Executive Policy Specialist 1 - Central

Are you passionate about creating a lasting impact on the accessibility of health care for Pennsylvania's rural residents? This Executive Policy Specialist 1 position invites you to step into a key role within the Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Policy Development, where you will synchronize regional innovation with statewide goals. You will serve as the essential connection between local health care leaders and the Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP), fostering the cooperation necessary to solve complex community challenges. We are seeking a dedicated professional who thrives on building consensus and driving regional progress through collaborative excellence. Join our team and help us redefine rural health!

As an Executive Policy Specialist 1, you will support the implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP) at the regional level, ensuring alignment between program goals and local needs. Serving as one of eight regional specialists within the DHS Office of Policy Development, you will report to the RHTP Director and work closely with the central RHTP team and various regional partners. Your role is essential in coordinating regional efforts and facilitating clear communication across the Commonwealth. A primary responsibility of this position is supporting the establishment and convening of Rural Care Collaboratives (RCCs). These regional partnerships identify local priorities and drive RHTP activities. During the initial implementation phase, you will play a key role in organizing stakeholders to build regional coordination. As these collaboratives become established, your focus will transition to a facilitation and monitoring role to ensure ongoing cooperation.

While this position is central to regional success, you will not assume decision-making authority over local initiatives or direct RCC activities. Instead, you will serve as a vital link between regional stakeholders and state-level objectives. Your work will be assigned based on program priorities and regional requirements, with performance evaluated through regular progress updates and the analysis of program outcomes. Through these coordination efforts, you will help advance the delivery of rural health services across your assigned geographic area.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours will range from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. The selected candidate may determine a work schedule.
• Travel: Frequent travel within the Central Region (Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties) is required. The position requires consistent on-site engagement across the region and is not primarily office-based.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of policy analysis and planning experience; and a bachelor's degree in policy analysis and planning, public administration, or a closely related field; or
  
• A master's degree in policy analysis and planning, public administration, or a closely related field; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
  

• You must reside within Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, or Union County.
• You must possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualification (not required):

• Strong experience in program coordination, grants management, or stakeholder facilitation

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.