Overall responsibility for the management, direction, and administration of a countywide health and human services delivery system that annually expends county, state, and federal funds. Departmental programs include income maintenance programs, health care programs, food support and emergency assistance programs, social service programs, child support services, contract management of purchase of service agreements, family resource centers, and family health programs. As department director, assumes primary responsibility for all management functions, including program planning and development, community relations, strategic planning, and organizational management of agency's professional and support functions, budget development and fiscal systems. This work is performed in collaboration with partners that will advance the mission of the Health & Human Services Department and under the direction of the Deputy County Administrator with professional consultation from the Minnesota Department of Human Services; Department of Children, Youth, and Families; Direct Care and Treatment; and the Department of Health.
- Develops, implements, maintains, and evaluates overall strategic vision, goals, and objectives of the Health & Human Services Department. Drives coordination and collaboration between teams within departments, community partners, and stakeholders.
- Ensures the provision of staff and other resources necessary. Allocates resources and plans expenditures for the department. Plans for, prioritizes and negotiates the overall departmental annual budget and presents it to the County Board as part of the Health & Wellness Service Team.
- Oversees the preparation of statistical, financial, and activity reports to county, state, and federal authorities. Analyzes issues and policies and submits feedback and reports to appropriate authorities.
- Develops, negotiates, and administers contracts to purchase or provide health and human services programs.
- Oversees the ongoing development and implementation of an integrated services delivery model through continuous improvement.
- Ensures coordination between teams, across the Health & Wellness Service Team, and other County departments, community partners, and other stakeholders. Establishes and maintains effective lines of communication and verifies projects are coordinated.
- Promotes and supports a respectful and inclusive workplace culture/environment. Champions Grow With Otter Tail County efforts. Maintains positive working relationships with staff.
- Develops and implements short and long-range strategic plans.
- Directs the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the departmental mission and budget to align with County priorities.
- Organizes and presents information at County Board meetings.
- Confers with the County Attorney regarding legal aspects of the work of the department and County Board.
- Lead the budget preparation or the department.
- Engages in the assessment of community needs and long-term strategic planning with other community agencies and governmental entities.
- Meets with professional groups, employers, and vendors for development of new partnerships and programs; provides information regarding departmental and governmental operations.
- Promotes positive community relationships through coordination with individuals, groups, or constituencies outside the organization. Engages in public speaking to groups as requested.
- Interprets federal, state and county administrative policies and procedures; develops administrative policies and procedures to govern departmental activities. Works with Administration, Commissioners, and professional associations to develop policy to improve service delivery.
- Leads the department’s response to disasters, recovery, and assistance to communities as delegated.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.
- Otter Tail County leaders exhibit the core values of integrity, respect, positivity, growth, and innovation.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services related field, Public Health or Community Health related field, Social Work, Nursing, Public Administration, or related field.
- 6 years related professional experience, including 3 years supervisory/management experience.
- Valid Driver’s License in the State of Minnesota
This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m. The 2026 starting salary for this position is $123,386 annually depending on qualifications, with career advancement to $185,099.
The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Prior to hire, finalists will be required to pass a background investigation. A standard twelve month probationary period applies.
Please note: This position is considered a safety-sensitive position due to the essential job duties in accordance with Minn. Stat. §181.950, Subd. 13. Safety-sensitive employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing. In addition, all employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing upon reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, follow-up, and post-accident.How To Apply
To apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees have access to the information submitted.
When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.
Veterans Preference
Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and any supporting documentation must be included with the employment application.
Background Investigation
All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include but are not limited to gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.
Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the application or background investigation process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.
Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.
Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation or age.Equal Opportunity Employer
