Lead Finance and Policy Analyst - Budget Analyst III

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Weekly Hybrid Working Arrangements

Minimum 2 days in-office and Maximum 3 days Remote Work

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefits package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

The Division of Child Welfare (DCW) provides a range of leadership, management, and supervisory functions related to the delivery of public child welfare services to children, youth, and families. DCW provides administrative supervision for all child welfare programs in Colorado’s 64 counties and delivers technical support, monitoring, program improvement, regulatory oversight, and other quality assurance functions.

The Finance Unit ensures compliance with all applicable fiscal rules, policies, state statutes, and federal requirements across DCW. The Finance Unit manages DCW’s budget of over $574 million, including execution and oversight of contracts and purchase orders with vendors statewide.  In addition, the Finance Unit provides modelling of multiple funding streams for allocation of funding to counties to make child welfare services available to all children, youth, and families.

The Finance Unit exists to direct, lead, and supervise the county departments of human/social services and service providers in the fiscal operations of child welfare programs through development and implementation of new programs, policies and rules; training of county staff on fiscal policies and procedures; evaluation and provision of technical assistance to counties on systems issues and ongoing implementation; work with the General Assembly on legislative and fiscal initiatives; report to the federal government on implementation of federal funding programs; monitor county performance in their implementation of child welfare related to budget and funding issues; and allocate state and federal funds to the counties for their use in implementing child welfare service

This position functions as a fully operational senior-level Budget and Policy Analyst for the Division of Child Welfare (DCW), providing high-level fiscal, policy, legislative, and data analysis to support statewide child welfare programs and county-administered services. The position operates with significant autonomy and independent judgment in analyzing complex budgetary and policy issues, developing allocation methodologies, evaluating program performance, and interpreting legislative and regulatory changes.

The Budget and Policy Analyst serves as a trusted advisor to program leadership, the Division Finance Director, and counties, providing actionable recommendations that directly inform decisions about resource allocation, program rules, and policy development. The position translates complex financial and policy information into clear, actionable guidance, ensuring that DCW programs operate efficiently, equitably, and in compliance with statutory and fiscal requirements.

The position plays a critical and ongoing role in the Allocation Methodology Team (AMT), a subgroup of the Child Welfare Allocation Committee (CWAC), helping to design, test, and implement county allocation models that directly impact service delivery. It also ensures data integrity, evaluation of program outcomes, and accurate reporting to state and federal partners.

This role is imperative to the effective operation of the Division, bridging the gap between department objectives, county administration, and fiscal management. By providing evidence-based analyses, policy recommendations, and high-quality reports, the position enables leadership to make informed decisions that directly affect child welfare programs and outcomes across the state.

Summary of Job Duties:

Budget Development, Execution, and Fiscal Oversight - Leads the development, execution, and ongoing management of the Division’s budget for the statewide child welfare block grant and initiatives. This includes monitoring expenditures, projecting needs, analyzing caseload trends, and identifying fiscal risks to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and in alignment with program priorities.

This role provides direct support to program leadership and the Division Finance Director by independently preparing analyses, recommendations, and decision materials that inform strategic planning, annual budgets, and supplemental funding requests. This includes a variety of funding sources, including Title IV-E funds, the annual county block grant, and other funding sources. It is also a primary liaison to counties, providing authoritative guidance on allocation methodology, funding assumptions, and budget implementation requirements.

As part of the allocation development and in support of the Child Welfare Allocation Committee (CWAC), this position develops, evaluates, and maintains funding allocation formulas, including scenario modeling, forecasting, and validation to ensure that county allocations are equitable, accurate, and sustainable. The position exercises autonomy and professional discretion in designing analyses, interpreting data, and recommending changes to allocation methodologies, while ensuring compliance with state fiscal rules, procurement requirements, and statutory directives

Data Management and Evaluation - Leads data collection, validation, and evaluation efforts to guide evidence-based decision-making for DCW programs. Develops and applies metrics to assess program performance, financial integrity, and outcomes at both state and county levels.

Supports program leadership, the Finance Director, and counties by providing actionable insights into trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement. This includes monitoring service utilization, caseload growth, changes in provider rates, and expenditure patterns to guide both policy and operational decisions. This includes analysis across multiple funding sources, including Title IV-E funds and the annual county block grant. 

The position exercises autonomy and analytical judgement in identifying relevant data, selecting analytical approaches, and making recommendations based on the evidence. Ensures all analyses adhere to best practices for data integrity, consistency, and reproducibility, allowing leadership to make informed, data-driven decisions about program and budget priorities

Annual Reports - Develops and manages high-profile annual and ad hoc reports, including Joint Budget Committee Requests for Information (RFIs), Decision Item analyses, Annual Provider Rate Memos, and required state and federal submissions. Ensures data integrity, consistency, and transparency across reporting cycles.

Provides technical guidance to counties in completing surveys and submitting data, monitors compliance with reporting requirements, and reconciles anomalies to ensure accurate reporting. Reports generated by this position directly inform leadership, legislative committees, and federal partners and are relied upon for funding decisions, compliance determinations, and policy direction.  

This position exercises autonomy in determining reporting methodology, data validation, and presentation formats for complex financial and programmatic information, translating it into actionable insights for decision-makers.

 Legislative and Regulatory Analysis - Analyzes proposed and enacted state and federal legislation, regulatory changes, and budget items to determine their impact on DCW programs, funding, and county partners. Produces legislative and fiscal analyses, including House and Senate bill reviews and federal guidance interpretations.

During legislative sessions, evaluates multiple proposals with uncertain, interrelated, and potentially conflicting outcomes, identifying embedded statutory changes that could affect funding, reporting, or program implementation. Provides recommendations and scenario analyses to leadership to mitigate fiscal risk and ensure statutory compliance.  
The position exercises autonomy in determining legislative impacts, modeling assumptions, and recommending policy or budget adjustments. This work is essential for ensuring that DCW programs remain compliant, fiscally sound, and aligned with statutory intent.

Other Duties as Assigned - Performs other duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope, responsibilities, and classification of a Budget and Policy Analyst. These may include special projects, ad hoc fiscal or policy analyses, participation in cross-divisional workgroups, or support for emergent legislative, budgetary, or policy initiatives, including but not limited to provider rates, IV-E requirements, etc
Experience Only:
Seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) years

• Current, valid licensure as a CPA by the Colorado Board of Accountancy will substitute for the degree requirement and two (2) years of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following supplemental experience, competencies, and abilities are highly desirable for this position and may be considered in selecting the successful candidate: Strong understanding of government accounting and budgeting.

• Close attention to detail when drafting, proofreading, and revising written reports.

• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and a self-starter

• Comfortable self-managing competing priorities

• Highly organized with an emphasis on thorough documentation and process orientation

• Five (5) years of professional experience in public policy fiscal analysis, accounting, budget, contract creation and monitoring, procurement, and program administration, including familiarity with state and federal guidelines and programs

• Understanding of federal and state fiscal rules and procurement policies

• Ability to research and problem-solve independently and with a team

• Knowledge of the programs administered by the Division of Child Welfare

• Excellent writing skills so that information can be communicated in plain language

• Knowledge of federal program requirements, including reporting, administration, and procurement guidelines. 

• Experience with the Colorado Operations Resource Engine (CORE)

• Experience with the County Fiscal Management System (CFMS)

• Experience successfully communicating both verbally and in written form to high-level audiences

• Ability to gather, analyze, and present data for both technical and general audiences

• Excellent computer skills with desktop and mobile office productivity applications, and general tools such as Microsoft products, including Excel, and Google Suite 

• Ability to balance the needs and intent of the Federal and State guidelines with the needs of stakeholders

• Ability to creatively analyze and interpret information necessary to make decisions

• Experience working on projects with a team of peers

• Experience building decision items for legislation

Conditions of Employment

• Standard background check and reference check required

• 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.

• Motor Vehicle Check, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.

• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or a non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border

• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.  

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

1. Disclose that information on the application.

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

3. 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.

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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.

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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 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

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.

Required Supplemental Questions:

• (Multiple Choice) The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. 

  • Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

    • This information is available to me, and I have read this information.

    • I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

• Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application. Yes/No

• If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997…). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process.  If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application.

In the space below, please explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position. 

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support