Human Services Counseling Manager (Open and Promotional)

The Human Services Agency's Employment Services Branch is seeking a qualified and experienced Human Services Counseling Manager (Human Services Manager I) to join Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

The Human Services Counseling Manager will plan, direct, coordinate, implement, and evaluate specialized social or community service programs and services which may include areas such as vocational rehabilitation, inmate services, training and employment or other related community education, participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic planning, goals, objectives, policies and procedures related to one or more defined program or service areas; provide staff support to higher level management within the assigned areas of specialization; select, train and provide direction to subordinate supervisory, professional, technical and /or support staff.

In addition, the Human Services Counseling Manager will

• Have functional management responsibility for multiple contracts and memorandum of understanding related to assessment and supported employment;
• Be responsible for ensuring clients from diverse backgrounds are connected to counseling, job development and coaching to lead clients to employment;
• Be responsible for managing programs for clients who are culturally diverse from different socio-economic backgrounds, in need of vocation rehabilitation, unsheltered, and/or formally incarcerated;
• Negotiate and monitor contracts, analyze performance outcomes, and prepares written reports.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Possesses at least two years of supervisory experience;
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with Vocational Rehabilitation clients or populations with physical or mental health disabilities;
• Experience working with clients who are low income, have multiple barriers, unsheltered, or formerly incarcerated;
• Knowledge of community resources, CA State Department of Rehabilitation services, CARF accreditation standards;
• Possess excellent leadership skills and abilities;
• Exceptional consensus building experience in fostering relationships with public agencies, the community, colleagues, superiors, and employees;
• Visionary skills and experience working on both short and long term goals in meeting the needs of an organization;
• Unique and innovative strategies and experience coaching and mentoring employees; and
• Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or related field is desired.

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:
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; and
• 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; and
• Train staff and coordinate activities of contractors, volunteer groups, and staff.

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. 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 questionnaire.

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 matches the needs of the department. Those selected will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense. 

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.

~ TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE ~
Final Filing Date: Monday, January 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST
Application Screening: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Panel Interviews: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and/or Wednesday, January 14, 2026

About the 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.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, 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.


Analyst: Arlene Cahill (Human Services Manager I - D090)

Salary : $133,723 - $167,190