Policy Management Analyst

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a mission-driven, dedicated individual with public policy, research, and analysis experience to fill the role of Policy Management Analyst. As part of these duties, the selected candidate will be act as a liaison among DCF field offices and regional offices to support policy implementation and address implementation challenges and needs. This position will analyze DCF management and data reports to identify policy and practice trends, challenges, opportunities, and successes.

Reporting directly to the Director of Policy and Practice, the selected candidate will support and contribute to the Department’s policy development and implementation initiatives through research, data analysis, development of written policies and procedures and developing trainings on relevant topics. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. The selected candidate will support this mission by evaluating and assessing existing and newly proposed policies and suggest changes to improve practice.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all Inclusive):

• • Write, edit, and format policies, practice guidance, and training materials, including the development of visual design and graphics. Research other state policies and practices to inform and update DCF policies, practices, and procedures.
  • Align DCF policies and practices with state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Develop policy training curriculum and deliver trainings to DCF social workers, supervisors, managers, and external stakeholders.
  • Work closely with information technology staff to design/update IT systems and data tracking to reflect policy changes.
  • Identify policy & practice issues/challenges and suggest/develop responses.
  • Work with DCF legal team to ensure alignment of DCF policies and practices with state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Travel to meetings and to DCF Area and Regional Offices, to provide support in the consistent implementation of policy and case practice.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of human resource management including behavioral techniques, planning, forecasting, organizational development, and work simplification methods.
• Demonstrated experience in the methods used in the preparation of charts, graphs and tables, and general report writing.
• Proficiency in the analysis and determination of the applicability of data, draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Experience in determining the proper format and procedure for assembling items of information, the preparation and use charts, graphs and tables, the ability maintain accurate records and exercise discretion of confidential information.
• Effective precise communicator both orally and written, ability to establish a rapport, promote harmonious working relationships and deal tactfully with all stakeholders.
• Strong ability to adjust to varying or changing situations, meet emergency or changing program requirements, coordinate the efforts of Team members to meet work objectives and exercise sound judgement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience writing, editing, and formatting policy or guidance.
• Experience designing and delivering training.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws, regulations, and national best practices.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including an ability to communicate across all levels of staff.
• Familiarity with child welfare SACWIS systems.
• Experience working in child welfare system or relevant human services field.
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment.