What are the responsibilities and job description for the Policy Analyst (PROGRAM MANAGER II) position at State of Maryland?
Introduction
When you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees across the state dedicated to positively changing the lives of more than 1 million Marylanders each year. We do this by providing economic support, preventive services, and caring for children and adults.
We aim to deliver services so that we more quickly meet the needs of the people we serve. At DHS, we grapple with hard questions to find new ways to foster a culture of bold innovation. We do this to ensure that in Maryland, we leave no one behind.
This is a Management Service positions that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.
GRADE
20
LOCATION OF POSITION
Maryland Department of Human Services
Office of the Secretary-Policy Office
25 South Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Main Purpose of Job
The Policy Analyst is a professional position responsible for analyzing, developing, recommending, and drafting human services policies within the Policy Unit, comprised of policy, legislative, and data functions. This position requires discretion; independent judgment; skills in verbal and written communication; and quantitative and qualitative data analysis to assess policy impacts, identify trends, and support evidence-based decision-making across policy, legislative, and data functions. The Policy Analyst works collaboratively with internal teams, government agencies, and external stakeholders to shape, communicate, and implement human services policies that improve service delivery and outcomes for Maryland residents.
POSITION DUTIES
Policy Analyses and Development
- Undertakes policy, quantitative, and qualitative data analyses to assess impacts on of Maryland state and federal human services laws, regulations, and court decisions in order to inform policy development and decision-making.
- Drafts, reviews, and revises policy documents, regulations, and legislative proposals in support of the Department’s information systems, CSA, FIA, and SSA.
Policy, Legislative and Regulatory Support
- Monitors Maryland legislation and federal legislative and policy changes affecting DHS programs and budget.
- Coordinates with Department legislative, policy, and data teams to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Engages with internal (Child Support, Family Investment, and Social Services Administrations) and external stakeholders, including but not limited to individuals with lived experience and legal and advocacy stakeholders, to inform policy objectives as well as to support leadership decision-making.
- Serves as a liaison between the Policy Unit and other state agencies, federal partners, advocacy organizations, and local service providers, as directed.
Project and Initiative Management.
- Leads or supports special projects and initiatives related to policy development and implementation.
- Manages timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement for policy-related projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, public administration, social work, law, political science, economics, sociology, or a related field (e.g., MPP, MSW, JD).
Experience: Two years of professional experience in policy analysis, development, or implementation within a government agency, nonprofit organization, or related setting. Experience must include working with human services-related programs or populations.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
- Demonstrated ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative policy analyses.
- Experience drafting or reviewing legislation, regulations, or internal policy documents.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing clear, concise policy briefs and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
- Ability to synthesize complex legal and policy information into accessible recommendations.
- Experience collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders including government agencies, advocacy organizations, and community partners.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, including managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
- Familiarity with federal and Maryland human services policies and programs (e.g., child welfare, economic assistance, child support) is strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting and aligning policy work in both the federal and state sectors.
- Prior work engaging communities or stakeholders with lived experience to inform policy.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list. The resulting list may be used for future vacancies with this agency or other state agencies.
If you are in State service and are a promotional candidate, your salary will be determined in accordance with State of Maryland guidelines.
BENEFITS
As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.
- Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
- Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
- Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
- Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
- Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least thirteen (13) holidays per year.
- Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
- Positions may be eligible for telework.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Maryland Department of Human Services, Employment Services, Attention: Stacey Nelson, 25 South Charles St, Room 1116-L, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
If you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please email Stacey Nelson at stacey.nelson1@maryland.gov; include the job title and recruitment # in the subject line.
If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
