Job Location Detail: Remote Location - Olympia, Washington
Posting Date: 07/03/2024
Closing Info: Open Until Filled
Salary: $8,000 - $10,000 per month
Shift: First Shift
Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701_a11y.pdf )
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
At the University of Washington School of Social Work, we commit ourselves to promoting social and economic justice for poor and oppressed populations and enhancing the quality of life for all. We strive to maximize human welfare through education, research, and public service. We embrace our position of leadership in the field of social work and join in partnership with others in society committed to solving human problems in the twenty-first century.
The UW and the School of Social Work promote diversity and inclusivity among our staff, faculty and students; we seek applicants for this position who are committed to these principles and whose experiences have prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion and have given them the confidence to fully engage with audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.
Partners for Our Children (P4C) works to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families, especially those involved in the child welfare system. P4C pursues policy reform and systems change by conducting research and advancing evidence-informed policies, programs, and practices that promote healthy child development. Our activities include systems assessment, workforce development supports, program evaluation, intervention development and testing, data science and analytics, and public policy research, analysis, and advocacy at the state and federal levels. P4C is based on campus at the UW. We have the opportunity to leverage the academic community to optimize our work. We are an organization that seeks to advance diversity, equity, anti-racism and social justice. All staff are part of building an anti-racist organization, and we anticipate this person will contribute their talents as well.
The Public Policy Director for Partners for our Children (P4C) at the UW School of Social Work (SSW) will develop and execute strategies to influence public policy related to Child Welfare, Behavioral Health, and related social issues in Washington State. The Public Policy Director serves as a consultant to the SSW leadership team on matters of public policy while acting as the primary interface with the Washington Legislature and UW’s state and federal offices. The primary focus is on policy reform and advocating in the best interests of Washington’s citizens who rely on public social services. During legislative sessions, the Policy Director will maintain an active presence in Olympia.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Development (60%)
Identify and advocate for enhancements in Washington’s social programs, particularly those involving the public child welfare system, the public behavioral health system, and/ or poverty reduction efforts.
Work with the Associate Dean for Social Service Innovation and Partnerships, the SSW policy team, UW faculty and external partners to develop and advocate for evidence- based public policy, with an emphasis on historically underserved communities and tribal organizations.
Conduct briefings, and updates for legislators, their staff, and other interested individuals/organizations on relevant trends and innovations in social services.
Work with the 3 branches of government and staff when developing and advocating for statutory and/or practice changes and budget items related to children, youth, and families.
Work with state agencies when developing policy/budget priorities.
Participate in implementation, as appropriate, of statutory changes/budget items passed by the legislature.
Build partnerships between child welfare, TANF, early learning, and other relevant community-based agencies.
Plan, budget, and provide consultation regarding SSW’s public policy agenda.
Conduct political development activities including site visits with key elected officials and candidates for elected office.
Consult with external organizations to develop their own public policy capacity. Monitoring & Reporting (40%)
Monitor federal legislation. Identify and work in collaboration with relevant coalitions, professional societies, child welfare and other advocates, thought leaders, trade groups, employer groups and labor groups in WA State to provide leadership and focus in areas of mutual interest.
Track implementation of new social policy in areas of interest to SSW and monitor significant shifts in social policy or allocation of resources.
Work with the SSW policy team and the PDC to ensure compliance with state lobbying regulations. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Child Welfare Research, Political Science, Business or related discipline
5+ years of state-based government affairs, lobbying, political, direct service or public policy experience in child welfare Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated state government affairs experience and legislative
Experience in policy analysis, development and advocacy, as well as strategic coalition-building and mobilization
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Thorough understanding of state legislative process
Demonstrated ability to build and foster long-term relationships. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced degree in social work or related field
Content expertise in child welfare, anti-racism, behavioral health and/or anti-poverty work.
Work experience in local, state or federal policy realms
Demonstrated experience with coalitions
Experience passing legislation that advances interests of underserved communities CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Required – in person work and meetings in Olympia, WA, as needed. Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Higher Education
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