Public Assistance Consultant

Public Assistance Consultant Join the Department of Social Services (DSS) as a Public Assistance Consultant in the Division of Program Oversight & Grant Administration. You will help shape policies, improve programs, and drive positive change for Connecticut residents while enjoying competitive benefits and flexible telework options. Position Highlights Location: 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT Full‑time, 40 hours per week; Monday through Friday, first shift Telework usually offered at the maximum level permitted by state and agency policy Responsibilities Coordinate program and policy planning, development, implementation, and monitoring for major agency projects, programs, and initiatives. Compile and analyze sophisticated data to support informed program decisions and improve operational efficiency. Conduct research using legal resources, including statutes and regulations, to ensure compliance and accuracy. Draft and administer contracts to maintain regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and program effectiveness. Develop and analyze public program policies and prepare proposals to improve service delivery and policy outcomes. Lead project teams or participate in program development, implementation, and monitoring activities. Develop budget estimates, perform cost‑benefit analyses, and prepare spending plans for contracted services. Negotiate with federal officials, outside legal representatives, and other agencies; respond to challenges of program criteria. Analyze federal and state statutes, regulations, and other legal documents for program impact. Coordinate activities of project or program staff to meet program goals and deadlines. Prepare comprehensive reports and act as liaison with state, federal and community agencies regarding assigned programs or projects. Provide technical assistance to field staff and system users, including training in new procedures. Draft legislative proposals, draft regulations, and coordinate regulation review processes when required. Conduct public hearings, testify before legislative committees, and provide support to regional and central office operations as needed. Perform related duties as required. Benefits Professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance for all employees. The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer; qualifying student loans may be forgiven after 10 years of service. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Considerable knowledge of social services programs and relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations. Considerable interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate complex programs. Ability to interpret complex written material, including legal narratives, legislation and regulations, and assess their impact on programs. Minimum Qualifications – General Experience Eight (8) years of professional experience in a social services program. Minimum Qualifications – Special Experience One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in a lead or consultative capacity with responsibility for case review and evaluation and/or technical policy interpretation and implementation. For state employees, this experience is interpreted at the level of an Eligibility Services Specialist, Social Services Lead Investigator, Social Services Program Assistance Specialist, Fair Hearings Officer, Quality Control Reviewer or Social Worker. Minimum Qualifications – Substitutions Allowed College training may be substituted for the General Experience, with fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one‑half (1/2) year of experience, up to a maximum of four (4) years of a Bachelor’s degree. A law degree or a Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a closely related field may be substituted for the Special Experience and one additional year of the General Experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience compiling and analyzing complex data sets. Experience conducting research using legal resources such as statutes and regulations. Experience drafting or managing contracts. Experience drafting policy proposals or analyzing public program policies. Experience presenting information to groups of 10 or more people. Experience leading a program or project. Experience developing budgets or operational plans for a program. Ability to write guidance for both low reading level populations and executive level groups. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Connecticut - Department of Social Services