Chief Deputy Human Services

THE POSITION

The Chief Deputy Human Services is a new executive leadership position within the Department of Health and Social Services responsible for strategic oversight, alignment, and integration across the Department’s Social Services divisions, including Child Welfare Services, Employment and Eligibility, and Older and Disabled Adult Services. This position oversees major human services programs including public assistance, CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal eligibility, employment services, In-Home Supportive Services, Public Guardian, Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, foster care, and related family, adult, and community support programs delivered in partnership with public, private, and community-based agencies.

The Chief Deputy Human Services provides executive-level leadership and subject matter expertise on social services operations, policy, fiscal and regulatory compliance, continuous quality improvement, civil rights monitoring, state and federal policy analysis, social services realignment, multidisciplinary team development, and integrated service delivery. The position works closely with division leaders while preserving appropriate operational autonomy, represents the Department in key external forums including the County Welfare Directors Association, and serves as a senior advisor to the Department Director on complex human services matters. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, trauma-informed, and equity-centered executive leader who can strengthen coordination across complex systems and improve outcomes for children, families, older adults, persons with disabilities, and communities.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a seasoned public-sector human services executive who can lead at a systems level while supporting strong, autonomous division leadership. The successful candidate will bring executive experience in complex human services operations and demonstrate the ability to:

• Lead strategic alignment, integration, and accountability across multiple Social Services divisions.
• Support Deputy Directors and senior leaders without becoming embedded in day-to-day divisional operations.
• Interpret and apply complex federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policy requirements.
• Oversee budget, fiscal, staffing, compliance, contract, and service delivery priorities across large public programs.
• Advance continuous quality improvement, results-based accountability, civil rights compliance, and performance monitoring.
• Build effective partnerships with County departments, community-based organizations, contracted providers, state and federal agencies, and advisory bodies.
• Communicate clearly with the Department Director, County Administrator’s Office, Board of Supervisors, community partners, staff, and the public.
• Champion trauma-informed, equity-centered, culturally responsive, and integrated systems of care for children, families, older adults, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable communities.

Education: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Health and Human Services Administration, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Health Care Services Administration, Applied Behavioral Services, Public Administration, Public Policy and Analysis, or another field closely related to the intent of the class.

AND

Experience: Six years of leadership and/or management level experience in the public sector providing human/health services administration, strategic analyses and management, budget and fiscal oversight, and policy and program development and evaluation for children and family services within a large public agency.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are required to possess a valid California Driver’s License, Class C.
Note: The driver’s license must be kept current while employed in this class.   

Interested candidates should apply by 8/28/2026. 

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants may be invited for further examination and will either be pre-scheduled by the Department of Human Resources or be invited to self-schedule. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a supplemental questionnaire assessment, a written and/or practical exam, an oral board exam, or any combination listed. Responses to supplemental questions may be used as screening and testing mechanisms and will be used to assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the process; as such, responses to supplemental questions should be treated as test examination responses. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted. These provisions are subject to change.

RETIREES - Solano County invites all qualified candidates to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees.

Applications must be submitted through the NeoGOV system. Paper copies of applications are not accepted. All candidates are encouraged to submit a copy of their official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed) or degree (verifying institution, student, date, degree and area of specialization conferred) by the application review deadline. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing the application. You will be evaluated based on the information provided on the application. Please ensure any experience you believe qualifies you for the job is reflected in your application’s employment history. When completing employment details, do not write “see resume,” as resumes will not be reviewed and this will be considered an incomplete application.

Previously submitted application materials (e.g., copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170, business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EOE/AA.

Please note that all dates/times listed in the job announcement are Pacific Time.

A Master's Degree is required for this position. All candidates are encouraged to submit a copy of their official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed) or degree (verifying institution, student, date, degree and area of specialization conferred) by the final filing deadline. However, proof of this education requirement must be submitted prior to appointment.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service. The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the application review deadline. Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

How to Submit Your Documents                                                                                    

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email to [email protected]. Be sure to include the recruitment title (CHIEF DEPUTY HUMAN SERVICES) and the recruitment number (26-147380-01) in your email or fax.