Salary : $163,134.40 - $198,330.08 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-Y30-B
Department: Social Services Agency - DFCS
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 92

Description
Under general direction, to plan, develop, organize, evaluate, direct, and control the activities and/or staff of a large Social Services Agency service and/or program.

The Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) is looking for a qualified candidate for the Social Services Program Manager III (SSPM III) in Administrative Services Bureau (ASB). This senior leadership position provides strategic direction for critical administrative and operational functions that support Child Welfare services. The successful candidate will oversee bureau-wide initiatives, lead multidisciplinary teams, and partner with executive leadership to strengthen organizational effectiveness, improve service delivery, and advance the department's mission of protecting children and strengthening families. The SSPM III is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and evaluating the Administrative Support Services Bureau. This position oversees programs and initiatives that provide operational support to Child Welfare, including human resources coordination, policy development, onboarding of newly hired Child Welfare social workers, and other essential administrative functions that ensure the agency operates efficiently and effectively. It is anticipated that the Administrative Bureau will expand to take on additional task related to CQI, Case Reviews, and the prevention continuum of contacts. The incumbent serves as a key member of the department's leadership team, providing strategic guidance on organizational priorities, operational improvements, and system-wide initiatives while ensuring compliance with County, State, and Federal requirements

For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact [email protected]

This eligible list may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur.
Typical Tasks
The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Plans, organizes, directs, administers, and oversees the Social Services Agency activities of one or more programs/operations that provide direct service to the public and/or other agencies;

• Defines personnel resource needs and allocates them as required to reach program objectives;

• Selects, hires, directs, and evaluates staff and ensures the orientation, training, and development of program staff;

• Provides consultation on cases that may be individually-based or family-focused, as part of direction, guidance, and mentoring of staff;

• Develops and implements administrative policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems;

• Determines the scope, character, and service delivery system of social services in the County of Santa Clara;

• Communicates with Federal and State and authorities on the development of pending legislation or regulations and works with these representatives to ensure appropriate interpretation of requirements;

• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, and County mandates relative to assigned programs;

• Assesses service delivery system and ensures customer satisfaction;

• Initiates, reviews, and evaluates recommendations on goals, policies, plans, projects, programs, and outcomes to meet community needs, and implements as applicable;

• Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes service or program data, and implements as applicable;

• Develops visible and highly recognized partnerships with community-based organizations and other County departments or agencies;

• Acts as liaison and represents the Social Services Agency in contacts with public and private organizations, individual members of the public, and the Board of Supervisors;

• May develop and establish public education or social media campaigns and deliver oral and written presentations to internal and external agencies and organizations;

• Administers and monitors contracts, including overseeing the solicitation process, drafting provisions, and evaluating performance of contract agencies and community-based organizations;

• Confers with State and other agencies on interpretation of rulings involving court orders or decisions, legal mandates, or policy changes;

• Coordinates program automation and guides staff/customers on related processes;

• Coordinates general Social Services Agency support for staff and customers;

• Researches funding alternatives and administers public funds and any other type of funds, including grant funding;

• Determines and submits budgetary requirements to maintain program;

• Prepares reports and correspondence;

• May give depositions, testify in court, and meet and coordinate with law enforcement, County Counsel, and other legal entities;

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:
Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Behavioral Science, Social Work, Social Psychology, Psychology, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Vocational Rehabilitation, or closely related field. Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis;
and
Seven (7) years of analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience in the field of human services.
A Master's or Doctoral Degree in Behavioral Sciences, Social Work, Social Psychology, Psychology, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Vocational Rehabilitation, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
Special Requirements

• Some positions may require Live Scan screening as part of the background check process.

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of organization, budget preparation, personnel and financial administration, community relations, and employee supervision, training, and development;

• Program evaluation, planning, and development principles and techniques;

• Operation and functions of public assistance and social service agencies, including social services objectives applicable to the areas of responsibility;
• Diversity issues as they impact the local community;
• Current capabilities, processes, and applications of automation;
• Principal public and private resources available to the community for referral or utilization in social services programs;
• Laws, regulations, and administrative guidelines that affect employment, training, public assistance, and other social services applicable to the areas of responsibility;
• Labor laws and administrative policies governing memoranda of understanding with the County's various represented employee organizations;
• Applicable sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code;
• Health and safety standards, such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), etc.;

• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;

• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and direct the activities of Social Services Agency programs and services;
• Effectively select, hire, and supervise staff and ensure appropriate orientation, training, and development of program personnel;
• Effectively allocate resources and personnel;
• Develop and maintain internal operational procedures and policies for the programs/offices assigned;
• Interpret and assure the appropriate implementation of Federal and State regulations pertaining to the various programs assigned and keep abreast of developments related to program activities;
• Analyze procedures, data, and other pertinent reports and recommend a course of action;
• Apply principles and theories of casework in a consultative and managerial capacity;
• Optimally utilize technology to automate processes and educate the public on social service programs;
• Direct the development and preparation of a variety of plans, including major needs assessments, demographic data, survey results, and program designs;
• Consult with and advise the Department Director or other executive management staff on the activities, status, and fiscal impacts of programs or new program requirements;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;
• Prepare and present oral and written reports clearly and concisely;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Create a customer-friendly environment;
• Effectively represent the Agency before the Board of Supervisors, at meetings with State and Federal agency representatives, and before other stakeholders, boards, commissions, or citizen groups.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
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Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candida