Director of Health and Social Services

DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Health and Human Services Department

The City of Portland is seeking a Health and Social Services Director to join its leadership team in managing Maine’s largest and most complex municipality.

Portland’s HHS Department includes Maine's sole municipal public health division, a social services division comprising three shelters, general assistance, a rep payee program, and other support services, as well as a long-term care facility and elder affairs division.

The Director reports to the City Manager, and is supported by a Deputy Director, four division heads, as well as administrative staff, including an HR liaison, financial staff, and support staff. In total, the HHS Department has an FY24 operating budget of $56 million with 406 FTEs, made up of full time, part time, and per diem staff.

The right candidate will have significant experience as a senior leader in the field of healthcare, social services, or public administration, with a strong preference for candidates that have significant experience addressing the challenges associated with serving unhoused populations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Four-year degree in business or public administration, public policy healthcare administration or related field; Masters degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Social Services, or related field is preferred.

• Considerable experience as a senior executive in the field of healthcare, social services, or public administration; minimum of 5-10 years of experience managing and leading a large and diverse workforce. Experience in a unionized work environment is preferred.

• Knowledge of elder services, public health, social services, homeless services, and long-term nursing care.

• Extensive human resource and financial management experience in the operation of a major department.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, civic organizations and the public.

• Experience managing multi-million-dollar revenue and expenditure budgets with varied funding sources.

• Excellent organizational skills and multi-tasking ability.

• Demonstrated customer service and pro-employee orientation expressed in a positive proactive manner.

• Experience working with diverse populations.

• Proven experience dealing with state-level DHHS and the Legislature.

• Excellent problem solving, crisis management, and conflict resolution skills.

Please review our brochure for additional information on the City of Portland, the Health and Human Services Director role, and expectations.

Salary & Benefits

Non-Union position – Grade E83: The starting salary range is $125,857 - $145,905 annually depending on skills and experience, and the full salary range is up to $159,460.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits, and collegial and mission-driven work environment.

Benefits include:

• Thirteen paid holidays

• Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives

• Sick, vacation, and personal leave

• Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances

• Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan

• Use of City recreation facilities

• Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

• Relocation assistance available, if applicable

Accepting applications until the vacancy is filled.

If you need assistance or accommodation in the application process, please contact Shae Gonzalez (City of Portland Recruiter) at sgonzalez@portlandmaine.gov

The City of Portland is strongly committed to diversity in its workforce. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

For questions contact Human Resources by email at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or 207-874-8624.

City Job Opportunities Website:  www.portlandmaine.gov/Jobs