answer all parts of the application and supplemental questionnaire.  Only applicants whose submissions most closely match the business needs outlined in the announcement will proceed to the oral examination.
 
ORAL BOARD EXAMINATION - 100%:  A job-related oral board examination may be conducted to evaluate and compare participating candidates' knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job.  Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

NOTE:  If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an oral examination will not be conducted.  Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.
 
Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.  The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future regular, temporary, fixed-term, intermittent, and extra-help vacancies within the Human Services Agency.  

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information and driving record may be required for this position.
 
For further information regarding this recruitment, please contact Jennifer Rayner by email at  [email protected] or phone (805) 477-5390.
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES AS DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
When a disaster strikes of natural or manmade origin, Ventura County employees may be called upon to provide service to the community by assisting in emergency response efforts. This may require employees to work in other locations, different hours, and out of class.  At the time of hire, all County employees will be required to sign an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Disaster Service Workers and Public Employees (Sections 3102 and 3103, Government Code of California)