Senior Policy Advisor

The Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) resides under the Agency of Human Services (AHS) and has the same critical mission in mind: to improve the conditions and well-being of Vermonters and protect those who cannot protect themselves. The individuals and families that the Department of Mental Health (DMH) supports in Vermont's communities want the same things we all want; safe homes, close friends, loving relationships, good health, and something meaningful to do each day. Our job is to help them succeed.

The team at DMH is always striving to maintain the current level of services available in the system of care for Vermonters while continuing to seek opportunities that expand access to mental health services. The goal is to improve the consumer experience by increasing availability, reducing wait times, and reducing barriers to allow Vermonters and their families to receive the most appropriate care when and where they need it.

Do you enjoy analyzing and tracking state legislative activities? Do you thrive in a bustling environment and work well under pressure to meet deadlines? DMH is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor with exceptional policy analysis skills. This person is expected to be a strategic thinker who can engage in legal, economic, and regulatory mental health policy analysis. You will build relationships with the legislators, state leadership, community partners, the media, and Vermont citizens. You will need to be able to research policy, present policy options to senior leaders objectively, and pursue policy agendas. You do not need to be a subject matter expert for mental health services to be effective in this role. You need to be an effective facilitator with a knack for consensus-building while providing clear communication both verbally and in writing. The Senior Policy Advisor will track legislative actions, prepare and monitor testimony, and help build and implement the policy agenda that impacts Vermont's mental health system of care. The qualified candidate will be detail-oriented, excel in verbal and written communication, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

DMH operates on a hybrid work schedule that can be flexible to promote work-life balance and allow for teleworking several days a week, but this position does require travel.

This position, Senior Policy Advisor (Job Requisition #49779), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact .
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.

Duties are performed largely in an office setting, with some required travel for which private means of transportation must be available. Evening and weekend duty may be necessary. Some confrontational meetings with interest groups may occur, which will require good human relations skills and an ability to practice effective public participation techniques.

Master's degree in public administration, health, humanities or human services, or graduate law degree AND one (1) year or more experience in planning, policy analysis, business, public administration, health or human services where the duties include strategic planning, program evaluation and design, research and data analysis, or report writing and public involvement processes.
OR
Bachelor's degree in public administration, health, humanities or human services, AND two (2) years or more experience in planning, policy analysis, business, public administration, health or human services where the duties include strategic planning, program evaluation and design, research and data analysis, or report writing and public involvement processes.
OR
Associate's degree in public administration, health, humanities or human services, AND four (4) years or more experience in planning, policy analysis, business, public administration, health or human services where the duties include strategic planning, program evaluation and design, research and data analysis, or report writing and public involvement processes.
OR
Five (5) years or more experience in planning, policy analysis, business, public administration, health or human services where the duties include strategic planning, program evaluation and design, research and data analysis, or report writing and public involvement processes.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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