Policy Specialist #W5467
About The Position
At the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve. We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them. The Virginia Department of Social Services, Office of Trauma and Resilience Policy is currently seeking a Policy Specialist. This position is responsible for leading agency-wide organizational policy and systems change efforts to embed trauma-informed and healing-centered practices across DSS through policy development, implementation infrastructure, and organizational transformation; providing support, training, and technical assistance to support the well-being of the DSS workforce; and developing curricula and tools to ensure DSS and other human services agencies can embed trauma-informed and healing-centered policy into daily practice.
Requirements
- Extensive knowledge of trauma-informed care and practice.
- Demonstrated experience in the administration of human services, child welfare services, education, juvenile justice or other related fields.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the impact of trauma on individuals and families and trauma-informed service delivery.
- Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to systems supporting a trauma-informed, two generation/whole family service model.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to create, effectively articulate and present complex concepts, ideas and strategies to senior leadership and others throughout the organization.
- Ability to deliver compelling presentations in both small and large group settings and orient the message to value the needs of the audience.
- Demonstrated ability to collect and analyze information for federal and state data reporting.
- Strong problem solving, clear decision-making and critical thinking skills.
- Skilled in motivating, influencing, and supporting others to accomplish team and organizational goals.
- Ability to provide technical assistance to state and local staff and maintaining effective working relationships with a wide range of internal and external individuals.
- Knowledge of racial inequities and disproportionality.
Nice To Haves
- Experience conducting applied research or data analysis and translating findings into clear, actionable policy or practice recommendations.
- Experience working with state level legislation, regulations, or policy development, including the ability to assess the appropriateness of actions within a government or human services context.
Responsibilities
- Leading agency-wide organizational policy and systems change efforts to embed trauma-informed and healing-centered practices across DSS through policy development, implementation infrastructure, and organizational transformation.
- Providing support, training, and technical assistance to support the well-being of the DSS workforce.
- Developing curricula and tools to ensure DSS and other human services agencies can embed trauma-informed and healing-centered policy into daily practice.
Benefits
- Excellent health and life insurance benefits
- Pre-tax spending accounts
- State funded Short and Long Term Disability
- Paid holidays
- Vacation
- Tuition assistance
- Free wellness programs
- State retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
