Technical Assistant Lead (Safety Net Policy)

Technical Assistance Lead (Safety Net Policy)

Westat Insight is seeking a Technical Assistance Lead to provide policy support and technical assistance for State and Federally administered Safety Net programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and other nutrition assistance and human services programs. Experience working on SNAP policy, particularly for Federal and/or State agencies, is preferred for this position.

For 20 years, Westat Insight has provided high-quality, nationally recognized research, policy support, and technical assistance services to government, philanthropic, and nonprofit clients.  Our mission is to improve peoples' lives through better policy, improved programs, and meaningful research.  Key practice areas include food and nutrition, education, health, family support, and workforce development.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, we offer full-time telework, outstanding potential for growth, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits in a collegial, family-friendly environment. Through our organization and our work, we strive to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. For further information about our projects and information about our work and corporate culture, please visit our website at www.insightpolicyresearch.com.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical assistance and policy support in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.  Help manage project schedules, including multiple overlapping deadlines and work with a team to ensure project activities are completed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Conduct tasks including:
  • Analyze policy, regulations, and operations of nutrition assistance and other Safety Net programs (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, etc.). Apply a thorough understanding of federal policy, state operations, and the needs of program clients to help inform policy and improve service delivery.
  • Review state and local program operations for compliance with federal policy requirements.
  • Help lead meetings, facilitate discussions, and conduct interviews that build trust and engage diverse perspectives to inform policy and program recommendations.
  • Draft policy guidance, handbooks, and toolkits and help develop and present trainings to improve policy implementation.
  • Author project deliverables and status reports.
• Work with a team to help develop new project proposals.
• Mentor staff and help lead project teams.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with federally and state administered social Safety Net program policy and operations (e.g., SNAP, TANF, Medicaid).
  • Experience researching and analyzing policy, including statutes, regulations, and relevant program data and economic data.
  • Demonstrated experience with social Safety Net program policy, certification and case management systems, and/or quality control processes.
  • Experience developing tools (handbooks, toolkits, process maps) to help Federal, State, or local programs improve policy compliance and/or program delivery.
  • Experience engaging with FNS and other States through national associations and workgroups advantageous.
  • Experience working on policy for a State human service agency responsible for administering SNAP advantageous.
  • Experience with process improvement methods and/or Human-Centered Design advantageous.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex policies to both expert and lay audiences.
• Experience presenting and/or training on complex topics.
• Strong project management skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and practice.
• Five years relevant experience. Bachelor’s or graduate degree in related field preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish advantageous.
• Experience as a program participant in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid advantageous.

EEO

At Westat Insight, we value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, people of color, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, and veterans to apply. Insight is a committed equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race; color; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; religion; national origin; marital status; pregnancy or parental status; military or veteran status; medical condition; disability; or any federal, state, or local protected class. We do not tolerate discrimination based on any of these characteristics.

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