Director of Human Services

Description Open until filled; first review of applications will occur on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026.Candidate Profile Shape the future of human services in Steele County. This is more than a leadership role-it's an opportunity to build a lasting legacy. As the first Human Services Director for Steele County's new department, you will not only design operations but also define the department's identity, values, and reputation for years to come. We are seeking a visionary and resilient leader who can create a high-performing team, foster a healthy and inclusive work culture, and implement innovative systems that deliver services with accountability, dignity, and measurable impact. This is your chance to lead transformative change and make a difference for thousands of residents. What We're Looking For • Proven leadership experience in human services, public administration, or related fields. • Strategic and operational expertise, including managing complex budgets and multi-disciplinary teams. • Knowledge of Minnesota county services and systems is a strong plus. • Ability to implement best practices and evidence-based approaches across human services and related systems. • Resilience and adaptability to thrive in ambiguity, lead change management strategies, and drive results. • Visionary thinking with the ability to inspire, innovate, and support impactful teams. • Exceptional team-building skills to recruit, motivate, and retain top talent. • A relationship builder who earns trust and fosters collaboration with internal and external partners. About Steele County Human Services The Minnesota Prairie County Alliance (MNPrairie) is a collaborative human services agency formed in 2014 by Dodge, Steele, and Waseca counties to deliver essential services through a shared structure. Steele County has made the decision to transition out of the collaborative and establish an independent county human services department. Planning and activities for this separation are underway, with the new department scheduled to launch on January 1, 2027. This change reflects Steele County's commitment to local service delivery and meeting the unique needs of its residents. Key Responsibilities Leadership Design and launch Steele County's new Human Services Department, establishing its organizational structure, staffing model, and operational approach. Lead program development using recognized best practices to ensure it serves the needs of the community. Relationship Building Serve as a trusted partner to the County Board, local legislators, and community leaders. Build dynamic partnerships with state agencies, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to strengthen service delivery and community engagement. Financial Management Oversee departmental budgets and financial operations with transparency and fiscal responsibility. Align resources with strategic priorities and ensure long-term sustainability. Compliance & Operational Excellence Maintain full compliance with state and federal regulations. Partner with county finance to ensure audit readiness and accurate reporting, while fostering a culture of operational excellence. Trusted Advisor Provide county leadership with insights on emerging trends, community needs, and innovative solutions to strengthen human services delivery. Strategic Direction Collaborate with county administration, the County Board, and key partners to set a clear vision and develop a strategic plan that communicates successes, identifies opportunities, and anticipates challenges. Integration & Equity Champion efforts to reduce inequities and improve accessibility across systems. Work to create seamless, equitable experiences for residents interacting with multiple agencies and services. Leadership Style and CharacteristicsCommunication Clearly articulates vision, goals, and expectations in ways that inspire confidence and clarity. Practices active listening, ensuring individuals feel heard and respected. Translates complex information into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences, including the public, board members, and legislators. Emotional Intelligence Demonstrates strong self-awareness and manages emotions effectively, even under pressure. Builds trust and shows empathy across a wide range of relationships and situations. Adaptability Navigates change and uncertainty with resilience, modeling calm and confidence for others. Promotes a culture of flexibility and innovation to meet evolving needs. Collaboration & Team Building Fosters cross-functional, inclusive teamwork that values diverse perspectives. Resolves conflicts constructively and maintains positive working relationships. Empowers team members to lead, contribute, and grow professionally. Strategic Thinking Monitors industry trends and anticipates emerging challenges. Aligns organizational goals with community priorities and board objectives. Uses data-driven insights to inform decisions while keeping services person- and family-centered. Change Management Brings expertise in guiding teams through transitions with clarity and support. Actively engages stakeholders impacted by change to build buy-in and trust. Communicates the "why," "what," and "how" of change in ways that reduce uncertainty and foster confidence. Ethics & Integrity Models accountability and ethical behavior in all actions and decisions. Leads with humility, transparency, and a commitment to continuous learning. Leadership Presence Exhibits confidence and credibility, inspiring trust and commitment from staff and stakeholders. Maintains composure and professionalism in high-stakes situations. Cultural Competence Demonstrates ability to work effectively with diverse populations and promote equity in service delivery. Champions inclusion and ensures policies and practices reflect cultural awareness. Innovation Mindset Embraces new ideas and technologies to improve outcomes and efficiency. Encourages creative problem-solving and challenges the status quo when necessary. Results Orientation Maintains focus on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement. Balances long-term vision with short-term priorities to achieve meaningful impact. Job DescriptionJob Summary Under the direction of the County Administrator, the Human Services Director provides executive leadership, vision, and strategic direction for Steele County's Human Services Department. The Director designs the organization's structure, staffing model, operating approach, and program portfolio; ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations; and builds strong internal and external partnerships. Duties are performed with significant latitude, independent judgment, and accountability for outcomes. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Oversee the operations, priorities, and activities of the Human Services department, ensuring alignment with the strategic vision and values of Steele County. Monitor legislative developments in relation to new service delivery requirements; serve as the County's human services legislative representative, advancing priorities and informing policy positions. Determine the feasibility and need for changes to the service delivery system and make recommendations based on community needs, best practices, and evidence-based approaches. Manage ongoing program analysis and needs assessments; use data to drive improvement while maintaining person- and family-centered services. Keep the County Administrator and County Board informed on key performance and outcome findings, including successes, opportunities, and potential challenges. Direct, manage, and oversee the activities of all department personnel directly or through designated supervisory personnel; build a strong, impactful leadership team that authentically supports staff and cultivates a healthy, inclusive, and high-performing work culture. Define job responsibilities and functions within the department; assign work duties and responsibilities, monitor and review work assignments, and evaluate the performance of employees. Assist with training new and existing employees; recruit, hire, onboard, develop, and retain a talented workforce; determine the need to discipline or discharge department employees. Develop and manage the human services budget; allocate human and fiscal resources within the department to ensure the attainment of departmental goals and objectives cost-effectively; oversee grants, payment, and reimbursement sources, and the management of those resources. Manage the development and monitoring of the purchase of service contracts with vendors. Perform and conduct a variety of public relations activities and responsibilities; promote the department's mission and values in the community. Collaborate with other county departments, community partners, state agencies, tribes, providers, and residents to improve service delivery to clients and address evolving community needs. Champion equity, accessibility, and integration across systems so residents experience seamless, equitable services when interacting with multiple agencies. Keep abreast of changing trends, policies, best practices, and developments in areas of responsibility; attend conferences, seminars, regional meetings, and participate in various professional organizations, as appropriate. Assume special projects at the direction of the County Administrator or County Board. Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, program standards, licensing requirements, and reporting obligations; partner with County Finance on audits and internal controls. Serve as a trusted advisor to county leadership-providing insights on trends, risks, opportunities, and recommended strategies. Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Deep knowledge of local, state, and federal laws/regulations applicable to county human services programs. • Understanding of systems of care across human services (e.g., child and family services, adult services, behavioral health, disability services), including best and evidence-based practices and when to deploy them based on capacity, timing, and resources. • Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices (e.g., training, delegation, performance management, discipline). • Financial acumen, including budgeting, grants, payment/reimbursement sources, contracting, and data-informed resource allocation. • Skill in researching, compiling, and summarizing informational and statistical data; preparing reports; and presenting findings to diverse audiences. • Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimal direction. • Ability to interpret and communicate complex policies, procedures, and protocols; review, analyze, and apply legal documents, regulations, professional journals, and reports. • Exceptional communication-clear oral and written presentation; active listening; and translation of complex information for the public, board members, legislators, and partners. • Leadership and team-building ability to recruit, motivate, develop, and retain top talent; build trust; and foster inclusive, cross-functional collaboration. • Change management expertise to guide teams through transitions; engage impacted stakeholders; and sustain results. • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and drive continuous improvement. • Commitment to ethics, accountability, humility, transparency, and continuous learning. • Cultural competence and equity orientation; ability to work effectively with diverse populations and reduce disparities in access and outcomes. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in behavioral or social sciences, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Health, or closely related field. • Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human services or public administration, including at least three (3) years of management/supervisory experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience • Valid driver's license • Ability to pass a standard background check Core Competencies • Communication: clearly articulates vision, goals, and expectations; practices active listening; and translates complex information for diverse audiences. • Emotional Intelligence: demonstrates self-awareness; manages emotions; and builds trust and empathy across relationships. • Adaptability: navigates change and uncertainty with resilience; promotes flexibility and innovation. • Collaboration & Team Building: fosters inclusive, cross-functional teamwork; resolves conflicts constructively; empowers others to lead and contribute. • Strategic Thinking: monitors industry trends; aligns organizational goals with community priorities and Board objectives; leverages data while staying person- and family-centered. • Change Management: guides teams through transitions with clarity and support; engages impacted stakeholders; communicates the why, what, and how of change. • Ethics & Integrity: models accountability and ethical behavior; leads with humility, transparency, and continuous learning. • Leadership Presence: inspires trust and commitment; maintains composure and professionalism in high-stakes situations. • Cultural Competence: works effectively with diverse populations; champions equity in policy and practice. • Innovation Mindset: embraces new ideas and technologies; encourages creative problem-solving. • Results Orientation focuses on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement; balances long-term vision with short-term priorities. Physical Job Requirements (Percentage of Time) Category: • Stand: 1-33% • Walk:1-33% • Sit: 34-66% • Use of hands: 34-66% • Reach with hands & arms: 1-33% • Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: 1-33% • Talk or hear: 34-66% • Taste or smell: Never • Lift & carry: 1-33% Working Conditions Duties of the job are primarily administrative in nature, performed in a typical County office. While the incumbent may be occasionally subjected to clients who may be angry, the physical and environmental hazards and risks associated with the job can best be characterized as minimal. The position is mentally demanding and does require periodic travel.

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