Assistant Director - Deputy Director II (0952) - Child Support Services

The Assistant Director serves as the department’s second-in-command and leads cross-unit integration, strategic initiatives, and organizational modernization. This role helps steer the department through major statewide reforms, strengthens workforce readiness, and ensures that operations, legal functions, and administrative systems work together to deliver equitable, consistent outcomes for families. Working closely with the Director and Head Attorney, the Assistant Director drives accountability, builds operational capacity, and represents the department in city, state, and federal forums.

Reporting directly to the Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for driving cross-unit coordination, implementing strategic initiatives, and advancing systems and workforce improvements across the department. The Assistant Director will focus on accountability, modernization, and alignment with federal, state, and local mandates while ensuring SF DCSS remains a national leader in equitable child support services.

The Assistant Director provides direct oversight of three divisions led by three managers:

• Administration: HR, Finance, IT, and Facilities
• Operations – Case Management
• Operations – Client Engagement
  In partnership with the Director and Head Attorney, the Assistant Director ensures these divisions operate as a coordinated system that supports efficient case flow, consistent policy application, and a strong client experience.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Integration

• Lead integration across Administration, Operations, and Legal to support seamless service delivery.
• Chair the Leadership Council to set priorities, resolve cross-unit issues, and strengthen alignment.
• Translate the Director’s strategic direction into clear operational plans with measurable follow-through.
• Serve as Acting Director when assigned, representing the department with city, state, and federal partners.

Child Support Program Expertise

• Lead organizational readiness for state and federal reforms, including ability-to-pay/earning-capacity standards.
• Ensure staff are trained, supported, and equipped to implement new workflows and performance expectations.
• Convert mandates and policy guidance into accurate, practical local procedures.
• Monitor program performance and compliance, and advise leadership on risks, trends, and required adjustments.  

Labor Relations & Workforce Development

• Partner with the Administrative Manager on labor relations, contract interpretation, and workforce policies.
• Lead workforce planning efforts, including vacancy management, succession planning, and staff development.
• Promote a work environment grounded in accountability, clarity, respect, and equitable opportunity.

Operational Excellence & Accountability

• Oversee performance dashboards to ensure transparency and accountability to federal, state, and local standards.
• Support Operations Managers in redesigning workflows to improve case management efficiency, reduce backlog, and improve outcomes for families.
• Ensure all units adhere to federal, state, and local compliance requirements for child support program administration. 

Change Management & Technology Integration

• Lead the rollout of major reforms and internal modernization initiatives.
• Identify and implement technology and process improvements that enhance efficiency and client service.
• Serve as the department’s change champion, building staff confidence and stability during transitions. Adirondack

Strategic & External Relations

• Partner with the Director on budget development, strategic planning, and citywide initiatives.
• Represent the department in statewide and federal policy forums, advancing SF’s priorities and best practices.
• Build relationships with local community stakeholders to expand access, strengthen fairness, and elevate client experience.