COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for a Commissioner of Health and Human Services for the Division of Public Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services is a Cabinet level position responsible for providing strategic leadership, oversight, and coordination of all divisions within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Commissioner serves as the chief administrator of the department, managing programs and services that promote public health and improve the well-being of Worcester residents.

The Commissioner plays a critical role in aligning departmental operations with the City Manager's strategic goals and community priorities while ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. The position oversees the following divisions: Administration, Elder Affairs, Public Health, Veterans' Services, Homeless Services, and Youth Opportunities. The Commissioner directly supervises the Division Directors and provides support to multiple boards and commissions, including the Board of Health, Commission on Elder Affairs, Commission on Homelessness, Commission for the Preservation of Historic Artifacts, Relics and Military Memorials, and the Advisory Commission on Youth.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Establish departmental goals, objectives, policies, and programs consistent with the City Manager's strategic direction.
• Provide executive leadership, management, and oversight of the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Supervise division directors and professional staff, including hiring, training, coaching, evaluation, and corrective actions, while fostering a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health and human services programs that improve resident well-being.
• Prepare and manage the department's annual budget, ensuring compliance with city financial policies.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including statutes related to public health, veterans' benefits, elder services, and homelessness.
• Lead strategic planning, performance measurement, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring accountability through data analysis and transparent reporting.
• Serve as liaison to multiple boards and commissions, including the Board of Health, Commission on Elder Affairs, Commission on Homelessness, and Advisory Commission on Youth, delegating staff participation when appropriate.
• Represent the City at community meetings, regional collaborations, and state/federal forums.
• Provide timely reports, recommendations, and policy advice to the City Manager.

SECONDARY ELEMENTS:

• Required to attend workshops or seminars to keep abreast of latest developments in the provision of public health and human services as well as changes in applicable state and federal laws and regulations and to maintain required certifications and/or licenses.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Public health principles, human services administration, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Knowledge of municipal governance, financial management, and community engagement strategies.
• Knowledgeable of federal and state grant application processes and sound fiscal administration.
• Working knowledge of the Division operations and services provided as well as municipal budgetary procedures and applicable local ordinances, State and Federal laws and regulations.
• Ability to lead and manage a large multidisciplinary department.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic goals, policies, and programs.
• Balance immediate service delivery with long-term planning.
• Ability to design and implement programs that address health outcomes and promote community well-being.
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Ability to think critically and solve problems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Build partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with senior management, employees, board and commission commissioners, and the public.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, including a demonstrated ability to proactively identify and implement data-driven solutions that are creative, innovative, and flexible.
• Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills.
• Skilled in negotiation, mediation, and consensus building.
• Highly skilled at listening to the perspectives of competing interests and making clear, well-informed decisions.
• Proficiency in budgeting, financial management, and data analysis.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in public health, business/public administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of related work experience in local public administration/public health or a related field.
• Experience with oversight, administration, and supervision of staff.
• Five (5) years of experience with creating and maintaining an annual operating budget.
• Proficiency with the use of computers; with experience using the Microsoft Office Suite and other office productivity software and equipment.
• Valid Driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Experience with public speaking, presenting initiatives clearly to diverse audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ten (10) years of related work experience in local public administration/public health or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience with oversight, administration, and supervision of staff.
• Ten (10) years of experience with creating and maintaining an annual operating budget.
• Five (5) years of experience with community development and relationship building with community organizations and partners in an urban environment.
• Three (3) years of oversight of multi-divisional operations and interagency coordination in an urban setting.
• Experience with the Workday platform.
• Demonstrated knowledge of municipal government operations and cross-sector collaboration.

PAY BAND: $140,000 - $260,000

HIRING RANGE: $140,000 - $160,000 annually, full-time, exempt with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.