Title: Policy Analyst - #DHH00003

State Role Title: Policy Planning Spec II

Hiring Range: Anticipated Starting Salary is up to $70,000 commensurate w/ exp

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing

Location: Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Agency Website: https://www.vddhh.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

About the Agency: 

The Virginia Department for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) works to reduce the communication barriers between persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are hearing, including family members, service providers, and the general public.

Job Duties: 

VDDHH is seeking a policy analyst to support the director in managing the department's public policy and legislative activities, initiatives, and public relations, and to serve as a legislative liaison with the Secretariat of Health and Human Resources. This position advises the director on programs, plans, policies, issues, procedures, and pertinent information of an economic, fiscal, demographic, or statistical nature; it recommends positions to be advanced or actions to be taken. In alignment with the VDDHH mission, this position provides staff support and consultation on state and federal disability policies and related regulations. The policy analyst will assist with state reporting requirements, which include the development and submission of performance reports and the strategic plan. The policy analyst may represent the director in internal and external workgroups or arenas involving multiple constituencies. The policy analyst engages in policy and legislative research.

This position is not a full-time telework position. The incumbent should be willing to relocate/live within commuting distance of Richmond, VA.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Managing and completing multiple tasks and projects within established deadlines
• Program and strategic planning processes and implementation
• Survey development, implementation, and analysis
• Policy and legislative analysis
• Project and data management software
• Working with human services programs and the state disability services system.
• Disability policy or research.
• Project management and program monitoring.
• Progressive experience in managing programs and projects, strategic planning, and program evaluation.

Knowledge and/or:
• Experience with tracking legislative activities and legislative processes.
• Knowledge of public administration management practices; Identifies issues to be addressed and participates in the Executive branch legislative process as requested.
• Administrative and clerical systems such as managing files and records, record retention, designing forms, office procedures, and terminology. Demonstrated high-level computer proficiency, including emails, presentations, spreadsheets, specifically the Microsoft Office suite.
• Access issues concerning deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss and use of various communication methods, as well as knowledge of Deaf Culture. Willing and able to work and communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing stakeholders through various communication modes, including American Sign Language and the use of auxiliary aids.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of specialized technology, including telecommunication relay services, telecommunication equipment, assistive listening systems, and other assistive technology, including set up, utilizing, troubleshooting equipment, as well as making relay calls.
• Laws, legal codes, regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the legal rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and other disability laws related to accessibility and reasonable accommodations requirements. Demonstrated ability to interpret complex policies, regulations, and statutes and develop and prepare concise, user-friendly summaries and recommendations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of program planning and evaluation; principles of community organization and public administration; Ability to develop and evaluate programs; work effectively with program staff and local agencies; analyze and resolve complex problems related to social, financial, or health programs; conduct contract development, monitoring, and negotiations.
• Knowledge of public administration management practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of agency objectives, operations, and activities.
Knowledge of management principles and practices.

Demonstrated ability &/or ability to:
• Perform quantitative and narrative reporting.
• Make sound recommendations and decisions.
• Work successfully with diverse external constituencies, including high-level government and legislative officials, advocacy and consumer groups, and others.
To communicate directly with these stakeholders without an interpreter is essential to perform the duties.

Skills:
• Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative research and analysis skills.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Exceptional writing, editing, and public presentation skills.

Additional Considerations:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, and the ability to communicate effectively in American Sign Language (ASL) with deaf and deafblind clients, staff, and other stakeholders.

Special Instructions:

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, Americorp, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Equal Opportunity Employer. State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. PageUp provides a confirmation of receipt when your application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your PageUp account to check the status of your application for this position. 

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-connected veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022, and February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.