Salary : $138,042.12 - $167,804.45 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26/10-0799-O
Department: Human Services Department (HSD)
Opening Date: 10/26/2026
Closing Date: 11/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 50
Position InformationThe Human Services Department is looking for an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead their Human Resources team!Starting salary up to $80.40/hour ($167,804/year) plus a competitive total compensation package!*About the Position The Human Services Department (HSD) is looking to hire a strategic, experienced Human Resources leader to direct the Department's comprehensive human resources program. The Human Services Human Resources Manager will manage, plan, organize, implement, and oversee all aspects of human resources for HSD. As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, the Human Services Department's mission is to build upon strengths, as we bridge clients to opportunities through responsive safety-net services. This position will directly supervisemanagers and lead an amazing team of human resources subject-matter experts who work across a variety of Department program areas, including Safety, Employee and Labor Relations, Disability Management, Staff Development, Training, Recruitment and Classification, Civil Rights/Fair Hearings, and Payroll. This role works closely with the Department's executive management team, divisional and administrative managers, and other stakeholders to provide organizational and high-level leadership, advice, recommendations, and consultation to achieve departmental objectives and navigate complex issues. In addition, this position will:
- Serve as a key advisor to the Department's executive management team, guiding workforce planning, organizational development, and consistent policy interpretation related to human resources functions
- Cultivate collaboration between the Human Resources team and the Department's executive management team to evaluate, improve, and implement human resources processes, tools, and initiatives that promote an equitable, efficient, and service-oriented workforce
- Interpret, apply, and maintain compliance with all County and Department policies, ordinances, Civil Service Rules, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
- Champion Department-wide efforts that support employee wellbeing, workplace culture, equity, compliance, and organizational priorities
- Oversee and manage complex employee and labor relations matters, including investigations, performance management, corrective action, and conflict resolution
- Lead departmental classification and compensation activities, including position reviews, reclassifications, and organizational structure assessments
- Coach and support managers and supervisors on HR practices, County policies, and labor agreements; and develop and deliver related training
- Design, improve, and implement HR processes, tools, and initiatives that support an equitable, efficient, and modern workforce
As the ideal candidate for this position, you will demonstrate the ability to promote positive staff relationships at all levels, have excellent communication skills, and possess many of the following:
- Experience supervising and leading a team of individuals with diverse backgrounds, preferably in a public sector organization, or a field with similar complexity, regulatory requirements, and labor structures
- The ability to be a trustworthy and approachable leader who can respond to critical situations and apply sound judgement
- Experience leading or supporting organizational change initiatives
- A strong understanding of employment laws, County policies, labor relations practices, and collective bargaining environments
- The proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple high-impact assignments simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and consistent follow-through with minimal oversight
- The ability to assess issues, identify systemic patterns and causes, and develop sustainable solutions while paying close attention to critical details
- High emotional intelligence and the ability to create an environment of trust across all organizational levels
- A commitment to strengthening the Department's workplace culture and organizational performance
- Demonstrated expertise in developing concise written guidance and formal documentation for leadership and managers
- The ability to explain complex HR concepts in a clear, supportive, and actionable manner
- A passion for providing ethical and accountable leadership committed to transparency, responsible use of public resources, and equitable service delivery in support of the Department's mission
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
About the Human Services Department (HSD)is dedicated to providing responsive, client-focused services so that all in our community can live freely chosen lives up to their full potential throughout their lifespan. We work to protect vulnerable children and adults, to help people rise above poverty and thrive in our community, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. With a staff of over 1,000 and numerous community partners, HSD provides services to more than 150,000 individuals with an operating budget of $334 million through 12 locations. The core values that drive our work are dignity, humility, integrity, responsiveness, partnership, and belonging.
HSD Divisions:- : Supports older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and families through protective and supportive services, including Adult Protective Services, In-Home Supportive Services, and Veteran's Services
- : Offers medical insurance benefits, financial assistance, and basic needs support through Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and County Medical Services
- : Provides job search, employment, and training services, including CalWORKs, General Assistance, Housing Assistance Response Team, Job Link, and the Workforce Investment Board
- : Focuses on child protection and welfare through programs such as the Valley of the Moon Children's Center, child abuse prevention, forensic interviewing, and foster care services
- : Supports staff and program divisions with human resources, IT, finance, compliance, contracts, facilities, care and shelter, and program research and evaluation
Hear the Human Services Director, Angela Struckmann, talk more about the department in a recent OpenDoors campaign on
This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Human Services Human Resources Manager position in the Human Services Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The Civil Service title for this position is Senior Department Human Resources Manager.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience and Education: Any combination of education, training, and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, this would include academic coursework equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Business or Public Administration, Social or Behavioral Science, Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, or a closely related field; and four years of progressively responsible human resources experience in a unionized environment, at least two years of which have been in a management or supervisory capacity. Experience in a government agency is desirable.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of: principles and practices of public sector human resources administration including recruitment, selection, training, job analysis, classification and compensation, personnel record keeping, performance management, payroll, and position control; principles and practices of public sector labor relations administration, including interpretation and application of negotiated agreements, employer-employee relations practices, meet and confer obligations, and progressive discipline; principles and practices of management, supervision, and training; applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to EEO, employee health and safety, collective bargaining, and labor relations; applicable federal, state, and local employment compliance requirements including Civil Rights Act, ADA, Family Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, Pregnancy Disability Leave, Fair Labor Standards Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Worker's Compensation.
Considerable knowledge of: state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to California local government human resources administration and related personnel practices; theory and practices of organization analysis, behavior, and systems; effective group leadership, conflict resolution, and problem-solving; functions and operations of a local government public agency.
Ability to: effectively manage complex human resources programs and related activities; formulate, develop, and implement goals and objectives that achieve quality performance measures and accountability; select, train, engage, and motivate professional and clerical subordinates; analyze complex personnel and organizational problems, develop effective resolutions, and implement effective courses of action; represent the department in grievances, meet and confer, and arbitration hearings; prepare clear and concise reports; work effectively as a member of the executive team; maintain objectivity in the administration of the department's human resources management program; understand, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they relate to human resources administration; advise and collaborate with other division directors and staff to ensure compliant personnel practices; evaluate statistical data and effectively present the facts, conclusions, and recommendations; understand and accept differences in human behavior, particularly those with diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds; communicate with tact, skill, and diplomacy when engaging in difficult problem 
