Otero County Hiring Director of Human Services: Leadership Position Offers Up to $100,000 Salary and Full Benefits


Description: Otero County is seeking a Director of Human Services to lead a 70-member department serving Southeast Colorado. The position offers a salary of $80,000–$100,000, excellent benefits, and is open until filled. Applications begin review July 22. Apply at the Workforce Center, or at 13 W 3rd St, Rm 102, La Junta, CO 81050... Read the Full Job Description Below...

Position Announcement

Director, Otero County Department of Human Services

Otero County, Colorado, is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative, and results-driven leader to serve as its next Director of Human Services. Following the retirement of a long-tenured director, this is a unique opportunity to lead a department of dedicated professionals delivering essential services that support the health, safety, and well-being of our community. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, strategic vision, and the ability to effectively administer both mandated and discretionary services while advancing innovative approaches to meet evolving community needs. This role requires a dynamic leader who can successfully navigate the ever-changing landscape of human services-balancing growing service demands with fiscal responsibility and maintaining the public's trust. The next Director will maximize available funding streams and reimbursements, ensure efficient and effective service delivery, and strengthen regional collaboration to serve residents in Otero County and the broader Southeast Region.

General Responsibilities:

Performs high-level executive, professional, managerial, and administrative work in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and overseeing the development and delivery of comprehensive county programs under the policy direction of the Board of County Commissioners.

Key responsibilities include:

Ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and county laws, regulations, and guidelines

Providing strategic leadership and direction for departmental operations, initiatives, and a diverse workforce of approximately 70 employees across multiple human service programs

Collaborating with elected officials, department heads, community partners, and regional stakeholders Overseeing program delivery to ensure quality, efficiency, accountability, and measurable outcomes

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, human services, social sciences, or a related field

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, local government, human services, or a related field (a master's degree may substitute for one year)

Five (5) years of supervisory or leadership experience

Demonstrated experience overseeing complex programs, multi-functional operations, cross-divisional initiatives in a public-sector or highly regulated environment

Compensation Package:

Salary range: $80,000-$100,000, negotiable based on qualifications and experience

Benefits include retirement match (6%), health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 12 paid holidays, and either a county-provided vehicle or a monthly vehicle allowance

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following:

Completed Otero County application

Resume

Letter of interest

Submit materials to: hr@oterogov.org. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

This position is open until filled. First review of applications will begin July 22. The anticipated start date is early to mid- October.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Otero County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law and without regard to any legally protected status.