Human Services Director

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Approved Date:

8/28/2026 1:56:09 PM

Working Title:

Human Services Director

Job Family:

Executive Leadership

Classification:

Director Human Services

ORGANIZATION

Department:

Human Services

Cost Center/Program:

9701 - Human Services

Exemption Status:

Exempt

Union:

Not Represented

JOB SUMMARY

A Director is a a high-level managerial role with oversight of a County department, responsible for oversight of the operations of that department.  This is a broad classification, and the specific responsibilities and qualifications can vary depending on the department.  Relevant work experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for educational requirements.  Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education. 

The at-will appointed position is very unique to the Department they serve.

Kitsap County Human Services is committed to serving our community through responsive, equitable, and effective public service. Our mission is to provide essential services that address individual and community needs, preserve the rights and dignity of those we serve, and promote the health and well-being of all Kitsap County residents.

Our employees are dedicated public servants who work every day to improve the lives of our residents. We value integrity, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and respect in all that we do. We believe strong partnerships, sound stewardship of public resources, and a commitment to excellence are fundamental to building a healthy, resilient, and thriving community.

The Human Services Department Director leads the Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide essential services that address individual and community needs, preserve the rights and dignity of those they serve, and promote the health and well-being of all Kitsap County residents. DHS consists of 12 special revenue fund divisions that operate under the Board of County Commissioners to provide vital individual and community support services to over 30,000 members of the Kitsap Community.

The DHS Director is responsible for oversight and coordination of 300 grants, contracts, and amendments, 2 multi-county regional executive boards and 10 community advisory boards, commissions, and councils with a total of 158 members. The Director plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments, monitors budgets, reviews progress and directs changes in priorities and schedules as needed to ensure work is performed in a timely and efficient manner according to appropriate guidelines, procedures, and legal regulations.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Under broad direction and oversight from the County Administrator and Board of County Commissions, the incumbent performs complex management work over Kitsap County and multi-county Human Services divisions, grants and programs contracted for or directly provided by employees of Kitsap County.  Responsibilities include: planning, organizing, and directing all operations and functions of the Kitsap County Human Services Department including oversight of subordinate division managers in the Human Services; Grant Accounting, Aging and Long Term Care, Kitsap Recovery Center, Behavioral Health, Workforce Development, Veterans, Pre-Trial Services, Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Therapeutic Courts, Prevention, Youth, Homelessness, Affordable Housing, and Community Development Block Grant Divisions. The Director serves as chief staff advisor to the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, and various other departments and agencies on all human services matters in the County.  Serves directly as the chief advisor to managers that staff the multi-county Workforce Development and Public Mental Health delivery systems.

20%

Direct the development, implementation, and maintenance of responsive and effective human service programs to meet community needs and the corresponding grant management for Aging and Long-Term Care, Kitsap Recovery Center, Behavioral Health, Workforce Development, Veterans, Pre-Trial Services, Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Therapeutic Courts, Prevention, Youth, Homelessness, Affordable Housing, and Community Development Block Grant Divisions.   Direct development of policies, procedures and systems and assures compliance with applicable County, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations. Provide direction and support to division managers in 12 different program areas.

20%

Direct the administrative, financial and operational functions as the administrative unit for the for the 12 special revenue fund divisions. Evaluate and determine which grants or programs should be researched, initiated, implemented, terminated, or modified.  Determine the resources to devote to projects and the metrics to monitor.  Determine how to maintain cost effectiveness and meet grant conditions.

20%

Direct the development and maintenance of systems and records that provide for the proper evaluation, control and documentation of human service operations. Prepare technical, statistical, analytical, operational and administrative studies/reports as requested. Analyze, review and coordinate audits of programs and grant and contractor agreements to assure compliance with grant requirements, federal, state and local regulations.  Review audit reports and prepare audit resolutions. Confer with the County Administrator and the division managers and staff on problems related to programs and activities, furnishing administrative and technical advice and support.  Confer with the County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, HR Director, and Administrative Services Director to develop program emphasis and major department policies, budgetary allotments, staffing levels and department procedures.

20%

Provide department and County representation regarding human services related issues on various State, County, and local advisory boards, and before special interest groups and other community groups, providing staff support and obtaining citizen input. Direct subordinate managers or professional staff in serving boards such as: Area Agency Advisory Council, Mental Health/Substance Abuse and Therapeutic Courts Advisory Board, Commission on Children and Youth, Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board, Community Development Block Grant Citizen’s Advisory Board, Substance Abuse Advisory Board or Veteran’s Advisory Board. Facilitate the coordination of department interaction with other government agencies.

10%

Direct the preparation and justification of the departmental budget of approximately $85 Million based on staffing and resource requirements, cost estimates, Board of Commissioners and departmental objectives and goals.  Monitor all fiscal operations of the department.  Oversee and approve all department expenditures. Supervise the purchase and acquisition of supplies and equipment.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned

•

Complies with all policies and standards

This Job is Essential

☒

Report for duty on time and remain at work until the end of their scheduled shift even if an inclement weather event or emergency is declared. The employee assigned to this position is an “Essential Employee” under the Public Works Inclement Weather/Emergency Response policy.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

In Human Services, Business Administration, Social Work, Public Administration or Closely related field

Required

Master's Degree

In Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services or Closely related field

Preferred

10+ years

Progressively responsible professional/administrative experience in managing human services programs, grants and contracts.

Required

5 years

Supervisory or management experience

Required

3 years

Application and interpretation of federal, state and local rules, regulations, codes and ordinances as they relate to grant funded human services functions

Required

2 years

Practices and principles of public administration and government fiscal management, including budget preparation, expenditure control, contract administration, and recordkeeping

Required

1 year

Principles, practices and techniques of human services contract negotiation

Preferred

1 year

Direct County Government experience

Preferred

1 year

Advising elected officials

Preferred

Relevant work experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for educational requirements.  Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Appear for scheduled work and complete assigned tasks within a reasonable period of time.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others using tact, courtesy and good judgment.

Maintain confidentiality and adhere to policy and procedures of the county and department.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Utilize various computer applications specific to the department including databases, word processing, document imaging, spreadsheets, and web-based systems for entering, retrieving and researching data and records.

Physically perform assigned duties and essential functions of the position.

Principles, practices, and techniques of human services program planning and administration.

High

Practices and principles of public administration and government fiscal management, including budget preparation, expenditure control, contract administration, and recordkeeping.

High

Methods and techniques utilized in supporting community advisory boards.

High

Principles, practices and techniques of human services contract negotiation.

High

Accounting and information system principles and applications used in grant accounting.

High

Research and statistical analysis methods and techniques.

High

Time Management

Uses their time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates their efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done in less time than others; can attend to a broader range of activities.

Drive for Results

Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

Customer Focus

Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.

Remote Employment

Remote Employment Type:

No Remote Work Available

Remote Employment Text:

There may be limited remote work available in special circumstances (such as inclement weather).

Weight Bearing (Standing & Walking)

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Visits to community based program sites.

Weight Bearing Standing

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Weight Bearing - Walking

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Walking on Uneven Terrain

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

May occur when working on community based sites.

Running

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Jumping

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Climbing

Ladder, stairs, stools

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

May periodically climb stairs

Balancing

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Accessing files, office supplies and equipment

Bending at the waist

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Twisting at the waist

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Accessing files, office supplies and equipment

Stooping

Slight bend at knees

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Squatting

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Sitting

Continuously: 67%+ - Occurs more than 5.6 hours per shift.

Job is mostly preformed at desks and meeting room tables.

Kneeling

One or both knees

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Crawling

On hands and knees

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Lying Down

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Back, side or stomach

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Lifting/Carry/Push/Pull

Lifting

   0-10 lbs

Occasionally: 11-33% - Occurs 31 minutes to 2.5 hours per shift.

Office supplies, paperwork and files

Lifting

  11-20 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Office supplies, paperwork and files

Lifting

  21-35 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Office supplies, paperwork and files

Lifting

  36-50 lbs

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Lifting

  50 + lbs

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Carry

   0-10 lbs

Occasionally: 11-33% - Occurs 31 minutes to 2.5 hours per shift.

Office supplies, paperwork and files

Carry

  11-20 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Office supplies, paperwork and files

Carry

  21-35 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Office supplies, paperwork and files

Carry

  36-50 lbs

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Pushing

   0-10 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

File drawers, office equipment, files

Pushing

  11-20 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

File drawers, office equipment, files

Pushing

  21-35 lbs

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

File drawers, office equipment, files

Pushing

  36-50 lbs

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

File drawers, office equipment, files

Pulling

   0-10 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

File drawers, office equipment, files

Pulling

  11-20 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

File drawers, office equipment, files

Pulling

  21-35 lbs

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

File drawers, office equipment, files

Pulling

  36-50 lbs

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

File drawers, office equipment, files

Reaching Above shoulder level

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Accessing files, office supplies, and equipment

Reaching at shoulder level

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Accessing files, office supplies, and equipment

Reaching below shoulder level

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Accessing files, office supplies, and equipment

Steering Equipment, Vehicles

Extension of neck looking forward

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Flexion of neck looking downward

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Twisting of neck side to side

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Fine Manipulation

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Keyboarding/Typing

Frequently: 34-66% - Occurs 2.6 to 5.5 hours per shift.

Frequently: 34-66% - Occurs 2.6 to 5.5 hours per shift.

Working at keyboard work station.

Simple Grasp

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Office supplies, equipment, phone

Up & Down Flexion of Wrist

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Side to Side Motion of Wrist

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Turning/Rotation of wrist/hand

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Gross Manipulation

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Powerful Grasp/Tight Grasp

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Office supplies, equipment, phone

Hand Controls

Repetitive Motion

Sight: Distinguish objects, depth perception, field of vision, color identification, near and far acuity necessary to operate equipment, machinery, etc.

Continuously: 67%+ - Occurs more than 5.6 hours per shift.

Documents, computer screen, files may be color coded

Hearing: Comprehend oral language and sounds and react appropriately. Follow oral directions.

Continuously: 67%+ - Occurs more than 5.6 hours per shift.

Meetings, Remote calls, Training.

Speaking: Orally communicate information and ideas with comprehension

Continuously: 67%+ - Occurs more than 5.6 hours per shift.

Meetings, Remote calls, Training.

Reading: Comprehend and retain the written word.

Continuously: 67%+ - Occurs more than 5.6 hours per shift.

Documents, computer screen.

Writing: Composing communications in writing

Frequently: 34-66% - Occurs 2.6 to 5.5 hours per shift.

Math: Compute a series of numeric variables, measurements

Frequently: 34-66% - Occurs 2.6 to 5.5 hours per shift.

Work station for Excel and other data related programs.

Uneven Ground

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Work Outside

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

May visit homeless encampments.

Customer/Public Contact

Occasionally: 11-33% - Occurs 31 minutes to 2.5 hours per shift.

Public emails, calls and communications.

Work Inside

Continuously: 67%+ - Occurs more than 5.6 hours per shift.

Office enviornment

High Elevations

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Moving Objects

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

May move tables or chairs for meetings.

Slippery Surface

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Wetness

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Temp.Humid/ Extremes

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Temp. Cold Temp

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Confined Spaces

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Special Clothing

Continuously: 67%+ - Occurs more than 5.6 hours per shift.

Must wear office professional cloathing.

Vibration

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Use of Solvents

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Use of Detergent

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Chemical Contact

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Chemical Vapors

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Dust or Particles

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Toxic Substances

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Explosives

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Radiation

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Electricity

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Noise intensity

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Understand & follow directions – with little or no direction

Yes

Follow Administrator, Commissioner or partner assignments.

Memory – Ability to remember and recall procedures, processes and activities routine in nature.

Yes

Office protocols and procedures.

Regular and reliable attendance

Yes

Reliability is crucial.

Ability to problem Solve

Yes

Regular problems are brought to the director.

Ability to perform complex & varied tasks

Yes

Ability to develop & maintain positive work environments

Yes

Ability to supervise/lead and influence others

No

Foot Controls

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Mechanical/Electrical parts

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Driving – Regular Vehicle

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

May drive to meetings.

Driving DOT/CDL Vehicle

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Operate Heavy Equipment

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Operate Heavy Machinery

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Small hand tools

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Operate power equipment such as drill/saws

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Equipment, Machines, Vehicles Operated:      

Tools, Implements Used:     

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:     

Respirator Use Required (other than nuisance dust mask).   Describe: