Job Specification Details

Policy and planning leadership at senior professional level.  Administration of multi-faceted projects and policy review to include review of administrative processes, training and the development of rules and procedures that regulate programs and operations.  Duties are performed with significant independence under the general direction of a Deputy Commissioner or Policy Manager/Director. The role involves significant interaction with other units, department staff and other state, federal and outside organizations.

All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results 

Serves as an advisor to a department while providing leadership for the creation and implementation of a departments policy work.  Position will provide guidance on the design of new and revision of existing programs. Conducts administrative rulemaking and provides testimony.  Position may have a strong focus on research and analysis, policy, regulatory and statutory development work.  Position will serve as a subject matter expert on department policies while serving as project manager from inception through implementation. May Conduct mapping and gap analysis activities.  This position may advise Commissioner’s office on policy and regulatory strategies for the department.  May fill in for Policy Manager/Director when needed.  May represent the department on internal and external committees.  Performs other duties as assigned.

Duties are performed predominately in an office setting. Private means of transportation should be available for occasional travel when appropriate. Incumbents must be adaptable and able to work within tight deadlines and under considerable stress. Some evening and weekend duty may be necessary.
 

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Considerable knowledge of project management principles and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of administrative practices and principles.
• Knowledge of English usage, spelling and written communications.
• Ability to identify policy needs and coordinate policy development teams.
• Ability to facilitate group meetings.
• Ability to analyze, make recommendations for improvements and implement policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise, timely and persuasive reports, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations applicable to public programs.
• Ability to correctly interpret and apply statutes and regulations of considerable complexity.
• Ability to perform job duties within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Master's degree or higher in public administration, political science, industrial organization, organizational development, or a related field AND three (3) years of experience in a policy-related or organizational development position that includes at least one year of drafting regulations or legislation.

OR

Law degree AND two (2) years in a policy related or organization development position that includes at least one year of drafting regulations or legislation.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.