Summary

Denver Human Services (DHS) is seeking an innovative and detail-orientated individual to serve as a Deputy Director within the Performance Improvement and Accountability Division (PIAD). The Deputy Director will be responsible for balancing investigative rigor, compliance oversight, and operational efficiency while leading teams that ensure integrity in public benefits programs. This role also requires a strong blend of leadership, analytical, investigative, and compliance expertise.

Description

About Our Job

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver.

What We Offer

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The salary range for this position is $98,682 – $162,826. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:

A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
457B Retirement Plan
140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday and 1 volunteer day per year
Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

Location

The City and County of Denver supports a hybrid workplace model. Employees work where needed, at a job site several days a week and off-site as needed. Employees must work within the state of Colorado on their off-site days.

What You’ll Do

At Denver Human Services (DHS), we envision a healthy community where people are connected, supported, safe, and well. One in three people in Denver turn to DHS for support at all stages of life. Our employees help children, older adults, families, and individuals navigate social and economic pressures by connecting them to services and experts who support their overall well-being.

Specifically, as the Deputy Director you will be responsible for:

Leadership & Strategic Management

Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, particularly in fraud investigations, compliance, quality assurance, and training
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans to improve operational efficiency, reduce backlogs, and enhance fraud prevention and recovery efforts
Experience in managing large-scale projects, budget oversight, and personnel development
Strong decision-making skills with the ability to prioritize and allocate resources effectively

Investigations & Fraud Prevention

Knowledge of public assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, Colorado Works) and their eligibility rules
Experience in fraud detection, investigation methodologies, and recovery processes
Understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks governing fraud investigations, including evidence gathering, subpoenas, administrative law, and criminal referrals
Ability to work with law enforcement agencies, legal teams, and regulatory bodies for fraud enforcement

Compliance & Quality Improvement

Strong background in audit processes, corrective action plans, and compliance monitoring
Experience handling State and Federal audits, ensuring adherence to public benefit program regulations
Expertise in internal policy development and process improvement to enhance accuracy in benefit issuance

Data Analysis & Performance Metrics

Ability to analyze large datasets to identify trends, detect fraud patterns, and assess program effectiveness
Experience in using investigative databases, case management systems, and statistical tools
Knowledge of key performance indicators (KPIs) for fraud recovery, case backlog reduction, and training effectiveness

Training & Development

Understanding of adult learning principles and experience in developing training programs for investigators, fraud claims analysts, and eligibility staff
Ability to interpret and communicate complex policies and regulations in an accessible manner
Experience leading cross-functional training initiatives to improve compliance and performance

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills for working with internal and external stakeholders, including State and Federal agencies, law enforcement, and auditors
Ability to present findings, reports, and recommendations to senior leadership and policymakers
Strong written and verbal communication skills to document investigations, policy changes, and audit responses

Adaptability & Crisis Management

Ability to adapt to policy changes, budget constraints, and evolving regulatory requirements
Experience handling high-pressure situations, such as public scrutiny of fraud cases, legal disputes, and compliance issues
Strong problem-solving skills to quickly address operational challenges

What You’ll Bring

We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You'll be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, the people around you and Denver to the next level.

Our ideal candidate has some or all the following experience, skills, and characteristics:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Social Work, or a related field
Experience in a government agency or human services department
Familiarity with Colorado Benefit Management System (CBMS) and other case management tools
Flexibility and adaptability to manage complex and changing circumstances while maintaining positive communications and relationships
Experience leading cultural and organizational change in a complex setting
Experience working with formal process improvement methodologies and ability to bring innovative solutions to meet organizational needs
An ability and experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with agency leaders and stakeholders, community and other government departments

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree in a related field based on a specific position
Experience Requirement: Three (3) years of experience at the type and level of functional or operational management, which must have included management of professional individual contributors
Education/Experience Equivalency: One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of posthigh school education. Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements

Application Deadline

This position is expected to stay open until March 16th. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than March 16th at midnight to ensure consideration.