Policy Fellow, Technology and Analytics

The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is a nonprofit, bipartisan membership organization whose mission is to advance the well-being of all people by influencing modern approaches to sound policy, building the capacity of public agencies to enable healthy families and communities, and connecting leaders to accelerate learning and generate practical solutions together. At the core of APHSA’s mission is our commitment to advancing equity. At APHSA, we have a clear vision to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We embrace a culture where differences are valued and drive our organization forward.

APHSA is looking for a strategic thinker interested in how data, technology, and IT systems can transform the way government can improve the lives of people and communities and provide access to the foundational building blocks of well-being. The ideal candidate believes deeply in public service, finding common ground, and partnering across sectors to advance change. This person must be able to dive into technical details to align systems, increase interoperability, and use data to advance more responsive, human-centered services; yet be eager to look at the big picture and consider how broader policy and practice shifts can accelerate work at the ground level. Must be a self-starter, enjoy working with people from different perspectives, and are ready to learn. This is an 18 month position.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Policy Fellow, Technology and Analytics, is responsible for driving APHSA’s national efforts to advance modern platforms that create efficiencies and support informed decision-making within state and local human service agencies. The position will be split evenly between two general bodies of work – (1) supporting APHSA’s engagement with state and local agencies, industry and research partners, and other key stakeholders to influence adoption of federal policies and best practices in use of data and technology to improve human services programs (including, but not limited to child welfare, SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and child care); and (2) supporting a focused effort to better align SNAP and related child nutrition programs through adoption of technology to increase access to services and reduce hunger.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Major Responsibility #1: Support and distill best practices from Coordinating SNAP and Nutrition Supports to Reduce Child Hunger demonstration projects (50%)

• Document strategies, challenges, and lessons learned from six funded state and local demonstration projects implementing changes to systems, interoperability, and data analytics.
• Provide technical assistance to grantees and help connect sites with external subject matter experts to remove barriers to implementation and explore new opportunities.
• Distill policy recommendations for federal actions that would help accelerate broader adoption of technology and analytics improvements that result in improved access to nutrition services.
• Provide consultation and support to project funder (Share Our Strength / No Kid Hungry) on federal policy agenda and areas of strategic investment in state and local nutrition program systems.

Major Responsibility #2: Serve as APHSA’s primary analyst on human services technology, data analytics, and interoperability needs (25%)

• Actively monitor federal and partner resources on guidance, rulemaking, legislation, research, and related information on human services IT and systems infrastructure
• Develop written and oral analysis of relevant data and technology policy proposals impacting the human services space, including but not limited to SNAP, TANF, child welfare, Medicaid, and childcare.
• Analyze and recommend strategies to align IT infrastructure investments in human services with related systems such as Medicaid, workforce development, public health, and education.

Major Responsibility #3: Engage APHSA members and strategic partners to advance APHSA’s system modernization priorities (25%)

• Support and participate in APHSA peer communities hosted for state and local human services agencies, including the IT Solutions Management (Chief Information Officers), Data and Evidence Learning Community (Chief Data and Evidence Officers), and programmatic affinity groups as needed based on technology and data priorities.
• Support and participate in APHSA’s formal and informal communications with key industry, community, and research partners and peer associations.

Liaise with federal stakeholders responsible for setting policy and guidance on human services data and technology issues.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of BA/BS degree and minimum of 3-5 years work experience, preferably with or consulting for a local, state, or federal government agency.
• Proficiency in software development processes and models used (agile, waterfall, etc.); experience with the software development lifecycle within human services programs preferred.
• Basic knowledge and interest in learning more about federal financing of human services and nutrition programs
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail to keep projects on track and on time.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present in front of both small and large audiences is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with different stakeholders in a bipartisan manner to achieve shared goals.
• Experience incorporating perspectives of multiple communities and knowledge of how concepts of structural racism and bias impacts underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Willingness to travel (up to 15%) as public health considerations permit

OTHER BENEFICIAL SKILLS: 

Familiarity with and experience in the US health and human services system is a plus- otherwise the capacity to develop a working knowledge of the US health and human services system, including policies, programs, practices, innovations, and opportunities.

APHSA’s dedication to promoting diversity, racial equity, multiculturalism, and inclusion is clearly reflected in how we work and support our employees and members.  It is more than a commitment—it is the foundation of how we do what we do. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and recognize that building well-being starts with creating a space where our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic, unique selves to work.

The position is remote position with occasional visits to the home office based in Arlington, VA. Please apply with resume and  cover letter, including your salary requirements .

Please submit resume and cover letter using link or visit our Career Center on our site at www.aphsa.org.