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Social Services Program Manager Jobs in California

Social Services Program Manager

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$40.85 - $42.92/hr

The Social Services Program Manager classification differs from the next higher level Deputy Director classification in that the latter typically has responsibility for multiple eligibility ...

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Social Services Program Manager information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$76.9K

$130.8K

How much do social services program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for social services program manager in California is $76,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $86,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social services program manager?

A Social Services Program Manager is a professional responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating social service programs and initiatives within organizations such as government agencies, non-profits, or community groups. They oversee program development, staff supervision, budgeting, and policy implementation to ensure services meet the needs of their target populations. These managers also evaluate program effectiveness, secure funding, and collaborate with other community organizations. Their goal is to improve the well-being of individuals and communities by delivering effective social services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social services program manager?

To thrive as a Social Services Program Manager, you need expertise in program development, case management, and a relevant degree such as social work or public administration. Familiarity with case management software, data reporting tools, and often state or national licensure is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage teams and build relationships with clients and stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for ensuring effective program delivery, compliance, and positive outcomes for communities served.

What are some common challenges social services program managers face when overseeing multiple programs, and how can they effectively address them?

Social Services Program Managers often juggle multiple programs simultaneously, which can present challenges such as resource allocation, staff coordination, and maintaining consistent service quality. To effectively address these issues, managers must prioritize strong organizational skills, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving. Collaborating closely with team members, setting clear goals, and regularly monitoring program outcomes can help ensure that each initiative runs smoothly and meets its objectives. Additionally, leveraging technology for data tracking and scheduling can streamline operations and improve efficiency.

What is the difference between Social Services Program Manager vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Services Program ManagerSocial Worker
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Social Work, Public Administration, or related field; often requires management experienceBachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW); licensure may be required
Work EnvironmentOversees programs, manages staff, and coordinates services in agencies or organizationsDirectly interacts with clients, providing counseling and support services
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare organizationsHospitals, clinics, social service agencies

The main difference is that Social Services Program Managers focus on overseeing programs and managing teams, while Social Workers provide direct client services. Both roles require relevant social work credentials, but Program Managers typically have additional management responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Services Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of Social Services Program jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Social Services Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Social Services Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Services Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,945 per year, or $37 per hour.

Social Services Program Manager

CalHR

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$40.85 - $42.92/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Position Information Under direction, the Social Services Program Manager plans, organizes, and directs the operations and functions of a Child Welfare Services program and/or Adult Protective Services program in a local public social services department or agency; and performs related duties as assigned. Some positions may have additional responsibility for administrative services units. Use of the Social Services Program Manager classification is an option for counties that have a classification structure that articulates a distinguishable difference in the complexity of assignments and consequence of error in Child Welfare Services or Adult Protective Services programs compared to other functional areas such as Eligibility and Employment Services.

The Social Services Program Manager classification differs from the next higher level Deputy Director classification in that the latter typically has responsibility for multiple eligibility, employment, or social service functions in a department or for a single program where two or more subordinate levels of supervision exist. In these departments, the Social Services Program Manager serves in a first-level managerial capacity. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Incumbents in the Social Services Program Manager classification receive supervision from a Deputy Director, Director, or other higher-level management classification.

A Social Services Program Manager provides direct supervision to supervisors in the assigned program areas, and to other staff as assigned. Examples of Duties Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Manage the daily work activities of a Child Welfare Services and/or Adult Protective Services program, directly or through subordinate supervisors, by establishing performance levels, communicating goals and performance expectations, and monitoring and reviewing work to ensure conformance to established policies and procedures, and standards for quality and timeliness Assess service delivery to communicate findings to upper management, implement changes to improve efficiency and service quality, maximize effectiveness of program operations, and ensure alignment with the agency's mission Oversee personnel actions to determine compliance with policies and procedures, and provide guidance to subordinate supervisors regarding personnel matters Ensure that programs or work units are staffed with qualified individuals by resolving performance problems, documenting performance according to policy, training and developing staff, and assisting in the selection, hiring, and promotion of staff Interpret laws and regulations, including new laws and proposed legislation, to determine relevancy to department operations and services, and assess program compliance with laws and regulations Assess the need for changes to policies or programs based on initiatives to improve services, new services or program modifications, and opportunities for cross-collaboration of program areas Develop or revise policies or procedures to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness, and assist higher-level management in departmental strategic planning Serve as an internal technical expert regarding program matters by providing consultation and guidance to staff regarding problems with complex social service cases and delivery of services, and taking corrective actions to improve the quality and efficiency of social services Work collaboratively with personnel of other agencies, community groups, contractors, and other public and private organizations to determine needs for social services, and coordinate shared services or collaborative projects, or the provision of services by contracted agencies Ensure that information regarding department services and policies is provided accurately and thoroughly to external parties, and respond to the most sensitive complaints from the community, foster parents, and staff Serve as an external technical expert by providing consultation regarding program, legal, or policy matters to external entities such as County department managers or administrators, State departments, Board of Supervisors, advisory boards, and advocacy groups Assist in development of the budget for assigned programs by preparing cost estimates and projections, and performing ongoing monitoring of expenditures to ensure compliance with budget provisions Perform other duties as assigned EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of: Program development, administration, and service delivery related to Child Welfare and/or Adult Protective Services Current management and leadership techniques, performance appraisal methods, and public administration Planning and scheduling techniques to ensure that timelines and schedules are established appropriately, modified as needed, and adhered to Budgeting principles in order to develop, manage, and/or track budgets, budget allocations, and expenditures Public and private community resources Effective casework practices in order to oversee staff providing services Ability to: Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with internal management and staff, and with a variety of external stakeholders Identify, analyze, and evaluate situations or problems to determine appropriate courses of action Analyze laws, regulations, and policies to ensure all programs and activities are in compliance Apply knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies to decision making and problem solving to identify solutions and courses of action that are most appropriate or compliant Be flexible in adapting to changes in priorities or resources that impact pre-established timelines and courses of action Maintain awareness of the functioning and status of multiple work groups or program areas simultaneously Delegate work assignments and appropriate level of responsibility to employees in order to ensure the completion of work assignments and projects Read and understand complex written materials, such as laws, proposed legislation, policies, reports, etc., in order to interpret, explain, and apply Use a personal computer to input data, access information, and create materials and documents using a variety of software applications Communicate verbally, in person or by telephone, clearly and concisely with a variety of audiences on a variety of matters Write to ensure effective and clear communication and proper composition of reports, correspondence, email, and other written communication Review and edit documents written by others to ensure proper format, sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation Minimum Qualifications One (1) year of full-time experience performing duties comparable to a Social Worker Supervisor I or II; AND A master's degree in Social Work or a master's degree from a two year counseling program. Supplemental Information TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100% The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate's knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification

Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.

Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin. ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Merced. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.

RETEST PERIOD Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date. SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTS Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at mssprogram@calhr.ca.gov or 916-909-3701 upon notification that your application has been approved

Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination. EDUCATION DOCUMENTS If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent.

Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers. GENERAL INFORMATION This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified.

If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list.

Meeting the entry requirements does not assure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list. General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required.

As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A valid driver license may be required at the time of appointment.

Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Positions may require pre-employment screening, including background checks, and fingerprinting. Government agencies accessing US government information, which include federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent to the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information.

Background checks are required and must be repeated every 5 years. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification and local law enforcement checks. All Plumas County employees are considered Disaster Service Workers and must take the associated FEMA training.

Recruitments that note continuous under the closing date are subject to close at any time. Applications will not be accepted after a continuous recruitment is closed. The written exam and oral exam dates will be determined once the recruitment closes.