Policy & Planning Lead — Child & Family Services

State-of-Maine; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 61,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2% recruitment stipend

Job summary

State of Maine's Department of Health and Human Services seeks an OCFS Policy & Planning Specialist II to develop and revise evidence-based policies. You will monitor legislation, lead policy research, and collaborate with stakeholders to inform policy changes across OCFS programs.

The role focuses on ensuring legal compliance, evaluating policy impact, and coordinating interagency efforts to advance child and family services nationally and within Maine.

Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of education and/or professional experience in social services.
• Master’s Degree preferred in Social Work, Psychology, Public Policy, or related field.
• Strong policy writing and project management experience.
• Experience with policy development and data-informed decision making.

Responsibilities

• Develop, revise, and implement evidence-based policies that are legally compliant and reflect best practices across OCFS program areas.
• Monitor legislation, policy trends, research, and best practices nationally and in Maine.
• Lead policy research projects and deliver policy briefs, presentations, and fact sheets.
• Implement a system of periodic evaluation and revision of OCFS policies.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts to inform policy revisions.
• Lead interagency working groups and prepare strategy, agendas, and presentations for public meetings.
• Engage with OCFS training staff to implement trainings regarding policy changes.
• Conduct ongoing quality assurance to assess policy implementation and results.
• Manage OCFS projects, coordinating with other departments and stakeholders.

Skills

Policy development

Policy writing

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Research and data analysis

Policy analysis

Education

Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Policy, or related field

Job description

State of Maine's Department of Health and Human Services seeks an OCFS Policy & Planning Specialist II to develop and revise evidence-based policies. You will monitor legislation, lead policy research, and collaborate with stakeholders to inform policy changes across OCFS programs.

The role focuses on ensuring legal compliance, evaluating policy impact, and coordinating interagency efforts to advance child and family services nationally and within Maine.