What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Food Assistance Policy Program Manager position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
Join our dedicated team at the Community Services Division of Washington State's Economic Services Administration (ESA) as a Policy Program Manager—Food Assistance in Olympia.In this impactful role, you will contribute to shaping and overseeing food assistance policies that support families and people across the state. Your efforts will directly contribute toward our mission to reduce poverty and promote well-being through sustainable and equitable food programs. This is your opportunity to make a difference while advancing your career within a collaborative and inclusive environment.
As a Food Assistance Policy Program Manager, you will lead the implementation of state and federal food assistance policies, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related initiatives. You will work closely with diverse teams across the ESA, Community Services Regional offices, and partner agencies to ensure seamless and effective program operations. Your strategic leadership and policy expertise will be key in driving positive outcomes for our communities.
Some Of What You Will Do
Who Should Apply
This job is classified as a WMS1.
Interested? Please include:
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.
#WeAreHiring #InclusionWorks
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Join our dedicated team at the Community Services Division of Washington State's Economic Services Administration (ESA) as a Policy Program Manager—Food Assistance in Olympia.In this impactful role, you will contribute to shaping and overseeing food assistance policies that support families and people across the state. Your efforts will directly contribute toward our mission to reduce poverty and promote well-being through sustainable and equitable food programs. This is your opportunity to make a difference while advancing your career within a collaborative and inclusive environment.
As a Food Assistance Policy Program Manager, you will lead the implementation of state and federal food assistance policies, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related initiatives. You will work closely with diverse teams across the ESA, Community Services Regional offices, and partner agencies to ensure seamless and effective program operations. Your strategic leadership and policy expertise will be key in driving positive outcomes for our communities.
Some Of What You Will Do
- Provide strategic direction and serve as a subject matter expert for federal and state food assistance programs.
- Manage public assistance programs, including oversight, coordination, and monitoring of food assistance and outreach services.
- Develop and maintain administrative policies, procedures, and program manuals.
- Serve as the primary contact for regional coordinators, supervisors, trainers, and field staff.
- Create, review, evaluate, and maintain program data, reports, and spreadsheets for performance management and improvement.
- Collaborate with Information Technology staff and agency partners on system changes.
- Conduct random audits on mandatory verifications for public assistance eligibility.
- Analyze and interpret policy proposals and regulations, assessing their impact on service delivery and automation systems.
- Monitor legislative sessions, develop talking points, and coordinate fiscal impact statements for proposed bills.
- Develop program rules based on state and federal regulations, solicit feedback and issue policy clarifications.
- Represent ESA on cross-agency committees and workgroups, building relationships with DSHS staff, partners, and stakeholders.
- Publicly represent the agency, providing information and support for food assistance programs.
- Develop and manage contracted services, including monitoring vendor performance and compliance.
Who Should Apply
- Professionals with 7* years of experience working in planning, administering, developing, or delivering health, social, or financial services programs.
- This work experience should include advanced knowledge of public health nutrition, or nutrition education paired with policy, system, and environmental interventions for low-income populations.
- A master's degree in public health or nutrition, social work, health or social science, public administration , or related discipline will substitute for 6 years of above work experience. A bachelor's degree will substitute for 4 years of above work experience.
- Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal assistance programs, CSD policies, and public health nutrition.
- Proficiency in project management, long-range planning, and establishing timelines and milestones.
- Effective in negotiation, conflict resolution, and managing complex projects from start to finish.
- Familiarity with Washington State Legislative process and organizational management principles.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, and ability to work independently.
- Proficient in using data to assess issues, evaluate options, and make sound decisions.
- Capable of building reports, maintaining spreadsheets, and using Microsoft programs.
This job is classified as a WMS1.
Interested? Please include:
- A letter of interest describing your experience coordinating or managing public assistance programs.
- A professional writing sample created during your career that demonstrates writing skills relevant to Basic Food or policy implementation of public nutrition programs (2 pages maximum).
- A current, chronological resume.
- A minimum of three professional references with contact information included on your application.
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.
#WeAreHiring #InclusionWorks
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
