Assistant Director, Family and Children's Services

Full Job Description

Reimagine Leadership. Support Children and Families.

The County of Santa Clara is not just any government agency—it’s a premiere public agency known for its high standard of excellence, strategic leadership, and innovative thinking.

With a population of more than 1.9 million residents, Santa Clara County is the largest of the nine Bay Area counties in Northern California, and larger than 12 states.

With a workforce of more than 24,000 employees across 30+ departments, we deliver critical safety-net services in health, public safety, social services, housing, and more.

Our organization is made up of public servants who are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in our community, and especially for those most in need.

The Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) is a core department within the Social Services Agency, responsible for protecting children, strengthening families, and promoting long-term safety and stability.

DFCS oversees child welfare services including investigations, emergency response, ongoing case management, permanency planning, and support for youth and caregivers.

As one of SSA’s largest departments, DFCS plays a critical role in advancing equity, safety, and wellbeing for children and families across Santa Clara County.

We’re seeking an innovative, driven, and collaborative leader to join DFCS as the Assistant Director, Family and Children’s Services, a role that will shape the future of child welfare and family support in one of California’s most dynamic regions.

Your Mission

As Assistant Director, you will help lead the Department of Family and Children's Services within the Social Services Agency.

Reporting to the Director of Family and Children’s Services, you will oversee multiple bureaus and guide a large, multidisciplinary team in delivering trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and legally compliant services that protect and uplift children and families.

You’ll be a key driver of operational excellence, strategic planning, and community collaboration, ensuring that the Department's programs and services not only meet mandates but also reflect the County's values of equity, dignity, and care.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Systemic Impact: You’ll influence services that touch thousands of lives, from emergency response and court investigations to foster care, adoptions, and school-based supports.
• Leadership at Scale: Manage and mentor a diverse team of managers and staff across multiple bureaus, each with its own specialized mission and challenges.
• Equity in Action: Help ensure that our services are inclusive, just, and responsive to the needs of all communities, especially those historically underserved.

What You’ll Do

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of multiple child welfare bureaus.
• Align program goals with County-wide priorities and legal mandates.
• Lead budget development and resource allocation to maximize impact.

Policy & Program Innovation

• Modernize service delivery through data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while advancing best practices in child welfare.

Team & Talent Development

• Supervise and support a high-performing management team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with community organizations, courts, schools, and other County departments.
• Represent the department in high-stakes conversations and public forums.

What You Bring

• Deep knowledge of child welfare systems, social work principles, and public sector operations.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and complex programs with empathy and strategic clarity.
• Strong understanding of laws, codes, and regulations governing children’s services.
• Commitment to equity, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive leadership.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and change management skills.

What Success Looks Like

In the first 6–12 months, you will:

• Strengthen operational consistency and cross-bureau collaboration.
• Improve staff engagement and clarity of roles and expectations.
• Advance key initiatives in service equity, compliance, and community trust.

In the long term, you will:

• Enhance outcomes for children and families through innovative, data-driven strategies.
• Build a resilient, future-ready workforce.
• Position the County of Santa Clara as a statewide leader in child welfare excellence.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven public agency committed to planning for the needs of a dynamic community, providing quality services, and promoting a healthy, safe, and prosperous community for all.
• Influence the future of leadership in one of California’s most impactful government agencies.
• Enjoy a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work culture.

More About Our Competitive Executive Benefits

Strategic Financial and Retirement Benefits

• CalPERS pension with reciprocity across most California public agencies (2.5% @ 55 for Classic Members, 2% @ 62 for Non-Classic Members)
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with both pre-tax and Roth options, up to IRS limits
• $325,000 in term life insurance plus $300,000 in accidental death and disability coverage
• Eligible employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Executive-Level Health, Wellness, and Family Support

• Premium health insurance options (Kaiser, HealthNet, Valley Health Plan) with up to 96% County-paid coverage
• Fully covered dental (Delta or Liberty) and vision (VSP) plans for individuals and families
• Employee Assistance Program Dependent Care Assistance, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Access to wellness and leadership development programs designed to support executive performance and resilience

Leadership Mobility, Time Off, and Professional Growth

• 39 days of annual leave with a cash-out option, plus 13 paid holidays
• Relocation assistance to support seamless transitions
• Tuition reimbursement and internal executive development programs
• Valley Transportation Agency Smart Pass/Clipper Card for sustainable commuting
• To learn more about benefits, check out our dedicated page.

Ready to join the leadership team? Apply now.

Learn more about the County and the impact you can have as a leader.

Application Process and Key Dates

Apply at: https://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/career-seekers

What to include in your application:

1. Résumé

2. Cover Letter (maximum 3 pages) Describe why you are the ideal candidate, highlighting relevant leadership experience and accomplishments.

Next steps in the process:

Following mutual interest, a comprehensive background investigation and reference check will be conducted. Finalists will be asked to provide at least five professional references, with prior authorization obtained by Executive Services.

Questions regarding this Executive recruitment may be directed to Kendra Conrad, Executive Services at kendra.conrad@esa.sccgov.org.

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