Special Assistant

This position is located in the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of the Director (OD). The mission of the D.C. Department of Human Services is to provide meaningful and equitable services, supports, and access to resources for District residents to realize their goals. The incumbent in this role serves as advisor to the Executive Official, having both internal and external responsibilities ranging from implementing the organization's strategic priorities to advising the Executive Official on controversial issues and matters having policy and programmatic impacts. The Special Assistant exercises a high degree of judgment in making major decisions regarding project priorities, and the order in which to accomplish them; and assuring that the organizational needs are met, and objectives and overall goals are achieved.

About DHS

The mission of the DHS is to provide meaningful and equitable services, support, and access to resources for District residents to realize their goals. Our approach to preventing homelessness and supporting individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness is focused both on systems-level reforms and on the quality of the programs and supports within that system. These efforts include creating economic opportunity, making our neighborhoods safer, and providing more effective and efficient government services.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Special Assistant develops and coordinates special assignments and projects. Studies, coordinates and recommends resolution of major short- and long-term management and operational problems, which have surfaced that are not systematic in nature. Oversees and coordinates management projects, ensuring that projects are carried out in a timely manner, and in accordance with established policies and procedures. Develops and/or facilitates improvement projects with objectives and tasks, establishes completion timelines, and monitors implementation.

The Special Assistant develops sources of information; identifies policy matters; coordinates and/or performs in-depth analyses of critical issues; analyzes the consequences of adopting various proposals and policies; and forecasts developments potentially affecting administrative services and activities. Develops options and alternatives; coordinates findings and recommendations with other interested/affected parties; and, as necessary, prepares and delivers written and oral presentations.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

None

Working Conditions/Environment

The work environment includes an office setting and the work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0301-14

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Permanent

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining unit.

Position Designation: The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations, Suitability – Security.

Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency. Employees occupying positions designated as Emergency are required to:

• Provide advice, recommendations, and/or specific functional support necessary for the continuity of operations during a declared emergency.
• Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor), if activated, when a situation or condition occurs and results in early dismissal for nonessential/non-emergency employees.
• Report to their duty station, when activated, on time and as scheduled when a situation or condition occurs during non-work hours, and results in the late arrival or closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
• Telework during a declared emergency, instead of remaining or reporting to his or her duty station, if directed by the agency head (or designee), supervisor or manager.
• Carry or wear their official District government ID card during the period of the declared emergency, if not teleworking.

Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona-fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7 year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.