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Policy Analyst

PROGRAM MANAGER II

Recruitment #26-005477-0023

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Introduction
 
When you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees across the state dedicated to positively changing the lives of more than 1 million Marylanders each year. We do this by providing economic support, preventive services, and caring for children and adults.
 
We aim to deliver services so that we more quickly meet the needs of the people we serve. At DHS, we grapple with hard questions to find new ways to foster a culture of bold innovation. We do this to ensure that in Maryland, we leave no one behind. 

This is a full-time contractual position. 

GRADE

20

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of Human Services
Office of the Secretary-Policy Office
25 South Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Policy Analyst is a professional position responsible for analyzing, developing, recommending, and drafting human services policies within the Policy Unit, comprised of policy, legislative, and data functions. This position requires discretion; independent judgment; skills in verbal and written communication; and quantitative and qualitative data analysis to assess policy impacts, identify trends, and support evidence-based decision-making across policy, legislative, and data functions. The Policy Analyst works collaboratively with internal teams, government agencies, and external stakeholders to shape, communicate, and implement human services policies that improve service delivery and outcomes for Maryland residents. 

POSITION DUTIES

  • Undertakes policy, quantitative, and qualitative data analyses to assess impacts on of Maryland state and federal human services laws, regulations, and court decisions in order to inform policy development and decision-making. 
  • Drafts, reviews, and revises policy documents, regulations, and legislative proposals in support of the Department’s information systems, CSA, FIA, and SSA. 
  • Provides technical assistance on policy interpretation and implementation to internal and external stakeholders. 
  • Monitors Maryland legislation and federal legislative and policy changes affecting DHS programs and budget. 
  • Coordinates with Department legislative, policy, and data teams to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. 
  • Identifies the need for and prepare detailed memoranda and position papers related to human services.
  • Translates complex overarching concepts into accessible policy recommendations for a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. 
  • Supports grant applications and grants management by aligning policy initiatives with funding opportunities. 
  • Serves as a liaison between the Policy Unit and other state agencies, federal partners, advocacy organizations, and local service providers, as directed. 
  • Participates in policy workgroups, task forces, and interagency committees, as directed. 
  • Leads or supports special projects and initiatives related to policy development and implementation. 
  • Manages timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement for policy-related projects. 
  • Utilizes performance metrics to guide policy decisions and measure project and initiative outcomes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience in public policy, public administration, social work, law, political science, economics, sociology, or a related field (e.g., MPP, MSW, JD). 
Experience: Two years of professional experience in policy analysis, development, or implementation within a government agency, nonprofit organization, or related setting. Two of these years must include experience working with human services–related programs or populations.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Demonstrated ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative policy analyses. 
  • Two years experience drafting or reviewing legislation, regulations, or internal policy documents. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing clear, concise policy briefs and presenting findings to diverse audiences. 
  • Ability to synthesize complex legal and policy information into accessible recommendations.
  • Two years experience collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders including government agencies, advocacy organizations, and community partners. 
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, including managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines. 
  • Experience with federal and Maryland human services policies and programs (e.g., child welfare, economic assistance, child support) is strongly preferred. 
  • Two years experience supporting and aligning policy work in both the federal and state sectors.  Experience engaging communities or stakeholders with lived experience to inform policy. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  We will not consider information submitted after this date.  Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list. The resulting list may be used for future vacancies with this agency or other state agencies.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Department of Human Services, Recruitment Unit, Attn: Kendra Young, 25 S. Charles Street 1115-L, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by 5 p.m. on the closing date. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If unable to upload, please email requested information only to mario.west2@maryland.gov. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time. 

If you have any questions concerning this recruitment process for this position, please contact 410-767-0603.  

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.


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