Deputy County Executive - Health, Housing and Human Services

Under general direction of the County Executive, the incumbent of this class serves at the pleasure of the County Executive in accordance with the Virginia Code Ann. §15.2-807, 15.2-808, and 15.2-809, and is subject to appointment by the County Board of Supervisors pursuant to Fairfax County Code 3-1-12(1)(a). The incumbent of this class is empowered to act for or on behalf of the County Executive and in the absence of the County Executive is responsible for directing the operations of the government. Supervision is exercised over a large number of department directors.
 
The Deputy County Executive (DCE) is an executive level position appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), to oversee the administration of the Health, Housing and Human Services system (HHS). The HHS system is comprised of ten county agencies: Department of Health; Department of Neighborhood and Community Services; Department of Family Services; Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board; Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court; Department of Housing and Community Development; Park Authority; Public Library; and two special tax district community centers. The DCE also serves as the liaison to the Park Authority Board, the Library Board of Trustees, the Reston Community Center (RCC) Board, and the McLean Community Center (MCC) Board, ensuring effective coordination and communication, between the BOS and county leadership. The DCE also works with and builds capacity of non-governmental stakeholders (nonprofits, businesses, faith organizations, community groups) to develop, support and deliver critical health, housing and human services. In addition, the DCE coordinates planning and service delivery with Fairfax County Public Schools, Public Safety, other county agencies, and nearly 30 related boards, authorities, and commissions.
 
The DCE is responsible for the general supervision and management of the system of programs, services and business affairs of the organization. Sets and executes the HHS mission as approved by the Board of Supervisors (BOS). Works with the County Executive, BOS, agency directors and stakeholders in creating, resourcing and operationalizing a strategic direction for the HHS system. Provides leadership for the business, system, and service integration work through a person centric framework. Reviews progress and takes corrective action to maximize efficiencies and effectiveness. Identifies opportunities, risks and areas for improvement within the system. Provides leadership to implement change including the development and implementation of a performance-based approach across programs which builds upon existing efforts and identifies areas for performance monitoring and accountability throughout the system. Identifies and manages system priorities, including the implementation of the HHS strategic framework consistent with the Countywide Strategic Plan. Leads staff in special initiatives to foster and cultivate innovative program approaches in our work.
 
MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: 
 
Strategic and Policy Leadership

• Develops, leads and executes the overall HHS vision and strategic direction for the HHS system consistent with the Countywide Strategic Plan; determines needs and priorities; establishes current and long- range plans; makes assignments to agency directors.
• Conducts regular leadership meetings to discuss system implications of new initiatives, service delivery, and operationalization of business processes; and ensures alignment and compliance with One Fairfax, a joint social and racial equity policy of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board.
• Understands and effectively conveys the concepts, philosophies and strategic direction of the HHS system to the BOS, staff, residents and partners.
• Directs planning, coordination and evaluation of HHS programs and policies to promote innovation and effective cross system coordination.
• Establishes and monitors accountability processes; identifies areas for system improvements; and sponsors initiatives to improve services.
• Makes major management decisions affecting multi-agency operations, clients, state and federal mandates, and cross-agency resources. Evaluates and responds to proposed federal and state laws changes.
• Oversees the gathering of information, development of studies, compilation of materials, and writing of reports.
• In concert with the deputy county executive for Community Development, provides strategic oversight and cross-agency collaboration over planning, development, and housing and ensures equitable integration of HHS services and programs.
• Partners with the other deputy county executives for Public Safety & Security and Community Development and the Chief Financial Officer to ensure the success of the County's service delivery system and the Countywide Strategic Plan.

Resource Allocation and Stewardship 

• Determines priority needs, capacity of existing services, and seeks opportunities to resource funding gaps.
• Determines annual budget priorities for the system and reviews agency budget submissions; makes recommendations to the County Executive as appropriate to meet community needs and priorities of the BOS.
• Oversees performance and resource utilization data; works with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to determine corrective action if necessary.
• Authorizes, in consultation with the CFO, redistribution of resources to meet changing system and program needs. Negotiates, reviews and makes management decisions regarding budget and staff allocation for the HHS system.
• Plans and coordinates program and facility expansion to meet the immediate and long-term needs of county residents.

Elected Officials, Partnerships and Community Engagement 

• Creates partnerships with national, state, and community stakeholders to build capacity and meet needs in the community; secures their active participation in planning, service provision, and mobilization of community resources.
• Communicates policy and program goals, priorities, strategies and results to the Board of Supervisors; staffs the Health and Human Services and Housing Committee of the Board of Supervisors and recommends agenda and policy issues for consideration.
• Represents the county on various boards, task forces, and committees; provides staff support to the Human Services Council; chairs and sets the agendas for numerous board appointed commissions, councils, and policy teams; and incorporates diverse perspectives in policy and service methods.
• Provides vision, guidance and direction for identifying and enhancing the linkages between the HHS agencies/programs, community organizations, and county leadership to meet the complex and multi-program needs of residents.
• Works to create alignment around HHS goals, priorities, strategies and results, championing the HHS vision and direction at every opportunity.
• Collaborates with the county legislative team to facilitate legislation that is of interest to HHS; coordinates with others on the county executive leadership teams who are also responsible for service delivery to HHS agencies, staff and clients.

Support and Management of HHS Leadership Team and Staff

• Leads the HHS leadership team by collaborating, directing, motivating and inspiring.
• Recruits and hires HHS agency directors.
• Provides direction regarding a wide range of personnel matters; assigns tasks and special duties to agency directors.
• Oversees implementation of the county's performance feedback model; provides support for employee development plans; approves agency performance reviews on senior level staff.
• Conducts organizational climate assessments as needed and takes corrective action.
• Provides technical assistance to project managers to ensure quality work.
• Other duties as assigned by the County Executive and the Board of Supervisors.

For a more detailed description of this position, please click here to view the position profile.