Public Assistance Consultant

Division of Program Oversight & Grant Administration

Recruitment # 250221-6645SH-001

Location Hartford, CT

Date Opened 2/26/2025 12:00:00 AM

Salary $86,918 - $110,175/year (*New State Employees start at the minimum of the salary range)

Job Type Open to the Public

Close Date 3/6/2025 11:59:00 PM

Go Back Apply View Benefits (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits)

• Introduction

Ready to make a real impact? Join DSS as a Public Assistance Consultant and help shape policies, improve programs, and drive positive change for Connecticut residents—while enjoying competitive benefits and flexible telework options!

The State of Connecticut (https://portal.ct.gov/) , Department of Social Services ( DSS (https://www.connect.ct.gov/access/jsp/access/Home.jsp) ) is recruiting for Public Assistance Consultants (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=6645SH&R1=&R3=) for the Division of Program Oversight & Grant Administration. This recruitment will be used to fill openings that are currently available as well as those that are expected to become available in the near future. These positions will be located in our Central Office at 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT. This full-time, 40 hour per week position is first shift, Monday through Friday. Telework usually offered at the maximum level permitted by state and agency policy.

Why Join Us? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6n9M1Qd5fo) Be part of a world-class team committed to excellence and innovation, where your work has a meaningful impact on the lives of Connecticut residents. Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work environment with telework options, along with a competitive compensation and benefits package.

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits) page!

• Work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 (https://portal.ct.gov/das/press-room/press-releases/2023/forbes-state-of-ct-ranked?language=en_US) - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule.

  Who We’re Looking For We seek candidates with expertise in data analysis, legal research, and contract management. Experience in policy development, public speaking, and leading successful programs or projects is crucial. Strong budgeting and operational planning skills are required, along with the ability to create clear and accessible mentorship materials for diverse audiences. Responsibilities

• 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 run contracts to maintain regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and program effectiveness.

• Develop and analyze public program policies, preparing proposals to improve service delivery and policy outcomes.

• Present information clearly and effectively to groups of 10 or more, ensuring engagement and comprehension.

• Lead programs or projects, ensuring successful implementation, alignment with goals, and measurable impact.

• Develop budgets and operational plans to maintain financial oversight and optimize prioritization.

  PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

  In the Department of Social Services this class is accountable for coordinating program/policy planning, development, implementation and monitoring for a major agency project, program or initiative.

  EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Coordinates program/policy planning, development, implementation and monitoring for a statewide program, program initiative, or project;

• Leads project teams or participates in program development, implementation, and monitoring activities;

• Develops budget estimates and performs cost benefit analyses;

• Analyzes and evaluates existing and proposed programs/policies to determine feasibility and impact on quality of service;

• Conducts trends analysis and quantitative analysis regarding program operations and fiscal issues;

• Develops requests for proposals, selects or participates in the selection of vendors, develops contracts, monitors contracts and approves payments;

• Develops spending plans for contracted services;

• Negotiates with federal officials and develops waivers of federal regulations for state public assistance and health care initiatives;

• Negotiates with outside legal representatives and responds to challenges of programs criteria;

• Analyzes federal and state statutes, regulations, etc. for program impact;

• Coordinates activities of project or program staff to meet program goals and project deadlines;

• Prepares comprehensive reports on the status of planning and program development efforts;

• Acts as liaison with state, federal and community agencies regarding assigned programs/projects to ensure service delivery and provide problem resolution;

• Provides technical assistance to field staff;

• May draft legislative proposals for agency program initiatives;

• May prepare draft regulations and coordinate regulations review process for assigned program areas;

• May conduct public hearings regarding proposed policy changes;

• May testify before legislative committees regarding agency or legislative program initiatives;

• May provide support to regional/central office operations by translating program requirements into data system specifications and testing and releasing changes in operating systems based on changes;

• May provide support and technical assistance to system users including training in new procedures;

• Performs related duties as required.

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of

• social services programs;

• relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations;

• principles of public administration;

• Knowledge of community organizations and social service agencies;

• Considerable

• interpersonal skills;

• oral and written communication skills;

• Considerable ability to plan, organize, and coordinate complex programs;

• Ability to interpret complex written material including legal narrative, legislation and regulations and assess the impact of these 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.

NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a(n) 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 on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for 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 (1) additional year of the General Experience.

  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in 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 with leading a program or project.

• Experience with developing budgets or operational plans for a program.

• Ability to write guidance for both low reading level populations and executive level groups.

  Conclusion

  AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/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.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

  As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

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