Budget and Policy Analyst IV

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 benefit programs operate in all counties in Colorado and are administered locally by the county departments of human/social services. The SNAP E&T Program operates in forty-five (45) counties. The Division supervises county departments of human/social services in the administration of these programs and is responsible for assuring that all counties are complying with the terms of their county policies and that they are in compliance with all federal and state statutes and regulations. Division staff write policies and rules; train county staff on policies and procedures and effective case management skills; provide technical assistance to counties on systems issues and ongoing implementation; work with the General Assembly on legislative and fiscal initiatives affecting the counties’ operation of the programs; report to federal government on implementation of federal programs; monitor county performance in their implementation of the programs; and allocate federal block grant 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.

This position represents the Division as the staff authority and definitive expert for the fiscal and policy administration of TANF, Adult Financial, and DEWS programs. The role develops, enhances, and implements advanced fiscal models and guidelines to manage multi-million-dollar program budgets. As a strategic partner to senior leadership, the position analyzes complex state and federal legislative changes, formulates advanced budget requests, and provides authoritative guidance to county executives and partner agencies. The position mitigates financial risks, negotiates solutions for competing fiscal interests, and directs the Division’s fiscal policy response to external stakeholders.

Primary Job Duties:

Strategic Financial Management & Staff Authority for Division Programs  - 

• Act as the definitive staff authority for Colorado Works/TANF, Employment First, and Adult

• Financial Programs' fiscal operations.

• Develop, enhance, and implement division-wide methodologies and processes for analyzing spending patterns, forecasting caseload trends, and establishing fiscal priorities.

• Direct the formulation of fiscal reporting strategies and deliverables due to the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB), the Joint Budget Committee (JBC), and the Works Allocation Committee.

• Lead inter-departmental consultations (with CDLE, DOLA, DOR, HCPF, CDEC and counties) to resolve

• complex, unprecedented fiscal policy conflicts.

• Provide executive-level guidance to the CFO and Division Directors regarding mid-year and year-end Maintenance of Effort (MOE) strategy and adjustments. 

• Regularly update internal trackers and manuals, including documenting processes and decisions made.

• Other budget process tasks as assigned.

 Legislative Strategy and Policy Development - 

• Represent the Division as the primary legislative and policy fiscal expert, researching best practices and defining strategic options for rule changes to senior leadership.

• Synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative data to direct policy formulation and draft critical fiscal notes and fiscal impact statements for proposed legislation.

• Provide policy recommendations to the Senior Policy Advisor and Division Director regarding the operational and fiscal impact of sweeping state and federal legislative overhauls. 

• Responsible for the tracking and monitoring of Departmental fiscal note requests to ensure timely submission to legislative partners.

• Review and coordinate fiscal note requests for potential impact to the Department.

• Develop professional relationships with internal partners, legislative coordinators, Governor’s Office staff, legislative staff, and other relevant stakeholders in the fiscal note process.

• Provide recommendations and policy guidance to the Budget Director, CFO, and other department

leadership.

• Collaborate with department staff to analyze issues, draft requests, edit documents according to

established guides, identify department-wide priorities and/or concerns, and reach resolution on policy issues.

• Discuss and explain agency requests and positions with internal and Governor’s Office staff.

• Responsible for the continued implementation and adherence to the guiding principles, roles, and

responsibilities of the Department and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting.

Data Systems Strategy and Program Evaluation  -

• Design, direct, and oversee the comprehensive framework for fiscal data management used for multi-million-dollar allocations, expenditure, monitoring, and predictive modeling.

• Autonomously evaluate the strategic efficacy of programmatic priorities based on deep analysis of the TANF Work Participation Rate, Caseload Reduction Credit, and participant spending metrics. 

• Provide authoritative training and direction to county executives and fiscal staff on funding optimization and structural changes needed to impact statewide metrics through presentations, one on one consultations, or Management Evaluations.

• Determine key partners and nurture professional relationships to ensure optimal development and

• implementation of projects.

• Perform other strategic budget and policy duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only: Eight (8) years of full-time professional work experience in an occupation directly related to state or governmental budgeting, fiscal policy, or resource planning.

OR

Education and Experience:

Education & Experience Combination: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, public policy, economics, or a closely related field plus 4 years of professional budget, policy, or fiscal analysis experience (totaling 8 years of combined education and experience).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Colorado Budgetary Process: Direct experience navigating the State of Colorado's annual budget cycle, including developing decision items for the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) and presenting to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC).

• Legislative Analysis: Demonstrated success in evaluating complex state/federal legislation and authoring legislative fiscal notes.

• Data Analytics & Tools: Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, and forecasting.

• Complex Funding Streams: Background in managing multi-sourced funding, federal grant management, cost allocation plans, and indirect cost recovery strategies.

• Executive Communication: Proven ability to translate intricate financial data into clear policy briefs and executive recommendations for department directors, legislators, and external stakeholders.

• TANF & Federal Funding Expertise: Direct experience managing multi-million-dollar federal block grants, specifically TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).

• MOE & Matching Requirements: Deep working knowledge of federal Maintenance of Effort (MOE) calculations, federal reporting mandates, and TANF transfer/reserve rules.

• County-Administered Allocation Models: Background in designing, evaluating, or auditing county allocation formulas for public assistance and economic security programs across Colorado's 64 counties.

• Human Services Systems Proficiency: Hands-on experience navigating Colorado human services platforms, such as the County Fiscal Management System (CFMS) or data interfaces with the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS).
  

• 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.     

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

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.

• 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.

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].

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.

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.