Family Services Director

Deadline: October 28, 2026


Job Summary
Under the administrative direction of the Family Service Board/County Board, performs highly responsible professional and administrative work directing the income maintenance and social service programs of the County. The Director provides leadership in developing, implementing, integrating and evaluating these programs and activities. Work is performed under broad policy guidance and direction of the County Board, subject to local, state, and federal statutory provisions, and the technical supervision of the Minnesota Department of Human Services and other state agencies.
Consequences of error could result in hardships to clients, monetary loss to the County and possible loss or inability to perform agency responsibility in the future. The Director of Family Services is responsible for planning, directing, staffing, evaluating and utilizing control measures on behalf of Family Services Agency includes: Adult and Children’s Social Services, Income Maintenance, Fiscal Services, and Child Support.

Summary of some Examples of Essential Duties

Direct the planning and development of the Family Service Agencies in an effective manner in order to meet client needs within legal requirements.

• Interpret federal, state, and county communications to board, staff, and community. Keeps current on the rules and regulations that govern the agencies practices and assures that the agency is in compliance.
• Administer Family Service programs.
• Direct the development of quality control systems to be used in the assessment of programs.
• Develop and implement agency goals and objectives--no less than annually.
• Confer with the County Attorney about legal aspects of programs.
• Direct the preparation of financial, statistical, and activity reports for federal, state, and county requirements.
• Direct the negotiation of contracts as appropriate in order for services to be provided.
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation system for program and contract compliance.
• Direct the planning and implementation of computer and data collection.
• Direct the planning process for agency programs to include public input, board policy, fiscal accountability, quality service delivery, and program evaluation.
• Direct and organize the presentation of information at board meetings.
• Attend meetings as required.

Manage the budget process to provide financial accountability.

• Direct the preparation and presentation of the annual budgets, including budget assumptions.
• Develop and maintain reports that assist in the monitoring and control of expenditures.
• Recommend budget alterations as changes occur in state and federal programs or funding, and as service demands change.
• Delegate fiscal monitoring to supervisory levels as appropriate.
• Direct the process to secure dollars that can assist in funding quality programs.

Manage staff to provide quality human services to county residents.

• Evaluate staff needs and recommend changes as programs change or service demands increase and/or decrease.
• Direct staff development plans completed by employees and supervisors in providing opportunities for employee career development and assure adequate orientation.
• Direct the hiring of personnel in accordance with appropriate rules, policies, and contracts.
• Inform staff of affirmative action plan and implement as appropriate.
• Manage the activities of supervisors and staff through adequate planning and goal setting.
• Serve as a resource to the Personnel Director in managing labor relations and negotiations.
• Conduct both administrative and departmental staff meetings on a regular basis.
• Delegate responsibilities to staff as deemed appropriate.
• Accountable for enforcing safety rules and policies according to the Safety Plan.

Assure community involvement and community resources to protect and promote the agency services.

• Maintain liaison with service providers in the community.
• Direct the development of needs assessments and needs determinations in a planned manner.
• Provide public appearances and information to community groups.
• Ensure and implement a public information system and effectively communicate news releases to the media and public.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships directly, or by delegation, with the community, local, county, State and Federal levels of government and with other social service agencies and consumers.
• Meet with, confer and facilitate local advisory committees, client or community groups, and coordinate with service providers.
• Continue cooperative planning for both intra-agency and inter-agency in order to insure continuity and avoid service duplication.

Lead efforts to plan, negotiate, implement and evaluate services in collaboration with the other agencies and other jurisdictions in the community and region.

• Monitor planning and implementation of collaborative grants and programs.
• Collaborate with other agencies and jurisdictions in providing quality programs and services to families in Kanabec County.
• Lead efforts to assure the protection and promotion of the human service needs.

Stay abreast of current policies, procedures, concerns, and legislative issues.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (a equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered)
Threshold requirement is all of the following:

• Master’s Degree in a closely related field
• Seven years, at least 4 years in a Supervisory role, in a closely related experience

 

Competencies Common to All County Positions

• Develops, maintains a thorough working knowledge of, and complies with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates regular and reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Performs all duties as required in a safe and efficient manner.
• Demonstrates by personal example the qualities inherent in public service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confers regularly with and keeps immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represents Kanabec County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

 

Kanabec County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: Group Health Insurance with VEBA Plan, Kavira Health, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care), HSA Plan, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Accident Insurance, Group Hospital Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, PTO (vacation, sick, personal leave), 12 paid holidays, Deferred Compensation Plans, Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

To view the available insurance and benefit options, click here.