Otter Tail County hires new assistant human services director

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – Otter Tail County has hired a new assistant human services director.

In a news release, the county announced the hiring of Jess Steinbrenner, who will serve as assistant to the long-time director of human services, Deb Sjostrom.

During her introduction to county board members, Sjostrom said, quote: “The role of the Assistant Human Services Director focuses on business operations, integrated service delivery, and provides for capacity building. Jess brings a wealth of experience to accomplish this, and we are fortunate and grateful she has joined the Otter Tail County Human Services team.”

From 2008-2012, Steinbrenner served as the Public Information and Education Officer in Otter Tail County’s Solid Waste Department. Since then, she has spent much of her career in various social work roles.

Recently, she served as the Regional Clinical Manager for the State of Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment program, providing clinical oversight and support at four treatment settings, including two inpatient psychiatric hospitals, a residential chemical dependency program, and an intensive residential treatment setting.

Before that role, she worked as a therapist and clinical supervisor at the Fergus Falls Community Behavioral Health Hospital, working with individuals civilly committed to treatment.

Steinbrenner lives in Fergus Falls with her husband, Jon and their three children.

In a news release, she said, quote: “I feel privileged to serve alongside the Otter Tail County Human Services team. I look forward to supporting increased collaboration and integration of services both within the department and beyond.”