Embedded HR Manager I/II/III - Department Support Unit

This unique opportunity is embedded within Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), serving as a dedicated HR partner to the department and playing an integral role in its programs, operations, and organizational priorities.

Traditional DSU assignments provide HR consultation and support across multiple County departments; however, this position is focused exclusively on BHRS. The BHRS Manager works closely with department leadership, oversees assigned HR staff, and provides strategic guidance and operational oversight to support the department’s effectiveness and evolving needs, while maintaining alignment with Countywide HR policies and practices.

This is an opportunity for an HR leader who enjoys working at both the strategic and operational levels, building strong partnerships, leading a dedicated team, and contributing directly to the success of a large and complex County department.

The ideal candidate will bring sound judgment, political acumen, and a strong understanding of the complexities of public-sector human resources. They are comfortable navigating sensitive employee relations matters, advising executive leadership, and balancing departmental needs with Countywide policies, practices, and organizational objectives.

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate broad HR knowledge and the ability to connect various HR disciplines to develop comprehensive solutions.
• Build effective working relationships with department heads, executive leadership, managers, supervisors, employees, and HR partners.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion when addressing sensitive, confidential, and complex personnel matters.
• Navigate challenging conversations, competing priorities, and organizational dynamics with professionalism and emotional intelligence.
• Provide strategic guidance while maintaining the ability to engage in operational details when needed.
• Lead through influence, collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to customer service.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen accountability, and promote consistency in HR service delivery.
• Demonstrate adaptability, initiative, and the ability to anticipate organizational needs and proactively address emerging issues.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
Oral Examination: Week of December 7, 2026

Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, the recruitment process, or need assistance with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at (209) 525-6341. 

• Serve as the primary HR liaison and strategic business partner to assigned County departments, providing consultation and guidance on a comprehensive range of human resources matters.
• Advise department heads, managers, and supervisors on complex employee relations issues, performance management, disciplinary matters, workplace investigations, and organizational challenges.
• Partner with CEO-HR divisions, including Operations and Benefits, Labor Relations, Learning and Development, and Risk Management, to coordinate HR services and develop effective solutions.
• Provide guidance on recruitment and selection strategies, classification and compensation, workforce planning, organizational structure, and succession planning.
• Interpret and apply County policies, Personnel Manual provisions, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), employment laws, and applicable regulations.
• Provide oversight and guidance on disability management, reasonable accommodations, leaves of absence, and other complex employment-related matters.
• Support departments through organizational change, workforce development initiatives, and the implementation of Countywide HR policies and programs.
• Analyze workforce data, identify trends, assess organizational needs, and develop recommendations to improve HR service delivery and organizational effectiveness.
• Develop, implement, and monitor HR procedures, practices, and performance measures to promote consistency, accountability, and operational efficiency.
• Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop HR staff, fostering collaboration, professional growth, accountability, and quality customer service.
• Represent CEO-HR in department-level and Countywide initiatives, workgroups, and special projects.
  

• Serve as the department's primary HR manager, working closely with executive leadership to align HR strategies, workforce priorities, and organizational initiatives with departmental goals and operational needs.
• Take direct responsibility for managing, coordinating, administering, and overseeing assigned departmental HR programs, services, and operations.
• Participate in departmental leadership and operational decision-making, providing HR leadership on matters affecting departmental programs, staffing, and organizational effectiveness.
• Take an active role in the development, implementation, and oversight of departmental programs, initiatives, and operational practices with significant HR implications.
• Develop and oversee department-specific HR procedures, practices, and performance measures, assessing program effectiveness and implementing improvements as needed.
• Provide direct leadership and oversight of assigned HR staff, establishing priorities, monitoring performance, and ensuring effective and consistent delivery of departmental HR services.
• Work in partnership with department leadership to assess workforce and organizational needs, develop strategies, and address operational challenges.
• Coordinate with CEO-HR subject matter experts to integrate specialized HR services and ensure departmental operations remain aligned with Countywide policies, practices, and requirements.
  

KNOWLEDGE:

• Comprehensive human resources management, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee relations, labor relations, benefits, leaves, and organizational development.
• Federal, State, and local employment laws, regulations, and applicable personnel policies and practices.
• Public-sector personnel administration, including civil service principles, collective bargaining agreements, and merit-based employment systems.
• Supervision, leadership, performance management, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness.
• Practices and techniques for analyzing organizational needs, evaluating HR programs, and developing process improvements.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Analyze complex situations, identify underlying issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical, defensible recommendations.
• Interpret and apply employment laws, policies, procedures, and labor agreements to diverse and often challenging circumstances.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships across organizational levels and departments.
• Communicate complex HR concepts clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Exercise discretion, diplomacy, sound judgment, and political acumen when addressing sensitive matters.
• Lead, motivate, coach, and develop professional staff while establishing clear expectations and accountability.
• Manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Influence organizational outcomes and facilitate solutions without relying solely on positional authority.
• Use data, metrics, and analytical tools to evaluate HR operations, identify trends, and support informed decision-making.
• Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement and exceptional customer service.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Development, or a closely related field.

• One (1) year of progressively responsible supervisory experience, performing human relations functions in a public agency. 

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Development, or a closely related field.

• One (1) year of progressively responsible management experience performing duties comparable to a Stanislaus County Manager, including managing human resources programs or operations, in a public agency.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Development, or a closely related field.

• Two (2) years of progressively responsible management experience performing duties comparable to a Stanislaus County Manager, including managing human resources programs or operations, in a public agency.

Progressively responsible supervisory or management level experience as listed above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Proof of education may be required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-525-6341 to make other arrangements. Failure to submit proof will result in disqualification. 

• At least two (2) year of management experience in public sector Human Resources within the past five (5) years.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. 

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS
 Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on. 
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position. 
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts. 
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months. 

CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Unclassified Service of the County and considered “at will” for labor relations purposes. The individual selected will participate in the Stanislaus County Pay-for-Performance program, as well as receive additional benefits.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.
• Ability to understand and communicate in English sufficiently to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS

Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.

DISCLAIMER

Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.