Title: Special Projects Manager #W5445 (Division of Benefit Programs)

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist III

Hiring Range: $90,045 - 108,017/yr.

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: www.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.

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.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers 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, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), Division of Benefit Programs is currently seeking a Special Projects Manager. This position supports the Director by planning, leading and executing numerous, simultaneous projects that may be held within the Division, may span other Divisions across the Human Services Portfolio, or intersect with other VDSS portfolios and divisions, as well as with local and community partners. This position is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing a variety of Division-wide initiatives and projects that enhance benefit program delivery in the Commonwealth and enhance Division and Department outcomes and goals.

This position is embedded in the daily movement of the Director’s priorities—managing projects, monitoring progress, following up on action items, preparing meeting materials, organizing information, and surfacing issues that need leadership attention. Operating with strong organizational skills and a high level of independence, the Special Projects Manager serves as a central coordination hub, helping the Director prioritize workload and manage projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Significant experience in project management, including the management of multifaceted projects and proficiency in project management tools.
• Considerable experience providing executive level support, including handling confidential information and high-priority projects and tasks.
• Considerable experience developing presentations and reports for executive review.
• Demonstrated experience leading project teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously, with proven organizational skills to coordinate resources, set priorities, and achieve project objectives efficiently.
• A general understanding of the structure of Virginia’s social services system.
  

Knowledge

• Comprehensive understanding of project management principles, including scope definition, timeline development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong knowledge of change management and implementation science.
• Knowledge of continuous quality improvement (CQI) methods and data driven decision making.
• Knowledge of human service programs, particularly Benefit Programs.
• Knowledge of the state supervised locally administered human services delivery system.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, and Excel.

Skills

• Skill in translating a strategic vision into a defined project concept, identifying resources, stakeholders, and implementation processes.
• Skill in aligning project and team goals with organizational priorities.
• Skill in setting, managing, and maintaining stakeholder expectations.
• Skill in communicating project goals, objectives, and expectations clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in creating documentation that accurately reflects project requirements, processes, and outcomes.
• Skill in providing constructive feedback and guidance to support workflow improvements and CQI efforts.
• Skill in using data to monitor progress, support decision making, and drive continuous improvement.
• Skill in assigning, monitoring, and managing individual and team tasks to ensure timely, high quality deliverables.
  

Abilities

• Ability to motivate and inspire others by communicating a clear project vision and organizational goals.
• Ability to promote cooperation, enthusiasm, trust, and open exchange of ideas to foster innovative solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively across divisions and build strong partnerships that support project success.
• Ability to think critically, anticipate needs, and maintain a broad perspective beyond individual tasks or stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt quickly in fast paced environments and deploy resources effectively.
• Ability to lead cross functional teams and support change initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, tasks, and emergent issues simultaneously.
• Ability to engage diverse audiences and foster stakeholder buy in through clear communication and collaboration.

Additional Considerations

• Familiarity with project management/planning with artificial intelligence (AI) at a state level.
• Proficiency with AI development.

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.

The selected candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3114, as a condition of employment. The filing must be completed on or before the first day of employment and annually thereafter on or before February 1. The selected candidate is required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest training within 2-months of becoming a state filer and at least once during each consecutive period of two calendar years commencing on the first odd-numbered year thereafter. For more information, please visit http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/.

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.

Please be advised that this position may be approved to work onsite for two days per week and work remotely for three days per week.

Selected candidate may be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

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.