DSHS ESA Tribal Relations Program Administrator

DSHS ESA Tribal Relations Program Administrator

The Department of Social and Health Services Community Services Division (CSD) within the Economic Services Administration (ESA) invites applicants to apply for the role of Tribal Relations Program Administrator. The incumbent will administer statewide tribal relations for CSD and lead and coordinate the high-level negotiation of intergovernmental Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) agreements with tribal government leaders and tribal staff for the transfer of State Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funds to Tribal TANF programs.
  
 As Program Administrator, you’ll formulate statewide tribal-specific policy on Tribal TANF and other CSD tribal-related programs and services. You’ll serve as policy advisor to CSD leadership staff on complex, politically sensitive, tribal matters, including the tribal TANF connections. You’ll lead and facilitate statewide State and Tribal TANF Director’s meetings.
  
This role will help decrease state/tribal assistance program costs, assists clients towards self-sufficiency, maintains compliance with state and federal MOE requirements, and maximizes limited resources.
 
 The opportunity is currently located in Olympia, however, the Division is committed to creating a diverse workforce in a modern work environment that includes the potential for telework options.
  
  
Some of what you’ll do 

• Directs, manages and leads tribal relations for the Community Services Division
• Provides policy guidance to CSD leadership and staff regarding Tribal TANF, tribal impacts involving ESA-administered programs, state/tribal relations, diplomacy, tribal sovereignty and culture
• Performs research, writes briefing papers and serves as a policy advisor on issues related to tribal TANF and tribal issues associated with other CSD programs and services
• Leads and coordinates the high-level negotiations of intergovernmental Tribal TANF Agreements, including the complex review of 1994 public assistance data that is required under federal law to be used in determining a Tribal TANF program’s federal Tribal Family Assistance Grant
• Drafts, negotiates, administers and monitors the 3-year Intergovernmental TANF Agreements (IGA) for all 11 Tribal TANF programs to receive State MOE funding
• Oversees and participates in the completion and updating of state-tribal operating agreements with Tribal TANF programs that address processes/procedures for serving clients and coordinating services
• Drafts, negotiates, administers and monitors data share agreements with Tribal TANF  programs
• Identifies, plans and implements appropriate strategy and tactics ensuring tribal compliance in intergovernmental agreements to state/federal statutes, regulations and policy. 
• Reviews CSD drafted statutes, regulations and policy for tribal impact.
• During the Legislative Session, performs bill analysis for impacts on tribes and tribal members.
• Leads and coordinates CSD’s participation in state-tribal meetings including the Centennial Accord, Tribal Leaders Social Services Council (TLSSC), DSHS Indian Policy Advisory Committee (IPAC) and the IPAC ESA Subcommittee
• Leads the statewide CSD Tribal Liaison Community of Practice, which includes CSD leadership and Tribal Liaisons across the state, and leads and facilitates the statewide State and Tribal TANF Director’s meetings
• Oversees and coordinates statewide annual DSHS American Indian Administrative Policy 7.01 Plans and Progress reports

What we’re looking for
 
Professionals with a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, social services or related field AND at least five year of paid, professional-level experience working on government-to-government coordination and collaboration  and/or with a tribal government. An equivalent number of years of professional experience may substitute for the education requirement.
  
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, tribal statutes/case law, federal regulations, Attorney General’s opinions, state and federal TANF laws, regulations, departmental policies and services, and the Centennial Accord and associated protocols.
• Clear and comprehensive understanding of: Federal Indian Law; tribal sovereignty, and government-to-government relations with Indian tribes in Washington state.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills to effectively communicate complex information with senior state and federal agency staff, and tribal leadership.
• Ability to write policy, intergovernmental agreements, contracts, and correspondence. Working knowledge of contracting and contract management.
• Knowledge and experience in diplomacy and effective negotiating methods and practices.
• Experience working with tribes, stakeholders and managing groups
• Advanced management methods including strategic planning with understanding of organizational structure, culture, and objectives.
• Demonstrated experience in project management principles and practices including long-range planning, organization, risk assessment and establishing action plans and time frames
• Ability to request, review and analyze data for federal correspondence and negotiation recommendations
• Clear and comprehensive understanding of legislative process and protocols.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of staff from all levels of experience.
• Ability to direct the development of policies and procedures necessary to ensure compliance with state, federal and tribal laws, and implement necessary processes/procedures.

Completed applications will include the following

• Letter of interest (up to two pages) specifically addressing the knowledge, skills, and experience you have related to the job and duties 
• Current chronological resume
• Three professional references
• A professional writing sample created during your career that demonstrates writing skills relevant to Federal Indian Law; tribal sovereignty and government to government relations with Indian tribes in Washington state or similar knowledge, skills and experience. 

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that People find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security. 

Questions about job number 01117?  Contact Joshua.Shawhan@dshs.wa.gov.

Salary : $86,164 - $114,627