Legislative Director

This position is Exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System

Recruitment #113022-MUAH08-350100

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Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

This position, located in the Office of Secretary in the Delaware Department of Health and Human Services, oversees Department legislative proposals and policy changes that require legislative action. This position works under the Deputy Director for Health Care Innovation and his/her team to develop strategies to advance DHSS initiatives with members of the General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, administration officials, and stakeholders, and to provide them with accurate and supporting information pursuant to such strategies. This position will also regularly interact with leadership across all DHSS Divisions to develop legislative presentations, handouts, and respond to proposed legislation impacting the work of DHHS.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Works with Deputy Director of Health Care and Innovation to identify priority legislative initiatives.
• Communicates and advocates DHSS priorities to state, local, and federal elected officials, and their staff.
• Monitors legislation and policy activities, updates and advises Office of the Secretary about relevant policy proposals and actions, and works with DHSS Division staff to analyze potential impacts on the Department. Communicates with the internal DHSS legislative liaisons to inform them of relevant legislative issues.
• Develops a wide range of materials in support of DHSS’s government relations agenda, such as talking points, PowerPoint presentations, legislative summaries, factsheets, and testimony.
• Works with DHSS divisions and offices to identify legislative policy needed to advance the Department’s strategic plan and to meet state and federal requirements.
• Provides support to Communications team to develop relevant public relations materials.
• Plans and implements events and other activities to support the Department’s government relations goals, such as site visits, in-district meetings, and meetings at the General Assembly.
• Provides technical assistance to DHSS staff on government relations issues.

Job Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Qualified applicants must document on the application that they possess all of the following:
• Knowledge of state, federal, and local legislative and executive processes
• Knowledge of DHSS administered programs including, but not limited to Medicaid, child welfare, behavioral health, public health, early childhood, health equity, disability services, health services regulation, and rural health
• Knowledge of project management and planning principles and practices
• Demonstrated skill analyzing and interpreting legislation and policy documents
• Demonstrated skill working with people from diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, journalism, English or closely related curriculum and two years of professional experience in lobbying, governmental relations, political campaigns, broadcasting, communications, or public relations.
-OR-
An equivalent combination of training and experience required.
1. Two years state, federal OR local legislative experience.
2. Two years DHSS administered programs experience.
3. Two years project management experience.
4. Two years' experience analyzing and interpreting legislation and policy.
5. Two years' experience working with people from diverse academic and diverse cultures.

Additional Posting Information

Due to a new requirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the following mandate is effective January 27, 2022: As a condition of employment, employees providing health care services and/or support services in covered facilities must show proof that they have received the dose of a single J&J dose or the 1st dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine effective date January 27, 2022, and proof of the single J&J dose or the 2nd dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine by February. 28, 2022. Employees may not provide any care, treatment, or other services until proof is provided.  Based on CMS guidance, the date for compliance may extend into March due to the health care facilities high vaccination rate of staff.  If you accept a position with the facility, your Human Resources representative can provide more guidance.  The only exception to these requirements is for those employees granted medical or religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which may require weekly COVID-19 testing. This will be in effect until further notice.  More information can be found here. 

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and resume are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and resume to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.