Human Services Policy Analyst - 165501

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Reporting to and working in coordination with the Legislative & Government Affairs Senior Advisor within the County Manager’s Office, this position establishes and maintains relationships regarding human services issues and policies. This position will interact and communicate with legislative bodies to promote the public policy goals directly related to human services laws under which the organization operates; solicit or prepare and propose legislation; identify affected interests; work for or against prospective legislation; and track and researches newly introduced laws and potential impact.

Examples of Duties for Success

· Assist in the development and directly coordinate the county's legislative affairs strategy related to human services working directly with the Legislative & Government Affairs Senior Advisor, senior management team and the Board.

· Monitor federal, state, and regulatory activity related to human services affecting the county.

· Work directly with federal and state lobbyists.

· Monitor the county's proactive development of and response to legislation, regulations, and/or policy changes that may have an impact on the county specifically or county government in general.

· Through coordination and collaboration with the Legislative & Government Affairs Senior Advisor, this position will aide in the county's legislative activities and lobbying efforts related to human services, including analysis and review of pending legislation, priorities, and issues and the potential impact on the county. During the legislative session this position will participate on an internal cross functional team helping to recommend strategies and policy initiatives to the Board.

· Establish and maintain contact and interaction with elected officials and various intergovernmental associations that interact in the realm of human services; participating in Colorado Counties, Inc. Steering Committees and CCI Initiatives/Events as assigned, Colorado Counties Acting Together (CCAT) Events/Meetings as assigned, and attending CDHS Board and Commission meetings such as the Child Welfare Allocation Committee (CWAC) and Child Support Commission, among others, as deemed appropriate.

· Communicate the outcome of legislative activities to other county elected officials and management team.

· Working with other departments, particularly Human Services, Finance, and the county management team, to formalize the county's initiatives for delivering information to and receiving feedback from the community that will ultimately foster and sustain a reputation of accountability, integrity, and trustworthiness for Adams County.

· Work to advance the credibility of the county in federal, state, and regional arenas through participation and involvement in federal, state, and regional projects and issues related to human services.

· Interact with community stakeholders, as appropriate, to understand impacts to potential policy and/or regulatory changes. This includes the potential to assist in studies, programs or special projects related to regional and countywide initiatives.

· Experience working in and navigating complex political relationships with both elected officials and coalition groups.

· Understanding of Colorado state and local political landscape.

· Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications for Success

· Strong understanding and knowledge of human services related issues (including issues at the federal, state and local level).

· Excellent presentation and verbal and written communications skills.

· Computer Skills: utilize computer applications such as spreadsheet and word processing programs.

· Compile, analyze, interpret, and report research findings.

· Learn, interpret, and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, and regulations.

· Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

· Project management skills.

· Ability to effectively communicate with the public and collaborate and partner with local jurisdictions and agencies; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

· Ability to make effective oral presentations.

· Proven ability to build healthy, effective working relationships with staff at various levels of an organization.

· Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.

· Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and varying topics and proven ability to quickly learn and get up to speed on a variety of subject matters.

· Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.

More Qualifications for Success

Experience:

· Minimum Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional legislative or public affairs experience in the public sector related to human services OR any equivalent combination as it relates to human services.

· Prior experience in dealing with the public, elected officials, department/division heads, and special interest groups.

· Previous legislative and public sector or public sector-related experienced preferred.

Education and Training:

· Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, or directly related field.

· Master's degree in related field preferred.

License or Certificate: None.

Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

Adams County complies with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act (“JAFA”). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.