Title: Program Consultant Sr. #W0534

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: $68,000- $78,000 per year (salary commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: https://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.

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner for Strategy and Engagement, Program Consultant Sr. position is a high-level, professional role providing programmatic and executive support. The position provides complex critical project and program support functions related to major initiatives, requiring the ability to handle duties with minimal supervision and an adept, proactive approach to managing project lifecycles, ensuring that projects are not only initiated and implemented effectively but also thoroughly evaluated to assess impact and success.

Additionally, as Program Consultant Sr. offers project support and strategic insights to the Deputy Commissioner, the Program Consultant Sr. represents the Deputy Commissioner in task forces, workgroups, and committees as delegated, actively contributes to the agency’s mission by researching, analyzing, and drafting project proposals and provides recommendations on state and federal policy, legal, legislative, and training matters.

Program Consultant Sr. provides executive-level administrative, operational, and strategic support to the Deputy Commissioner, focusing on enhancing the agency’s Strategy and Engagement Portfolio. As a key supporting role and confidential liaison, this position is responsible for managing the flow of information, facilitating communications, coordinating initiatives and actions on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner, and streamlining interactions across the Executive Team, senior leadership, staff, and various stakeholders.

Program Consultant Sr. will provide direct support to the Deputy Commissioner, Strategy & Engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience conducting research and analysis, drafting project proposals, position papers, and other administrative documents.
• Experience in planning, organizing, and managing complex tasks across multiple entities, along with providing executive-level administrative support.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, with proven skills in document creation, data analysis, and presentation preparation.

KSA’s and/or Competencies required to successfully perform the work:

Project Management and Results-Oriented Execution
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills for designing, implementing, and executing complex pilots and projects that align with agency objectives.
• Proficient in the principles and practices of project management, with the ability to oversee project timelines, allocate resources, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely completion.
• Results-focused, with strong problem-solving abilities and time management skills to handle multiple, concurrent assignments and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, conducting research, managing project, and other tasks with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability for deliverables and ensuring quality outcomes.
• Capable of handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, ensuring that critical deadlines are met while delivering high-quality work.

Critical Analysis and Strategic Insight
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex, multifaceted issues and develop strategic recommendations and solutions.
• High level of judgment, discretion, high-level decision-making capabilities, and professionalism, particularly when handling sensitive or confidential information related to agency operations, policies, or personnel.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources, collect and analyze data, perform research and make sound decisions that align with the agency’s goals and mission.

Customer Service and Effective Communication
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and impact when communicating with executive leaders, internal staff, and external partners.
• Skilled in understanding and fulfilling the needs of both internal and external stakeholders, with a commitment to providing timely, efficient service and proactive problem resolution.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups, demonstrating cultural competency and inclusivity to work productively within varied teams.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining positive, professional relationships with other agencies, stakeholders, and community partners, fostering cooperation and partnership.

Knowledge of Administrative and Operational Functions
• Ability to compile and analyze statistical data and performance metrics to support decision-making, identify trends, and formulate actionable recommendations.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize, manage, coordinate, and schedule operational activities.
• Demonstrates fiscal responsibility through optimal use of financial and other resources and by meeting budget compliance.
• Proficient in organizing office functions, managing complex workflows, and prioritizing tasks to align with organizational goals, including supporting senior-level decision-making.
• Ability to manage and coordinate executive schedules, setting up meetings, and ensuring timely completion of agenda items.
• Demonstrated excellence in drafting, preparing, and editing various professional documents, including correspondence, spreadsheets, and presentations, with meticulous attention to format, grammar, and spelling.
• Understanding of administrative principles, policies, and procedures related to human resources and finance, with the ability to navigate and apply these effectively to support high-level operations.

Additional Considerations

• Experience researching, designing, and implementing cross-functional projects.
• Preparing project and policy documents

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.

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.

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) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

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

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.