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Human Services Department

Human Services Department

Administrative Services Division

Many hands working over paperwork

Client Advocacy 

Resolves disputes between applicants and recipients of public social services in​​ an impartial, independent, fair, and timely manner, ensuring that due process is met in accordance with federal and state law.

Communications & Public Relations

Dedicated to fostering transparent, effective communication and strong community relations, its primary goals are to engage with staff and community stakeholders, inform the public about available social services, manage media relations, and oversee digital and social media presence to ensure accurate and timely information dissemination.

Contracts & Procurement Unit (CPU)

Plays a vital role in ensuring that HSD operates efficiently and effectively by managing contracts with vendors and community-based organizations, ensuring compliance and safeguarding financial resources.

Disaster Planning & Emergency Response

Supports the Department and County residents in disaster preparedness and emergency response in the event of fires, natural disasters and PSPS events.

Finance

Provides fiscal services including payment and revenue claiming services for the Department, financial reporting, contracts administration, and facilities management.

Human Resources

Coordinates personnel services including payroll, recruitment and hiring, staff development and training, employee and labor relations.

Information Technology Department

Offers the Department various technological solutions and support to staff and clients, implements and enforces security protocols, and maintains data systems that store and process data related to social service programs and outcomes.

Planning, Research, Evaluation & Engagement (PREE)

Leads the Department in policy and planning, data reporting and evaluation, outcomes measurement, equity initiatives and community engagement. 

South County Center

The South County Center (SCC) is located at 5350 Old Redwood Highway North, Suite 100, Petaluma, CA 94954.  As a cross-divisional service site, the South County Center in Petaluma assists clients with public benefits enrollment including Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, In-Home Supportive Services and more.  

Satellite Offices (Sonoma and Guerneville)

In partnership with the County Administrator's Office and Board Supervisor District 1 and District 5, HSD offers two satellite offices including the East County Service Center located at 19080 Lomita Avenue, Sonoma, CA 95476, and the West County Office at 16390 Main Street, Guerneville, CA 95446.

Special Investigations Unit

Investigates reports of welfare benefit fraud in public assistance programs. This includes General Assistance, Food Stamps, and Cash Aid. SIU also investigates identity theft if it relates to public assistance.

Upstream Investments

The goal of Upstream Investments is to use collective impact to improve outcomes across Sonoma County.  In partnership with Sonoma County's Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator's Office, HSD works with over 100 community-based organizations, government agencies, funders, schools and businesses to invest early, wisely and together to support our Sonoma County community.