(Posted 2026 March)

Meet Maria!

Position: Operations Manager – Public Assistance and Employment Services Division

I started working in the Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) division 15 years ago as a non-merit Human Services Assistant and have since held the positions of Administrative Assistant IV, Eligibility Worker, Human Service Worker IV (supervisor), and my current position of Operations Manager. My cousin who worked for the county told me about the Human Services Assistant role because she felt it would be a strong fit for my skills and interests. I did not expect how much I would enjoy working for the county or that it would become a long-term career path for me. Within my first year, I discovered that I had a true passion for this line of work.

When I started with PAES, I didn’t know a lot about the services we provide, but I was attracted to the opportunity to work directly with the community and support individuals and families in need. In my first year, I learned a lot about PAES programs such as SNAP (food assistance), Medicaid, Energy Assistance, and more, as well as many other services offered throughout the county. I really value learning about these resources and, most importantly, being able to assist members of our community in accessing them.

In my current role as Operations Manager, I oversee daily operations and strategic planning for a team of over 60 staff who provide essential administrative support across the department’s four regional offices. As the first point of contact for many clients seeking services, we represent the department’s public face. By equipping staff with the proper tools and knowledge, I help ensure that every client receives consistent, high quality service on their path toward self-sufficiency.

I also serve as the PAES liaison to the Facilities team, addressing facility needs and leading cross-team collaboration to use our space and resources efficiently and effectively.  I take pride in helping and developing staff, and I enjoy working together to find solutions when unexpected situations arise, especially when those solutions improve the experience for the clients we serve.

I really value the diversity and inclusivity within PAES. Our team represents a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which strengthens our ability to understand and serve our community. We all collaborate and work hard to make sure that the services we provide respond to the diverse needs of the clients we serve.

Working in public assistance can be very demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Our environment is fast-paced and constantly evolving, so success in this field requires adaptability, flexibility, and a willingness to adjust to frequent changes in policies, procedures, and community needs. It is important to approach the work with an open mind and a commitment to learning. In return, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals and families in our community, which makes the challenges worthwhile.