Salary : $105,913.60 - $121,035.20 Annually
Location : 421 County Road R, Black River Falls, WI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 00447
Department: Director/Admin - DHHS
Opening Date: 07/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
The Director of Health and Human Services serves as the chief executive officer of the Jackson County Department of Health and Human Services and is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, strategic direction, and performance of departmental programs, personnel, budgets, and operations.
Operating under the authority of the Jackson County Health and Human Services Board, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, and applicable Wisconsin Statutes, the Director provides executive leadership for all departmental divisions and services, including Public Health, Children and Family Services, Adult Protective Services, Behavioral Health, Economic Support, Child Support, Aging and Disability Resource Center, Aging Programs, and related human service programs.
The Director ensures effective integration, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of services while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. The position serves as the primary liaison between the Department, County leadership, regulatory agencies, community partners, elected officials, and the public.
First review of applications August 17, 2026.
Essential Responsibilities:
Department Leadership and Administration:
• Provides executive leadership and direction for all Department of Health and Human Services programs, services, and operations
• Establishes organizational priorities, strategic objectives, and performance expectations for departmental divisions and management staff
• Directs and coordinates departmental operations to ensure effective and efficient service delivery
• Evaluates departmental performance and implements operational improvements to enhance service quality and organizational effectiveness
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, contractual obligations, and professional standards
• Determines, subject to Board approval, whether services are provided directly, contracted, or delivered through partnerships
• Oversees departmental administrative functions, facilities, technology, safety, security, and support services
Strategic Planning and Organizational Development:
• Leads department-wide strategic planning initiatives and organizational development efforts
• Establishes long-term goals and objectives to address community needs and improve service delivery
• Develops and implements organizational policies, procedures, and operational standards
• Evaluates emerging trends, legislation, funding opportunities, and community needs to guide departmental planning
• Facilitates management team meetings and leadership development activities
• Promotes innovation, continuous improvement, and evidence-based practices throughout the Department
Board, Committee, and Governance Support:
• Serves as the primary staff liaison to the Health and Human Services Board
• Advises the Board regarding operational, fiscal, legislative, regulatory, and policy matters
• Develops Board agendas, resolutions, reports, annual reports, and supporting materials
• Coordinates and facilitates Board meetings and committee activities
• Provides written and verbal reports, recommendations, and presentations to the Health and Human Services Board, County Board, and other committees
* Implements Board directives and policy decisions
Budget and Fiscal Management:
• Leads development and administration of the Department's annual budget in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes and County policies
• Monitors revenues, expenditures, grants, contracts, and financial trends to ensure fiscal responsibility
• Allocates funding and resources to support departmental priorities and statutory obligations
• Collaborates with County Finance staff regarding financial planning, forecasting, audits, and reporting requirements
• Reviews and approves financial plans, contracts, grant proposals, and funding agreements
• Ensures compliance with financial management standards, grant requirements, and audit expectations
Human Resources and Workforce Development:
• Provides overall leadership, supervision, and evaluation of departmental management staff
• Oversees recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, employee development, disciplinary actions, and workforce planning
• Coordinates personnel matters with Human Resources and County Administration
• Promotes employee engagement, leadership development, succession planning, and workforce retention
• Ensures compliance with County personnel policies, labor agreements, and applicable employment laws
• Supports managers in resolving personnel, operational, and organizational issues
Community Relations and Advocacy:
• Serves as the Department's primary representative with local, regional, state, tribal, and federal agencies
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, law enforcement agencies, courts, advocacy groups, and governmental partners
• Represents the Department on professional associations, regional collaboratives, advisory groups, and statewide committees
• Advocates for departmental and community interests at the local, regional, and state levels
• Participates in legislative, policy, and funding discussions affecting human services and public health programs
• Serves as the Department's primary media and public information contact
Compliance, Risk Management, and Statutory Responsibilities:
• Ensures compliance with Wisconsin Statutes governing Health and Human Services departments and programs
• Oversees required reporting to state and federal agencies and funding sources
• Ensures implementation and maintenance of Civil Rights, HIPAA, privacy, and security requirements
• Oversees crisis response, emergency preparedness, and continuity of operations activities
• Coordinates responses to audits, reviews, investigations, grievances, and open records requests
• Reviews and approves contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and service arrangements
• Ensures appropriate risk management practices and internal controls are maintained throughout the Department
Intergovernmental Coordination and Public Service:
• Collaborates with County departments, elected officials, and community stakeholders to advance County initiatives
• Attends County Board, committee, department head, regional, and state meetings as required
• Coordinates departmental participation in countywide initiatives and strategic projects
• Maintains awareness of legislative and regulatory developments affecting Department operations
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Health and Human Services Board or County Board
Minimum Qualifications
* Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Human Services Administration, Health Administration, Public Health, Business Administration, or related field
* Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in health, human services, public administration, or related governmental operations
* Six (6) years of supervisory and management experience
* Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
Preferred Qualifications
* Master's Degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Public Health, Health Administration, Business Administration, or related field
* Senior executive leadership experience within county or municipal government
* Experience working directly with governing boards, committees, and elected officials
* Experience managing large public-sector budgets and grant-funded programs
Key Competencies
* Public Sector Leadership
* Human Services Administration
* Strategic Planning and Organizational Development
* Government Budgeting and Fiscal Management
* Public Health and Human Services Systems
* Policy Development and Implementation
* Workforce Leadership and Employee Development
* Community Engagement and Collaboration
* Government Relations and Advocacy
* Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
* Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance
* Executive Communication and Board Relations
BENEFIT SUMMARY:
Health Insurance Employee Contribution 2026:
Non Union Employees:
Premium Employee Share - 11%
Family - $2,477.85/month $ 136.28/pay period
Single - $1,086.78/month $ 59.78/pay period
SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES UNION:
Premium Employee Share - 12%
Family - $2,477.85/month $ 148.67/pay period
Single - $ 1,086.78/month $ 65.21/pay period
Vision - VSP 2026
Family - $11.22/ pay period
Employee + 1 - $6.82/ pay period
Employee & Child - $ 6.96/ pay period
Single Plan - $ 3.83/ pay period
Dental Insurance 2026: Employee Share - 50%
Premium Employee Share
Family Plan - $84.98/month $21.25 / pay period
Single Plan - $29.82/month $7.10 / pay period
Life Insurance: County paid for employee equal to yearly salary. Additional coverage and coverage for spouse and dependents are available at additional cost.
Deferred Compensation Plans: Two plans are available.
Voluntary Accident/Cancer/Critical Illness Insurance: Employer will contribute $10 per month towards the plan.
ID Protection
State Retirement: Employer match 50%
PTO: General Employees: 22 days during years 1 & 2 to a maximum of 37 days
Managers: 27 days per year during 1st - 6th years of service; to a maximum of 37 days
Jail/Dispatch: 24 days during years 1-5 to a maximum of 37 days
Holidays: Non-Law Enforcement: 9 specific and 1 floating
Law Enforcement: 10 personal days in lieu of holidays
This benefit summary is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as an implied contract of employment.
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