New

Human Services Director

City of Renton
$138,913.00 - $184,860.00 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, child care, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, retirement plan
United States, Washington, Renton
1055 South Grady Way (Show on map)
Dec 03, 2025
Job Description The City of Renton is seeking a Human Services Director to lead a transformative next chapter for the Human Services Division. This role will guide the development of a new community resource center, build a dedicated outreach field team, and lead staff responsible for executing CDBG funding and Housing Repair Program. The Director will modernize operations through improved technology, clear accountability, compassionate leadership, and strong cross-sector partnerships. This position also plays a key role in shaping culture setting the tone for teamwork, equity, and meaningful engagement with vulnerable populations. If you're a strategic, relationship-driven leader ready to evolve a division and expand impactful services for the community, we encourage you to apply. Working for the City of Renton comes with an excellent benefits package, including: Deferred compensation with the city contributing 4% of the employee's salary Medical, dental, vision and life insurance at affordable rates Paid leave for vacation, sick, eleven holidays and two "personal" holidays a year State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) plan enrollment The 2026 annual salary range is $138,913 - $184,860 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Ensure the Human Services operations are administered in a manner that achieves the City's business plan and goals and delivers outcomes important to the community. Develop and implement strategies for human services and homelessness initiatives. Lead cross-departmental collaboration to align services and optimize resource use. Oversees grant compliance for division. Directs operations of City-owned facility housing emergency shelters and service providers. Identifies service gaps and spearheads initiatives to address unmet community needs. Manages Human Services grants, CDBG funding, and other revenue streams. Oversees the Human Services Committee, providing guidance and support for funding recommendations. Pursues additional funding opportunities and builds sustainable financial partnerships. Builds and maintains strong relationships with nonprofit agencies, service providers and community partners. Represents Renton in regional homelessness and human services coalitions, boards, and policy discussions. Advocates for polices and resources that support vulnerable populations. Trains staff on applicable regulatory codes, safety standards, and compliance requirements. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to human services and grant funding. Uses data-driven approaches to evaluate programs and inform continuous improvement. Leads the department's response to emergencies impacting vulnerable populations. Coordinates special projects and initiatives advancing Renton's human services priorities. Frequent outreach will be conducted outdoors and in community settings, including encampments, shelters, and service sites. Regular interaction with vulnerable populations experiencing varying levels of mental health challenges, physical disabilities, and substance use disorders, which requires adaptability, ability to lead by example, a calm physical presence, situational awareness in sometimes unpredictable environments, and de-escalation skills. Oversee the hiring process within the division, ensuring hiring managers recruit and retain qualified staff. Ensure managers and supervisors consistently utilize performance management techniques, recognize staff and discipline as needed. Support department managers in dealing with a variety of organizational and programmatic issues (i.e., customer satisfaction, service delivery, community relations). Develop and monitor short and long-range business plans, goals, and performance measures of the division and department. Serve as a liaison to the Mayor's executive leadership team, reporting on the status of current projects, identifying issues, and assessing their impact, and proactively implementing and recommending solutions. Provide technical and policy information to the public, city council and others. Resolve internal and external complaints, while maintaining positive relations. Develop the annual budget and financial reports for the division; make recommendations for budget adjustments. Develop and administer City policies. Create an environment of teamwork and respect. Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by welcoming and meeting the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals. Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field. Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Perform other duties as assigned. May be assigned to support City priorities during emergencies. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in human services, social services, community development, public safety, or criminal justice. Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in human services, social services, community development, public safety, law enforcement, or criminal justice. Or minimum 12 years of relevant education and experience. 3 years supervisory experience. First Aid and CPR Certification within 6 months of hire. Valid Driver's License. Successful passing of a required driving record check. Successful passing of a required background check. For a full job description click here PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Drive to offsite locations to perform essential functions. Move throughout City facilities and buildings. Operate a computer and other office equipment. Communicate with City employees and residents. Lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally. Lift heavy objects in awkward and confined spaces, using proper lifting and rigging techniques. Climb and work from ladders, climb stairs. Bending, stretching, and standing for extended periods. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in an office environment (and outdoors in all weather conditions occasionally). Exposure to high voltage wires, hazardous materials, heights, and noise from equipment. Work is performed within the right of way, and in high traffic conditions. May be required to participate in a standby or on-call rotation. Noise level out in the field is moderately loud. Noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Work evening and/or weekend hours as needed. Night meetings may be required. Approved reasonable accommodation requests will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Selection Procedure Please consider visiting the City of Renton's Career Center for more information about our hiring process, benefits and other useful information. The City of Renton embraces a diverse and inclusive workforce and prides itself on promoting collaboration and teamwork in a positive environment while providing high quality services to the community. For more information about the City of Renton, please visit the following website: Why Renton The City has adopted an anonymous application process that prevents hiring managers from seeing personal identifiers, including candidates' names, addresses, and other similar information. This eliminates the possibility of unintentional or implicit bias during the screening of applications. For that reason, you will not have the ability to attach any documents to your application, including a cover letter or resume. Please make sure to submit a complete, detailed, and updated job application. Accommodation Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process may contact sjacobs@rentonwa.gov at least 2 days prior to the need. Communication from the City of Renton: We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from rentonwa.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders. We also communicate via text and encourage you to sign up for text alerts when completing your job application. Recruitment Process:The screening process will include a review of minimum qualifications and applicants selected for an interview will be invited via email to self-schedule a time through the Government Jobs account. At minimum, this position will be subject to a standard criminal background check and professional reference check. This position requires driving and is also subject to a driving record check from the WA State Dept of Licensing (or other state equivalent). Driving records will be evaluated based on a points system depending on the infraction and severity.