DSHS HCLA Legislative and Policy Analyst

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington’s DSHS HCLA is seeking a Legislative and Policy Analyst to drive policy analysis, coordinate legislative activities, and advise executives on long-term care policy implications. The role focuses on interpreting bills, tracking hearings, and guiding responses to legislative sponsors to influence department initiatives.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in long‑term care policy, with deep knowledge of Medicaid laws and related regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in political science, public administration, business administration, social work, health or social science, or related field.
• At least 5 years of work experience in the long-term care arena including Medicaid laws, regulations, and policies.
• Advanced-level policy analysis and subject matter expertise for DSHS/HCLA.
• Ability to explain legislation and policy to diverse audiences including the public, stakeholders, tribes, and state agencies.
• Ability to coordinate meetings with legislative sponsors, stakeholders, and tribes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis to support policy and program development.
• Provide advanced policy analysis, technical assistance, and subject matter expertise to DSHS/HCLA staff and partners.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on legislative and policy matters with potential impacts on programs.
• Explain legislation and policy impacts to the public, stakeholders, tribal governments and agencies.
• Coordinate meetings with sponsors, stakeholders, and tribes to support department requests and legislation.

Skills

Policy analysis

Legislation analysis

Stakeholder coordination

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

DSHS HCLA Legislative and Policy Analyst

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) has an amazing opportunity for someone who is well-versed in legislation, enjoys following bills through as they become laws, and coordinating the legislative activity of a large Administration within DSHS.

While each day will be include different tasks, during the legislative sessions, you’ll find yourself at your most busy. During legislative session, this position assigns, coordinates and reviews bill analyses daily and tracks progress on bills and hearing schedules to ensure the administration and the department is on top of all potential legislative impacts! This position works with other leadership in the Management Services Division, to coordinate questions from Legislative members and staffers.

Some of What You’ll Do

• Conduct research and analysis to support informed policy and program development
• Provides advanced-level policy analysis, technical assistance and subject matter expertise to DSHS, HCLA staff, and business partners
• Subject matter expert on legislative and policy matters where information can be unfamiliar to the department or unclear in intent but where decisions potentially impact programs
• Clearly explain different pieces of legislation and their policy and financial impacts to the public, stakeholders, tribal governments and state agency partners.
• Coordinate meetings with legislative bill sponsors, stakeholders, and tribes in order to garner support for department legislative requests as well as track and implement legislation that passes each session.
• Responsible for influencing decisions affecting the administration's key initiatives
• Provide expert advice and guidance to the Assistant Secretary and executive management.
• Coordinate HCLA responses back to our legislative partners.

Who we Want As Our New Analyst

Knowledge

Bachelor's Degree in political science, public administration, business administration, social work, health or social science, or related field

AND

At least 5 years of work experience in the long-term care arena including experience working with state and federal Medicaid laws, regulations, and policies related to long-term care Medicaid programs.

Skills and Abilities

At-least 5 years of work experience at an increasingly challenging and accountable level that demonstrates an advanced level of expertise in the following areas:

• Ability to analyze legislation and prepare responses both at a policy and operational level
• Ability to conduct and interpret research and provide advice and guidance to senior management
• Ability to make critical decisions; follow through with implementation and modifications as necessary
• High-level skill in both oral and written communication with consumers, professional staff, managers and legislators. Must have ability to collaborate with other divisions, administrations and business partners and work with diverse groups and facilitate meetings and group discussions
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to coordinate multiple projects to meet legislative and administration deadlines.

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 08072? Contact [e-mail].

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 [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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