Title: Special Assistant to the Commissioner

State Role Title: Policy Planning Spec III

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: https://dss.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, 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.

The Virginia Department of Social Services has an exciting opportunity to join our team as the agency’s Special Assistant to the Commissioner. Reporting to the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services, the Special Assistant to the Commissioner directly supports the Commissioner to affect agency policies and priorities through policy research and analysis, writing policy briefs and analytical reports, preparation of communication and presentation materials, project management support, and high-level administrative and liaison support functions. This position facilitates internal processes, drafts internal and external correspondence, coordinates meetings and agendas, and serves as a liaison between the Commissioner, agency staff, state officials, and external constituent stakeholders. The Special Assistant tracks the status of special projects and assignments on behalf of the Commissioner, compiles information, and prepares reports and analysis. This position works independently and with the executive team and senior leadership and interfaces with external stakeholders including state officials, local departments of social services, and community organizations. Additionally, the Special Assistant works with the Office of Regulatory Affairs to assist with tracking agency legislation and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in legislative, regulatory, and/or administrative policy research and analysis.
• Experience in writing formal correspondence, drafting policy briefs, and interpreting reports.
• Project management experience.
• Strong research and writing experience.
• Excellent analytical, planning, and organizational skills, and detail-orientation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects under competing priorities while adhering to deadlines.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgment, and use discretion.
• Strong customer-service orientation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to interact professionally with senior-level individuals in local, state, and federal agencies, and internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Considerations

• Previous or current Fellow of the Virginia Management Fellows Program (VMF).
• Work experience in Virginia state government.
• Policy research and analysis experience in social services, public policy, public health, or another human services field.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

This position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration will be in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Teleworking policy on a case-by-case basis.

Contact Information

Name: VDSS – Division of Human Resources

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.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.