<p> </p> <p> </p> <p>This position is open to current Colorado residents only.</p> <p>Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.</p> <p>Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!</p> <p>Please Note: This position has hybrid work arrangements, employees are expected to report to the office at least 2 days a week. These arrangements are subject to change. </p> <p>About this Unit:</p> <p>The Division of Financial Services exists to manage and coordinate the budget, financial, and legislative activities of the Department of Human Services (CDHS or Department).  It is responsible for advancing the policy and fiscal interests of the Department at the Governor's Office and the Colorado General Assembly.  On behalf of the Department's Executive Management Team, the division serves to coordinate the policy and budget development and implementation process, articulate the Department's position on budget, policy, and fiscal matters internally and externally, and regularly engage with other agencies, external partners and advocates to accomplish the Department's policy and fiscal objectives.</p> <p>About this Position:</p> <p>This position serves as the department's lead policy advisor, supporting department-wide projects and teams by using a policy research and policy advisory expertise. The Policy Advisor directs the creation and execution of assigned strategic initiatives that are related to the Department's overall policy agenda, including but not limited to projects sponsored by the Senior Executive Team and the Executive Management Team. This position is  responsible for researching and making project recommendations related to the subject matter in question, including the exploration of other state policies, national policy research, and interpretation of policy guidance and federal and state law. In advancing broad, critical program and policy direction, department leadership rely on the consultation of this position. </p> <p>The primary role of the Policy Advisor is to advance and advise on CDHS's Policy Agenda through partnership with other CDHS teams, interpreting complex policy and law to guide project decision-making, consulting national policy organizations and other states to understand the national landscape for high-priority programs and initiatives, and making recommendations to departmental leadership about paths that support the established desired policy outcomes.</p> <p>This position also supports the Legislative Affairs team in advocating for the Department at the State Capitol. This includes preparation of educational materials, research, and direct lobbying support, under the direction of the Department's Legislative Liaison. </p> <p>The Policy Advisor interacts directly with a variety of stakeholders including other state Departments, external partners, the Governor's Office, and the General Assembly on behalf of department leadership. Duties include identifying key partners and nurturing professional relationships to ensure optimal development and implementation of projects.</p> <p>Summary of Job Duties:</p> <p>Strategic Policy:  </p> <p>Provide policy analysis and recommendations to department leadership, including individual programs. This  includes, but is not limited to:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Oversee and make recommendations on research for external policy initiatives, evidence, and outcomes in other state systems.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide recommendations to CDHS and office-level leadership through clear, weighted options with pros and cons for consideration in order to identify the best match for desired outcomes.</p> </li><li> <p>Managing outreach to other state and national partners to gather information around state-to-state approaches in implementing high priority policy initiatives, including but not limited to benefits administration, child welfare, human services artificial intelligence, aging and adult disability services, and civil and forensic mental health programming.</p> </li><li> <p>Interpret, analyze, and make recommendations to department leadership on potential cost savings, feasibility, political context, and ecosystems related to different policy options to identify the best match for desired outcomes.</p> </li><li> <p>Prepare written materials, including SBARs, policy memos, and fact sheets, that analyze policy issues and provide recommendations on potential policy decisions. </p> </li><li> <p>Holds and seeks out content expertise both within and outside CDHS in drafting policies to satisfy a variety of stakeholders and best practices. </p> </li><li> <p>Reviews, researches and summarizes federal and state laws and regulations, including laws and regulations in other states, and advises leadership on implications and potential opportunities to enhance CDHS outcomes.</p> </li><li> <p>Supervises FTE, including performance assessment, establishing and monitoring goals, tracking of work plans, and other performance monitoring tools.</p> </li><li> <p>Examines, clarifies and explains statutory and regulatory proposals and changes, policies, procedures, functions, budgets and interagency relationships to the senior leadership to support their responsibilities. The position develops guidelines or positions where none currently exist. This position uses judgment and resourcefulness to interpret policy and how other programs may implement regulations, policies and/or recommendations. </p> </li><li> <p>Federal Policy:</p> </li></ul> <p>Monitor, analyze, and report on all federal activities related to the Colorado Department of Human Services, including:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Monitor and develop summaries of major federal activities, including the annual Congressional Appropriations process, federal executive orders, federal departmental guidelines and policy memoranda, and federal statutory changes impacting CDHS programs.</p> </li><li> <p>Prepare SBARs and policy memoranda as appropriate for members of the Executive Management Team (EMT)  and Senior Executive Team (SET) outlining major activities and areas of impact.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide verbal and written updates to internal staff and external partners as needed, including members of EMT and SET, Employee Council, and other groups as appropriate and requested. </p> </li><li> <p>Provide updates to external partners, including counties, Governor's Office, or legislative committees, on impact of federal activities. </p> </li><li> <p>Escalate urgent updates to Departmental Leadership to inform leaders of time-sensitive activities that could impact the Department's short-term operations.</p> </li><li> <p>Partner with the CDHS Legislative and Finance Teams to ensure teams are aware of and responding to federal activities impacting state statute or CDHS finances.</p> </li><li> <p>Legislative Support:</p> </li></ul> <p>Assist and support the department's Legislative Liaison, including, but not limited to:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Work with the program leads to developing and refining proposals to address changes in federal law, rule, or policy for submission through CDHS leadership and the Governor's Office.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide strategic support and research for legislative and policy issues that intersect with federal rules, policies, and laws.</p> </li><li> <p>Analyzes proposed legislation, identifying impact to CDHS programs, counties, stakeholders and the State as a whole.</p> </li><li> <p>Prepares written analysis of bills potentially affecting the Department. Determines and assures alignment with the policy goals of the administration and makes recommendations on whether the Department should support, oppose, seek to amend, and/or the Governor should sign bills into law or issue a veto.</p> </li><li> <p>Develops written communication and presentations for legislators, Governor's Office, stakeholders, and Department staff to provide increased awareness and understanding of the Department's legislative activities and Department policies. </p> </li><li> <p>Assists the Legislative Liaison in lobbying and representing the Department to members of the General Assembly and external audiences. Provides verbal communications on Department legislative and policy activities as needed in a variety public settings such as Department meetings, county meetings, and internal and external stakeholder meetings. This position may also represent the Department and its position on policy in legislative hearings and in front of stakeholder groups on an as needed basis.</p> </li></ul> <p>POLICY ADVISOR VI (H1R6XX)</p> <p>Experience Only:</p> <p>Nine (9) years of relevant experience in public policy, including legislative experience, policy creation, policy implementation, or an occupation otherwise closely related to the work assigned to this position.</p> <p>Or</p> <p>Education and Experience:</p> <p>A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to nine (9) years</p> <p>Important Note: Please review your application to ensure completion. For the most equitable applicant experience, CDHS' hiring teams consider only the contents of your application to determine meeting minimum qualifications and for the comparative analysis process. Experience is calculated on a full-time equivalency basis, therefore, it is important to accurately notate the hours you averaged per experience section entry. Volunteer work or related type of experience may be used to meet the qualifications, but must be clearly documented. It is paramount that in the experience portion of the application, the applicant describes the extent to which they possess the education, experience, competencies and background as they relate to the duties outlined in the job announcement.</p> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution in public policy, administration, social science, or other related field of study related to the work assignment.</p> </li><li> <p>Legislative advocacy and lobbying experience.</p> </li><li> <p>Human Services experience.</p> </li><li> <p>Demonstrates sophisticated communication, collaboration, and process management skills in work with internal and external partners.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to work in a fast-paced and complex environment to establish priorities, coordinate and track deliverables, and plan, coordinate and monitor work of others.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to provide efficient and effective customer service both internally and externally.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to both directly and indirectly oversee staff across multiple offices.</p> </li></ul> <p>Conditions of Employment:</p> <ul> <li>Training, meetings, and other travel may be required </li><li>Standard Background - Background and References </li><li>Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS. </li></ul> <p>Appeal Rights: </p> <p>If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.</p> <p>You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form (Adobe PDF), signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.</p> <p>Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.</p> <p>How to Apply</p> <p> The Assessment Process</p> <p>For additional recruiting questions, please contact Gerald.Barajas@State.CO.US</p> <p>Benefits:</p> <p>If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans</p> </li><li> <p>Medical and dental health plans</p> </li><li> <p>Employer supplemented Health Savings Account</p> </li><li> <p>Paid life insurance</p> </li><li> <p>Short- and long-term disability coverage</p> </li><li> <p>11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave</p> </li><li> <p>State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center</p> </li><li> <p>Employee Wellness program</p> </li><li> <p>Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more</p> </li><li> <p>Remote work arrangements for eligible positions</p> </li><li> <p>*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.</p> </li></ul> <p>Supplemental Information:</p> <p>How to apply to the State of Colorado(Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)</p> <p>The Assessment Process</p> <p>For additional recruiting questions, please contact [recruiter's email]</p> <p>Our Values:</p> <ul> <li> <p>We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.</p> </li><li> <p>Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.</p> </li><li> <p>We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.</p> </li><li> <p>Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.</p> </li><li> <p>We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.</p> </li></ul> <p>The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer</p> <p>We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.</p> <p>ADA Accommodations: </p> <p>CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at  cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.</p> <p>Additional Support For Your ApplicationToll Free Applicant Technical Support</p> <p>If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.</p> <p>Additional Support For Your Application Toll Free Applicant Technical Support</p> <p>If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.</p> <p>~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~</p> <p> </p> <p>        </p>