Salary : $188,198.40 - $235,268.80 Annually
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: D222A
Department: Department of Child Support Services
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Closing Date: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 50B

Description
The Department of Child Support Services is seeking an experienced child support professional for the position of

Assistant Director of Child Support Services

Assist the Director of Child Support Services in overseeing the Department's operations and administration. Support the planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of department-wide programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. Provide leadership and strategic direction to division and department staff, coordinate initiatives across the Department and with external partners, and deliver high-level administrative support to the Director. Serve as the Acting Director in the Director's absence.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receive general direction from the Director of Child Support Services. Exercise direct and indirect supervision over assigned managerial, professional, technical, and clerical staff.
Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist the Director in leading and directing all operations of the Department of Child Support Services, including technical, administrative, and personnel functions.
• Collaborate with the Director to plan, develop, and implement department-wide service programs, policies, procedures, and strategic goals, including long and short-range planning.
• Provide leadership and guidance to department staff and divisions to ensure delivery of cost-effective and timely services.
• Direct coordination of systems, resource allocation, and staffing needs to support department objectives.
• Foster successful working relationships with internal staff, external agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Oversee administrative processes such as budget preparation and monitoring, handling complex issues with outside agencies, and preparing comprehensive reports.
• Communicate the department's goals and objectives effectively to ensure broad understanding and support.
• Ensure departmental objectives are met through collaboration and coordination across divisions and programs.
• Analyze information, identify problems, and recommend courses of action consistent with established policies and procedures.
• Act as the Director in their absence.
• Take lead responsibility for special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Director.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
At least two years of management experience in child support, family support, social, or community services organizations, demonstrating a progressively responsible leadership role.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration, including program management, budgeting, planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
• Current trends, laws, codes, and regulations related to child support administration and family support programs.
• Management principles and practices, including organizational and systems analysis, research methods, and human resource planning.
• Community resources, public and private services, and funding sources relevant to child support services.
• Computer systems and applications commonly used within county operations.
• Principles and practices of personnel training, supervision, evaluation, and staff development.

Skill/Ability to:

• Provide advanced leadership and direction to managers and staff.
• Evaluate organizational impacts of decisions and determine effective courses of action.
• Identify and analyze complex child support and family service issues.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate department-wide programs and services.
• Coordinate activities across departments, programs, and external agencies.
• Interpret policies, guidelines, and procedures; develop recommendations for improvements.
• Integrate diverse activities and services to achieve comprehensive program goals and priorities.
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including professional, civic, and community groups.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with program managers, staff, agencies, and community partners.
• Prepare complex and detailed written reports, policies, procedures, and contracts.
• Supervise, evaluate, develop, and train assigned personnel.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

Application/Examination

Departmental Promotional Only. Only current San Mateo County employees in the Department of Child Support Services with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help, or temporary position prior to the final filing date may apply.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination process will consist of an application screening based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions (weight: pass/fail). Candidates who pass the application screening may be invited to a panel interview (weight:100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 11:59 PM PSTApplication Screening: August 3 - 7, 2026Civil Service Panel Interview: August 13 and/or 14, 2026

We invite you to explore our page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.
01

IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will provide additional information about your background and experience related to this position. This information will weigh heavily in the screening process and will also be used in the selection process. This is a competitive process. Please answer the questions completely, paying attention to all parts of the multi-part questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language will be considered. Neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar, and the ability to follow instructions will also be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to these questions.

• I have read and understand these instructions.

02

This is a Departmental Promotional Only recruitment. Only current County of San Mateo employees in the Child Support Services Department with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date may apply. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

03

Describe a time when you provided leadership and direction to managers, supervisors, and/or staff across multiple programs or divisions. How did you establish expectations, maintain accountability, and ensure organizational goals were achieved?
04

Describe your experience developing and implementing strategic goals, operational plans, programs, policies, or procedures. How did you assess organizational needs, establish priorities, and measure results?
05

Describe a time when you had to make a significant decision that affected multiple programs, divisions, or stakeholders. How did you evaluate the organizational impacts of the decision and communicate your decision to those affected?
06

Describe your experience managing or overseeing a departmental or program budget. What was your role in budget development, monitoring expenditures, allocating resources, and addressing budgetary challenges?
07

Describe your experience providing complex administrative, analytical, and operational support to an executive, department director, or senior leadership team. What types of issues did you handle, and how did you exercise independent judgment?
Required Question