Policy Analyst Program Manager II

Overview

Joining the Maryland Department of Human Services means becoming part of a statewide team of more than 5,000 employees working to improve the lives of over 1 million Maryland residents each year. The department provides economic assistance, preventive services, and support for children and adults, with a strong focus on innovation and better service delivery.

This role is a full-time contractual position at Grade 20, based at the Office of the Secretary-Policy Office, 25 South Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201.

Role Purpose

The Policy Analyst is responsible for analyzing, developing, recommending, and drafting human services policy within a unit that covers policy, legislative, and data functions. The position calls for sound judgment, discretion, strong written and verbal communication, and the ability to work with both quantitative and qualitative information to evaluate policy effects, spot trends, and support evidence-based decisions. The role involves close coordination with internal teams, government agencies, and outside stakeholders to help design, communicate, and carry out policies that improve outcomes for Maryland residents.

Key Duties

• Conduct policy analysis and review quantitative and qualitative data to understand how Maryland and federal human services laws, regulations, and court rulings affect policy decisions.
• Prepare, revise, and evaluate policy documents, regulations, and legislative proposals that support the Department’s information systems, CSA, FIA, and SSA.
• Offer technical guidance to internal and external partners on how policies should be interpreted and implemented.
• Track Maryland legislation as well as federal policy and legislative changes that may affect DHS programs and funding.
• Work with legislative, policy, and data teams to maintain compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Develop detailed memoranda and position papers on human services matters as needed.
• Convert complex policy ideas into clear recommendations for different audiences.
• Assist with grant applications and grant administration by aligning policy priorities with available funding opportunities.
• Act as a connector between the Policy Unit and other state agencies, federal partners, advocacy groups, and local service providers when assigned.
• Take part in policy workgroups, task forces, and interagency committees as directed.
• Lead or support special policy projects and implementation initiatives.
• Track deadlines, deliverables, and stakeholder involvement for policy projects.
• Use performance metrics to inform decisions and evaluate the results of projects and initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should hold a graduate degree from an accredited college or university, or possess equivalent professional experience, in public policy, public administration, social work, law, political science, economics, sociology, or a related discipline such as MPP, MSW, or JD.

Candidates must also have at least 2 years of professional experience in policy analysis, development, or implementation in a government agency, nonprofit organization, or a similar environment. Of that experience, 2 years must involve human services programs or populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience with both qualitative and quantitative policy analysis.
• At least 2 years of experience drafting or reviewing legislation, regulations, or internal policy materials.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to write concise policy briefs and present information to varied audiences.
• Ability to turn complex legal and policy material into practical recommendations.
• At least 2 years of experience working with internal teams and outside stakeholders such as government agencies, advocacy groups, and community partners.
• Strong planning and time-management skills with the ability to manage several projects at once and meet deadlines.
• Background in federal and Maryland human services policy and programs, such as child welfare, economic assistance, or child support, is highly desirable.
• At least 2 years of experience aligning policy work across both federal and state environments.
• Experience involving communities or stakeholders with lived experience to inform policy development.

Selection Process

Applicants should ensure the application clearly demonstrates how they meet the recruitment qualifications, as additional information submitted after the closing date will not be considered. Qualified candidates will be placed on an employment eligibility list, which may be used for future openings within this agency or other state agencies.

Benefits

Contractual staff who work for an agency included in the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract, and work at least 30 hours per week or an average of 130 hours per month may qualify for subsidized health coverage for themselves and eligible dependents. The employee pays 25% of medical and prescription premiums, while the State of Maryland covers the remaining 75%.

Optional benefits may include dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, with the employee paying the full premium for those options.

Leave for contractual employees may be earned at one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per calendar year.

Application Instructions

The department strongly prefers online applications. If online submission is not possible, applicants may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to the Department of Human Services, Recruitment Unit, Attn: Kendra Young, 25 S. Charles Street 1115-L, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

All mailed materials must include the applicant's name and job number and must arrive by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. A resume cannot replace the required application form.

If extra documents are required, uploading them is preferred. If uploading is not possible, the requested information may be emailed to [email protected]. Only materials specifically required for this recruitment will be accepted, and everything must be received by the closing date and time.

For questions about the recruitment process, contact 410-767-0603. TTY users should call through Maryland Relay. For technical issues with the user account or general questions about the online application system, contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Statement

Maryland is an equal opportunity employer and works to recruit, retain, and promote a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state. Candidates with disabilities and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Veterans are thanked for their service.