Director of Human Services

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Human Services
Reports to: CAO
Effective Date: January 1, 1994
Positions Supervised: 5
Revised Date: April, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides strategic oversight and guidance in ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of programs and services provided by the Oxford County Human Services department. As a member of the County’s Senior Leadership Team, the director is also responsible for organizational leadership and broadly supporting all County programs and services while leading their adaptation, as appropriate, to meet community sustainability and service excellence aspirations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Provides leadership and direction to the Human Services department comprising of
- A variety of community services such as family and children services and social assistance
- Housing and homelessness services including direct delivered and subsidized housing
Overall coordination and responsibility for departmental finances and programs, including the annual business plan and budget development, alternate funding sources, along with regular monitoring of department performance, outcomes and financial performance.
Fosters and demonstrates a service delivery model that promotes cross departmental and corporate cooperation to align with, support and promote the successful delivery of corporate programs and initiatives.
Actively participates as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, supporting the organization’s programs and services by promoting the County’s Strategic Plan, Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan, best practices, internal policies, and applicable legislation, to meet service excellence standards and uphold Oxford’s vision, mission and values
Accountable for the overall integrity of departmental policies and procedures, Council reports, external reports, contracts and any other related correspondence. Attends all County Council meetings and participates at Area Municipal Council meetings as necessary.
Liaise with Area Municipalities, Provincial Ministries, industries, internal stakeholders, community stakeholders, indigenous communities, and the public as necessary and appropriate, including complaint/dispute resolution.
Direct and second-removed supervisory responsibilities including hiring, performance management, coaching, employee and labour relations, mentoring and professional development of non-union and unionized staff.
Performs the responsibilities of this position within the legislative and regulatory standards set out in the applicable Federal, Provincial and/or Municipal statutes
Receives and resolves escalated service related complaints, concerns and questions in a timely and responsive manner. Refers and notifies appropriate individuals when necessary.
Participates in the grievance and collective bargaining processes as the primary department representative.
Acts as the County media spokesperson as necessary
Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:

Post-secondary education in a related discipline.
Demonstrated senior level experience leading and supporting the delivery of human services. Experience building community based partnerships and working within a multi-disciplinary environment is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge of relevant legislation, acts, statutes and regulations related to municipal and program specific operations including occupational health and safety
Ability to demonstrate the required competencies for this position in alignment with Oxford County’s competency framework.
Demonstrated ability to identify and collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver programs, services and outcomes.
Clearly demonstrated skills to develop and articulate a vision and inspire its achievement.
Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork, lead and empower teams and guide effective project management outcomes.
Valid Ontario driver’s license and a vehicle with insurance is required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS

Ability to demonstrate the required core and leadership competencies for this position in alignment with Oxford County’s competency framework.
Core competencies include teamwork, communication, innovation, service excellence, accountability and integrity, and inclusivity.
Leadership competencies include strategic thinking, leading people, achieving results, project/process management, and fostering change.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in an office environment.
Occasional driving to other locations within and beyond County boundaries to attend meetings, conferences, and hearings.
Exposure to clients who may be verbally or physically aggressive.