Job Description

Overview

Join the Department for Children and Families (DCF) and make a difference in the lives of many Vermonters as part of a dynamic team in the Commissioner’s Office at the center of some of the most challenging issues facing Vermont today. This position is best filled by someone who is driven to serve, passionate about DCF’s mission, and in search of a leadership growth opportunity. DCF seeks a Principal Assistant to provide high-level support to the Commissioner and other Department leadership staff. The Principal Assistant helps lead priority projects for DCF, involving a wide range of complex issues, and may serve as the Commissioners’ liaison to various internal and external partners.

The Principal Assistant duties are varied and performed with independence under the general direction of the Commissioner, assisting with, and sometimes leading, DCF priorities related to housing and homelessness, the high-end system of care for youth, workforce, staff health and wellness, equity, client services, systems, IT, and data to support and amplify upstream and cross departmental work.


Job responsibilities include:

• Serving as the Commissioner’s designee or liaison
• Responding to discrete high priority issues or complaints raised to the Commissioner from various sources, including the public, legislators, or within state government
• Being a trusted thought partner on policy and strategy
• Building and preserving relationships across DCF, AHS and State government
• Supporting and leading special projects related to DCF priorities such as:

• Workforce
• Housing
• Equity and Accessibility
• The high-end system of care for children and youth
• Systems: processes, policies, IT
• Client Services

• Supporting DCF legislative initiatives as requested or necessary
• Serving as an additional reviewer on communications and legislative reports
• Representing DCF on both internal and external commissions, committees, and teams
• Being a part of the Commissioner’s Team to effectively support and guide the 6 divisions in achieving their goals, in alignment with the DCF and AHS vision and missions

Mission:

The mission of DCF is to foster the healthy development, safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Vermonters. We provide benefits, services, and supports to 200,000 Vermonters every year, including children, youth, families, older Vermonters, and people with disabilities, carrying out the work with equity as a foundational guiding principle. You can help make Vermont a better place by being a part of the most challenging, yet rewarding, work you’ve ever done. The Department’s six divisions manage a diverse array of programs and services in support of our mission: Family Services, Economic Services, Child Development, Economic Opportunity, Disability Determination and Child Support. DCF has approximately 1,000 employees, with an annual budget of approximately $750 million.

Who May Apply

This position, Principal Assistant - Department for Children and Families (Job Requisition #51871) , is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Commissioner Chris Winters at [email protected].
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Compensation:

Starting salary for this Exempt position is anticipated to be $80,000, and is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Have the work/life balance you need with a results-focused schedule and a supportive hybrid work environment. Eleven paid state holidays, in addition to a robust benefits package. As an exempt position, it requires approval by the Governor and does allow for flexibility to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Travel to outside meetings is expected, for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required. Stress may be encountered from tight deadlines, conflicting opinions, and difficult subject matter. Some flexibility in work schedule and location is negotiable.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in health, human services, project management, communications, legislative affairs, public administration and/or other relevant fields is preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Inherent curiosity about how things work and an ability to question the status quo to improve systems and outcomes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Experience and ability to perform effective project management.
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, equitable practices.
• Knowledge of the legislative process in Vermont.
• Knowledge of the principles of office management and the ability to apply these principles to operations.
• Ability to read and correctly interpret laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective reports, both orally and in writing.
• Experience with high level policy development.
• Experience with media and public communications.
• Ability to work with sensitive documents and maintain confidentiality of information and records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of Department rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate will be well organized, have excellent oral and written communication skills, and have a broad knowledge of human services work.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.

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