Title: Policy Analyst - #ARS00568

State Role Title: Policy Planning Spec II

Hiring Range: Salary up to $110,000 commensurate with experience.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs

Location: Aging & Rehab Svcs

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Seeking a dynamic Policy Analyst who drives effective agency planning by developing and evaluating policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering essential guidance and program support across key DARS initiatives.

Why Join Us?
✅ Purposeful work that strengthens services for Virginians
✅ Engaged, inclusive, and team-oriented environment
✅ Robust and competitive state benefits

Job Duties:

“In accordance with the Commonwealth Telework Policy, telework is limited based on agency business needs.”

The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, in collaboration with community partners, provides and advocates for resources and services that enhance the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families.

The Policy, Legislative Affairs, and Analytics Division serves as an agency resource by providing research, analysis, and communication of information to support effective planning and decision‑making.

We are seeking a Policy Analyst to develop, review, and analyze policies to ensure program compliance with federal, state, and agency requirements while meeting consumer needs. This position monitors and evaluates changes in federal and state laws and regulations and uses this information to develop or revise state regulations and policies.

Areas of responsibility for this position include:

• Supporting the Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment (VR/SE) Program through policy development, ongoing policy analysis and guidance, policy training and education for DARS staff, and management of forms and letters.
• Providing staff support to the State Rehabilitation Council, including assisting with the creation and dissemination of the SRC Annual Report.
• Managing regular access to sensitive and confidential consumer information. 
• Performing other duties and special projects as assigned.

Completing duties or projects as needed or directed by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge/Experience:

• An equivalent combination of training and experience indicates that the individual possesses the above knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
• Experience in policy development, interpreting laws and regulations, project management, analysis, planning, or related fields.
• Working knowledge of policy development, impact analysis, and guidance is required. 
• Working knowledge of planning process or project management.

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated skill in writing and verbal communications including writing reports, policy guidance, regulations, policy briefs, etc. 
• Analytical skills are required to interpret and analyze laws, regulations, and policies.
• Demonstrated proficiency in designing, planning, managing, and completing multiple projects on schedule.
• Ability to analyze information, resolve issues, and think critically.

Additional Considerations:

• Experience with aging and disability services policy. 
• Extensive knowledge and experience interpreting policies, regulations and statute.
• Knowledge of records management, FOIA, HIPAA, and other privacy and records laws and policies.
• Ability to lead work groups, staff councils/commissions, collaborate well with diverse groups of people and agency staff at all levels, design and manage a project from start to finish, and work independently with little supervision.

Special Instructions:

Benefits:

DARS offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance plan options, flexible spending accounts, VRS retirement, employer paid basic group life insurance, optional employee paid group life insurance, 13 paid holidays, Sick Leave, Annual Leave, Family Personal Leave, employee discount programs, and more.

Reasonable accommodation is available during the application/interview process per the ADA. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, Veterans, AmeriCorps, 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. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé are submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your 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- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.