Policy Specialist

State of Iowa - Executive Branch

. Develop, revise, and implement evidence-based, legally compliant policies reflecting best practices across OCFS program areas .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeAugusta • Maine • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $61,194 - $86,403 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in policy development, policy writing, and project management within social services, with a strong focus on Child Welfare and Early Care and Education programs. Capable of conducting mixed methods policy research and utilizing data analysis techniques for informed decision-making.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Policy DevelopmentProject ManagementPolicy WritingData Analysis TechniquesMixed Methods Policy Research

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy DevelopmentPolicy WritingProject ManagementData Analysis TechniquesMixed Methods Research

Soft Skills

CollaborationEffective CommunicationStakeholder EngagementQuality Assurance

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Social WorkMaster’s Degree in PsychologyMaster’s Degree in Public Policy

Industry Keywords

Child WelfareEarly Care and EducationOCFS ProgramsLegislation MonitoringEvidence-Based Policies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, revise, and implement evidence-based, legally compliant policies reflecting best practices across OCFS program areas
Monitor legislation, policy, trends, research, and best practices nationally and in Maine
Lead policy research projects and present findings and recommendations
Draft and manage policy research deliverables, including policy briefs, presentations, fact sheets, and job aids
Implement periodic evaluation and revision of current OCFS policies
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, community partners, subject matter experts, and individuals with lived experience
Lead interagency working groups, developing strategies, agendas, presentations, and facilitating public meetings
Engage with OCFS training staff to implement policy-change training
Conduct quality assurance work and make recommendations on policy implementation
Manage projects within OCFS and with other departments or stakeholders
Support the Program Manager with other assigned duties

Requirements

What you’ll need

Eight (8) years of education and/or professional experience in social services
Preference for a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Policy, or a related field
Preference for demonstrated history in policy development, policy writing, and project management
Knowledge of Child Welfare, Early Care and Education, and Operations OCFS programs
Strong technical and policy writing
Familiarity with mixed methods policy research
Knowledge of data analysis techniques
Experience connecting data and research to policy and practice for data-driven decision-making
Ability to effectively and efficiently manage projects, including keeping project team members on task and projects on time
Resume and cover letter addressing the four competency areas
Documents must be submitted in PDF or Word format
Not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions

Benefits

Comp & perks

13 paid holidays
3+ weeks of vacation leave annually, with accrual increasing with years of service
Personal leave for overtime-exempt employees
12 days of sick leave per year
State-paid employee-only health insurance premiums at 85%-95%
Health insurance premium credit reducing employee-only premiums by 5%
State-paid employee-only dental insurance premiums at 100%
State retirement contribution equivalent to 14.06% of pay through MainePERS
Gym membership reimbursement up to $40 per month
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
Living Resources employee assistance program
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave
Additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account
Additional wellness benefits
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities