Senior Policy and Program Advisor

Job Summary

The mission of the D.C. Department of Human Services is to provide meaningful and equitable services, supports, and access to resources for District residents to realize their goals. This position is within the Department of Human Services (DHS), Economic Security Administration (ESA). The Economic Security Administration (ESA) is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate eligibility determinations for programs such as Medical Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps (SNAP), and other Cash Assistance programs that aim to promote economic independence for families. This position will oversee DHS’s workforce development initiatives as they relate to both the provision of services for DHS customers as well as representing DHS on the broader workforce landscape in the District of Columbia.

The Senior Policy and Program Advisor serves as the Director of Economic Mobility, providing leadership in advancing DHS’s efforts to help District families achieve long-term financial stability through workforce development initiatives that support customers across multiple programs, including SNAP, TANF, and DHS’s homeless services continuum. Reporting to the ESA Administrator, the incumbent leads research, analysis, and the development of workforce development, job training, and customer engagement strategies; recommends organizational and operational improvements in collaboration with agency stakeholders; and exercises broad authority in accomplishing strategic goals while ensuring compliance with applicable federal and District laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. The incumbent also fosters partnerships and leverages governmental and non-governmental resources to expand workforce opportunities and improve outcomes for DHS customers.

Duties And Responsibilities

Serves as a senior advisor to executive leadership on policy, program operations, and strategic initiatives and provides expert analysis and recommendations on complex policy, programmatic, and operational issues affecting agency programs and services. Collaborates with executive leadership in developing and implementing strategic plans and organizational priorities. Leads or coordinates organizational change initiatives designed to improve program performance, operational efficiency, and service delivery and evaluates the effectiveness of agency policies, programs, and operational practices and recommends improvements to strengthen outcomes.

Represents executive leadership in meetings with government agencies, elected officials, external stakeholders, and partner organizations as requested. Participates in high-level policy discussions and contributes to the development and implementation of major agency initiatives. Conducts research and analysis on emerging policy issues, legislative developments, and external factors that may impact agency programs. Leads special studies and reviews of complex or sensitive program areas and develops recommendations to address identified issues. Develop reports, briefings, presentations, and correspondence related to agency policies, strategic initiatives, and program performance.

Qualifications And Education

Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licensures and Certifications

None

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed primarily in the office setting, travel to meetings with contractors, providers, grantees and customers in other settings may also be necessary.

Other Significant Facts

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-301-15

Promotional Potential: None

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.

Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency. Employees occupying positions designated as Emergency are required to:

• Provide advice, recommendations, and/or specific functional support necessary for the continuity of operations during a declared emergency.
• Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor), if activated, when a situation or condition occurs and results in early dismissal for nonessential/non-emergency employees.
• Report to their duty station, when activated, on time and as scheduled when a situation or condition occurs during non-work hours, and results in the late arrival or closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
• Telework during a declared emergency, instead of remaining or reporting to his or her duty station, if directed by the agency head (or designee), supervisor or manager.

Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS) (At-will)

MSS At-Will Statement: Positions in the Management Supervisory Service (MSS) serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required and must agree in writing to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona fide Districts residency for the seven-year (7 year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.at

Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.