Special Assistant

August 30, 2024

Department of Human Services

Washington

FULL TIME

Job Synopsis
This position is in the Department of Human Services (DHS) servicing the Office of the Director. This position supports agency initiatives that help economic and socially challenged residents of the District of Columbia to enhance their quality of life and achieve greater degrees of self-sufficiency. The position serves as Special Assistant to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer on strategic planning, racial equity, operations, strategy management, and policy issues. This position will also work closely with DHS' two administrations, the Economic Security Administration (ESA) and Family Services Administration (FSA), to develop and evaluate policies and programs, short- and long-range plans, and strategic proposals that advance the agency's overall direction and mission.
The incumbent is responsible for providing recommendations to resolve problems affecting agency's policies and programs; and actively participate in decision-making meetings concerning policy and programmatic operations, goals and objectives to successfully accomplish the agency's mission. The incumbent is expected to exercise a high degree of independence in assisting and advising the Executive Official in carrying out important functions of the DHS.
About DHS
It is the mission of DHS to empower every District resident to reach their full potential by providing meaningful connections to work opportunities, economic assistance, and supportive services. Our approach to preventing homelessness and supporting individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness is focused both on systems-level reforms and on the quality of the programs and supports within that system. These efforts include creating economic opportunity, making our neighborhoods safer, and providing more effective and efficient government services. This job announcement may be used to fill any future vacancies throughout the DC Government, Department of Human Services (DHS).
Duties and Responsibilities
Develops targeted organization strategies, and works with other organizations to accomplish the goals and objectives. Develops analytical and special reports for the Executive Official to be forwarded to other internal and external officials. Initiates recommendations for improved procedures for greater efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. Advises the executive official of existing problems and recommends solution/alternatives. Recommends to the Executive Official new policies needed for the effectiveness of the organization in carrying out its mission. Conducts research and fact-finding investigations, and analyzes, interprets and documents projects. Establishes priorities and follows through on major projects to ensure that deadlines are met before matters are referred to Executive Official.
Identifies problems and specific issues in a particular area, advises the supervisor, and recommends solutions or alternatives. Plans, develops and coordinates special projects and assignments. Studies, coordinates and recommends resolution of major short- and long-term management and operational problems which have surfaced that are not systematic in nature. Coordinates management projects, ensuring that projects are carried out in a timely manner, and in accordance with established policies and procedures. Develops and/or facilitates improvement projects with objectives and tasks, establishes completion timelines, and monitors implementation.
Qualifications and Education
Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
License and Certifications
None.
Working Conditions /Environment
The work is primarily performed in the normal office setting.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday; 8:30am – 5:00pm
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-301-13
Promotional Potential: None
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered by a collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation: This position has been designated as Security Sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.
Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency. Employees occupying positions designated as Emergency are required to:

Provide advice, recommendations, and/or specific functional support necessary for the continuity of operations during a declared emergency.
Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor), if activated, when a situation or condition occurs and results in early dismissal for nonessential/non-emergency employees.
Report to their duty station, when activated, on time and as scheduled when a situation or condition occurs during non-work hours, and results in the late arrival or closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
Telework during a declared emergency, instead of remaining or reporting to his or her duty station, if directed by the agency head (or designee), supervisor or manager.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.