Development Specialist - Family Support & Assistance

Recognized as one of the best places to work in Southeast Minnesota for three consecutive years, at Olmsted County every role helps to foster a vibrant community where everyone thrives. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, driving public service excellence and community well-being.

We don’t just offer a job, we offer a career filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment. Our benefits package ensures your wellbeing, while career advancement opportunities and professional development empower you to reach your full potential.

Join us, and you'll be part of a purpose-driven team where your work truly makes a difference. Together, we build a sustainable, healthy, and welcoming community.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Associate’s degree from an accredited college and five (5) years of experience in a similar position as listed in work functions.
OR
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of experience in a similar position as listed in work functions.
OR
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in a similar position as listed in work functions.
OR
Combination of education and experience equivalent to seven (7) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Nature of Work

Provides leadership and coordination of department wide initiatives that improve the overall effectiveness of services.   Primary duties include coordinating, contributing, monitoring, and advancing strategic priorities of the department through research and data analysis. Responsible for design, development, delivery, and implementation of staff training geared to evolving needs. Monitors performance metrics, identifies opportunities for improvement, and facilitates continuous quality assurance.  Fosters collaboration, inclusivity, and community driven approaches, to address the diverse needs of the community. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Examples of Work

• Designs, develops, implements, delivers, and maintains onboarding and training programs for staff including use of technology and various instructional techniques. Develops strategy and monitors progress towards goals.
• Leads projects and collaborates with the leadership team to review, develop, and implement strategies that support best practices.
• Assists leadership with the on-going evaluation and development of relevant performance measures. Conducts research and analysis to support important internal policy and operational decisions or community initiatives using data to inform decisions.
• Builds partnerships with county’s internal services departments along with state, local, regional, and other stakeholders.
• Provides informed recommendations to the leadership team to assist with organizational planning around best practices and the development of policies.
• Facilitates change management. Provides guidance and support to employees and leadership team. Responsible for deciding how to approach tasks and achieve goals by identifying and implementing strategies to support growth.
• Completes other activities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of health, housing, and human services delivery systems.
• Considerable knowledge of research-based practices.
• Knowledge of client programming needs in the community.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and goal setting.
• Skill in change management and staff engagement strategies.
• Skill in navigating data systems and analytics.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology.
• Skill in written and verbal communication; often on complex issues.
• Ability to move department culture forward in support of department objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships partners, stakeholders, community groups, public officials, and other employees.
• Ability to gather pertinent research findings and relevant collateral information from outside the organization to inform strategic planning initiatives.
• Ability to effectively organize and concentrate high volumes of varied information to the development and implementation of specific goals and objectives.
• Ability to empower staff and internal champions of change.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.