Human Services Policy Manager (Department Promotional Only)

Description

The Human Services Agency (HSA) of the County of San Mateo is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Policy Manager (Human Services Manager I). The current vacancy within HSA is under the Staff Development and Technology Services (SDTS) Branch and reports directly to the Branch Director. The Policy Manager is responsible for leading policy development, analysis, implementation, and strategic initiatives that support human services programs and organizational goals. This position works collaboratively with executive leadership, program managers, staff development peers, technology liaisons, other county departments, and community partners to ensure policies align with regulatory requirements, equity principles, and best practices in delivery of human services.

The Policy Manager will manage all operations, activities, projects, and new initiatives within the Policy unit, and provide direct supervision to nine (9) policy analysts who monitor legislative and regulatory changes, evaluates operational impacts in collaboration with program managers, and develops recommendations that improve program effectiveness, compliance, and outcomes of San Mateo County residents.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a social or behavioral science or public administration.
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in policy analysis, program management, social services, public administration, or related fields.
• Experience working in government, healthcare, nonprofit, or community-based social services environments preferred.
• Experience interpreting laws, regulations, and funding requirements.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of social services systems, public policy, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled in organization and planning, project management, problem solving and community collaboration.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in making public presentations to boards, committees and other community organizations.
• Highly motivated, energetic, diplomatic, and resourceful.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes.
• Ability to develop new programs and foster new initiatives.
• Experience with contract development, negotiation and monitoring.
• Supervision of staff at multiple locations.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide high-level support to the Human Services Agency Director, Assistant Agency Director, or Director of SDTS as needed, completing multiple and varied projects and assignments as requested.
• Research, develop, and revise policies, procedures, and program guidelines related to human services operations and programs.
• Conduct policy impact assessments and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Consult with program managers on relevant program issues and engage with stakeholders in order to identify potential changes in operations or practice in compliance with changing regulations.
• Translate complex regulatory requirements into practical operational guidance.
• Develop implementation plans and communication strategies for policy rollouts.
• Represent SDTS at interdepartmental, community and/or professional meetings and act as liaison/facilitator and Agency representative on various committees or councils; follow up on action items resulting from these meetings or committees.
• Prepare reports, presentations, briefing materials, and policy summaries for leadership and governing bodies.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives, program planning, and organizational priorities.
• Use data and research to identify service gaps, policy opportunities, and system improvements.
• Provide back up to the SDTS Director as needed, for programs and disaster response.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Departmental Status: An applicant must be a Human Services Agency employee with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary or extra help/limited term position prior to the final filing date to apply.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration and program management, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of the specific social, community or public services area, including current trends in research, treatment, education, rehabilitation or related services.
• Principles and practices of the assigned social or community services areas, including current trends in research, treatment, education, rehabilitation or related services.
• Principles of budget preparation and monitoring.
• Principles of personnel training, supervision and evaluation.
• Laws, codes and regulations governing the specific social, community or public service program area.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, direct coordinate, implement and evaluate program services.
• Work cooperatively with other County departments and public and private organizations.
• Analyze problems accurately, develop recommendations and take appropriate action to resolve them.
• Prepare complex and detailed written reports, procedures, grant applications and contracts.
• Speak effectively to diverse audiences, including professional, clinical and citizen groups.
• Apply principles and techniques of community organization, including community awareness, resource coordination, and mobilization of diverse community groups, as appropriate.
• Train staff and coordinate activities of contractors, volunteer groups and staff.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:


Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business administration, public administration, sociology, criminology, rehabilitation or a related discipline.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience in a public, health, social services or community-based program that included responsibility for program planning, client or customer services, program evaluation, budget administration, or community resource coordination, of which at least one (1) year included responsible supervisory experience.

Application/Examination
Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in San Mateo's Human Services Agency with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questions.

Based solely on the information provided in the application materials, an application screening committee will select those applicants whose education, training and experience most closely match the needs of the department. Those selected will be invited to a combined panel board examination (weight: 100%) which may include the evaluation of a written and or performance exercise given immediately preceding the interview. Selected applicants will be notified of the date, time and place of the tests.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the " Apply" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight (unless otherwise stated) on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST
Tentative Application Screening: Friday, June 12, 2026
Tentative Combined Panel Interview: Monday, June 22, 2026

San Mateo County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

As an employer, the County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Arlene Cahill (Human Services Manager I)

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• County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

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