Program Compliance Supervisor

The Division of Economic and Workforce Support (DEWS) is responsible for ongoing implementation of an array of Adult Financial Assistance Programs (Old Age Pension, State Burial Assistance, Aid to the Needy Disabled, Aid to the Blind,  (AND/AB) Supplemental Security Income, and Colorado Supplement), the Colorado Works Program, Employment and Workforce Development Services and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T). Adult Financial Assistance Programs provide a safety net for elderly and disabled indigent adults.  Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program is known as Colorado Works and is designed to assist participants to terminate their dependence on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage and to develop strategies and policies that focus on ensuring that participants are in work activities as soon as possible. The Colorado Works Program, in its design, also promotes investment in capacity building and prevention work to strengthen families, provides for positive youth development and healthy relationships. The program provides access to and support in a variety of activities, including education, job preparation, vocational training, internships and community service. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) provides federal resources to states for the implementation of employment and training programs that help SNAP recipients gain or improve in employment, to reduce dependency on SNAP, known as the SNAP E&T Program.

The programs operate in all counties in Colorado and are administered locally by the county departments of human/social services. The Division supervises county departments of human/social services in administering these programs and is responsible for assuring that all counties comply with the terms of their county policies and all federal and state statutes and regulations. Division staff write state-level policies and rules; train county staff on policies, procedures, and effective case management skills; provide technical assistance to counties on automated systems issues; work with the General Assembly on legislative and fiscal initiatives affecting programs operation; report to the federal government federal programs; monitor county performance; and allocate funds to the counties for their use in implementing the program. The Division is the primary link between the county departments of human/social services and the federal government on issues regarding welfare reform and disabled individuals receiving Social Security Insurance (SSI). The Division also works closely with other Divisions and Offices within the Department, other state agencies, the General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, and client advocacy organizations in the implementation of welfare reform.

What you will be doing:

This position exists to ensure the appropriateness of benefits and services delivered by county departments of social/human services in the Adult Financial and Colorado Works programs.  As a supervisor, this position  provides supervision for the work of  one work leads at the Social Services Specialist IV level and four program specialists at the Social Services Specialist III level to provide guidance, review the final work product, assure timely action for both county and CDHS responses, and collaborate with the unit manager to make recommendations regarding the implementation and supervision of the programs at the state and county level.   This position provides 64 counties and other stakeholders with interpretation and guidance of program policy, systems and technical assistance related to implementing Volume III rules and federal regulations at the state and county level. The supervisor makes recommendations to the manager for strategic planning purposes. In addition, this position is the appeals officer for the division.  As the appeal officer, the position is the subject matter expert reviews appeals and ensures all applicable policy is applied to agency decisions and exceptions are filed when appropriate.  This position takes action and issues expert opinions to the unit Manager that are used to make decisions related to CBMS system projects, training, and quality assurance requirements and processes. The position regularly involves project management working directly with executive management, division managers, and project staff to determine unit involvement, schedules, project expectations and outcomes, and project performance evaluation.  Responsibilities include project documentation, monitoring and reporting project spending and status, tracking accomplishments, resolving issues and change initiatives, analysis, oversight, and deliverables.  The supervisor oversees the execution of strategic directives given by the unit Manager, including:

1) Program monitoring and process implementation to assure that counties are complying with federal regulations, state statutes, CDHS State Board rules and regulations, and county policies.

2) Data system troubleshooting and modification.

3) Evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of program approaches and identify and recommend avenues to the unit manager to improve practices of the counties 

4) Provision of technical assistance and consultation to county staff.

5) Legislative, rule, policy, and other types of changes and provide analysis and recommendations for same.

6) Participation on task forces, committees or work groups to provide program, guidance and clarification, provide input on policy and legislative issues that have a direct impact on the program.

Primary Job Duties:

Program Monitoring, Oversight, Execution  - 

• Responsible for overseeing and leading the work unit in the execution of unit goals, objectives, and action plans that support the mission and vision of the Division.

• Supervises staff to meet project deadlines for the unit and ensures plans support timely completion. 

• Coordinates or delegates the responsibility of assigning and distributing work amongst staff with the unit’s work leads.

• Ensures the unit has the tools, resources, and training necessary to meet program goals effectively. 

• Coordinates services with unit work leads through management evaluations, site reviews (monitoring), technical assistance, over-the-shoulder support, tools, resources, assessment, and business process reengineering.  Collaborates with the unit manager to prioritize projects and workflow of the unit.  Relied on to issue expert opinions to the unit manager to ensure all program operations are in compliance with federal and State rules and regulations.  

• Develops reports on monthly unit progress and shares with the unit manager. 

• Coordinates and communicates the unit’s work with other divisions' work units.  

• Oversees the implementation of program improvement plans and/or county corrective action plans, as required. 

• Responsible for overseeing the statewide review and communicating to counties concerning overall compliance in meeting local, State, and Federal program compliance factors.

 Program Implementation - Interprets and applies state regulations and county level policies.  Recommends systems to evaluate and measure program performance.  Develop effective evaluation and monitoring tools and reports to analyze, report and communicate performance. Oversees the unit’s adherence of the unit manager’s strategic implementation of plans for continuous program improvement.  Delegates and assigns the coordination and communication of the work with local offices and community partners to work leads and/or unit staff, as appropriate.  Determines specific procedures and methodology required to respond to county requests for policy clarification, technical assistance, and timeliness efforts.  Acts as the appeals officer for the division.

Stakeholder Engagement & County Support  - Monitors and evaluates county and contractor program implementation through an assessment of agency operating processes, case reviews, and participant input via planned/targeted and random site visits. Determines potential risk and level of corrective action up to and including termination of funding/contract. Works with the entity to develop the specific corrective action and potential solutions required to regain compliance. Oversees the implementation and ongoing monitoring of program compliance and performance determining when compliance is achieved.

Staff Development & Supervision - Identifies and implements plans to increase Social Services Specialist’s skills and knowledge related to Adult Financial and Colorado Works programs and overall job skills.  Identifies and recommends training opportunities for Social Services Specialist’s.  Coordinates staff time off to ensure coverage at all times.  Addresses low-level performance concerns, if needed.  Ensures cross-training schedule is developed and implemented.  Identifies program needs, develops annual work plan for manager approval, and implements plan through assignment of tasks to Social Services Specialist’s.  Ensures the manager is informed of all program decisions and tasks as well as personnel accomplishments and concerns.  Responsible for hiring, coaching, mentoring and developing policy and administrative staff.  Make decisions regarding the pay, tenure and status of the Social Services Specialists in consultation with upper level management.  Provides guidance, develops written procedures and creates measures for evaluating, analyzing and monitoring program performance on a regular basis.  Writes performance evaluations.  Develops individual performance goals, objectives, and action plans that support the mission and vision of the Division and provides for individual growth and advancement. Creates systems for monitoring, reporting, and measuring accountability.

Other Duties As Assigned  - Performs other duties as assigned, based on the needs of the Department.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only: Eight (8) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position through a combination of human services experience, program or person management experience, researching, interpreting, and applying state and federal rules and regulations.

OR

Education and Experience: A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position through a combination of human services experience, program or person management experience, researching, interpreting, and applying state and federal rules and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership overseeing goals, objectives, & action plans

• Supervisory experience 

• COWINS Partnership Agreement: Relevant years of State service should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process. Part-time relevant years of State service will be prorated. 

• TRANSFERS ONLY: Relevant years of State service will be considered as a preferred qualification and given the weight of at least 15% of the overall score under the process.

• Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidate's position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior, or other posted competency 

Conditions of Employment:

• Standard Background ALL CDHS employees (non-direct contact):

  CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), and drug screen (commercial Driver’s license) 

• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position

• Travel:  May be required to travel to CDHS locations across Colorado.
  

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
  

  
  

  • Disclose that information on the application.

  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination, and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation:

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs. per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. 

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process:

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review 

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Your Work Experience/Job Duties:

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.     

Supplemental Questions:
Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email ([email protected]), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

•  Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

• How to apply to the State of Colorado(Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. 

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.