FSSA Policy Specialist
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA):
The Division of Mental Health and Addiction within the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) sets care standards for the provision of mental health and addiction services to Hoosiers. DMHA is committed to ensuring that clients have access to quality services that promote individual, family and community resiliency and recovery.
The division also certifies all community mental health centers and addiction treatment services providers. DMHA operates six psychiatric hospitals (NeuroDiagnostic Institute, Evansville Psychiatric Children’s Center, Evansville State Hospital, Logansport State Hospital, Madison State Hospital and Richmond State Hospital). DMHA provides funding support for mental health and addiction services to target populations with financial need and administers federal funds earmarked for substance abuse prevention projects.
Role Overview:
The Policy Specialist serves as a key advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), providing expert guidance on policy development and strategic initiatives. This role facilitates collaboration across FSSA’s executive leadership and key divisions—including the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning, Division of Family Resources, Division of Aging, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, Indiana 211, and the Office of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs—to drive impactful policy solutions that enhance services and outcomes for Hoosiers.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
- Consult with agency to understand their communication needs, goals, and target audiences.
- Maintain content on the agency's social media outlets.
- Evaluate current communication strategies and materials to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Develop tailored communication strategies that align with client objectives and agencies best practices.
- Collaborate with clients to create compelling messaging, content, and narratives.
- Advise on media relations, and reputation management strategies.
- Provide guidance on the use of various communication channels, including digital media, social media platforms, and traditional media.
- Assist clients in preparing and delivering presentations, speeches, and press releases.
- Monitor and analyze communication outcomes and provide recommendations for optimization.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to execute communication plans effectively.
- Offer training and workshops to clients on communication best practices.
- Stay informed about industry trends, current events, and emerging communication technologies.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either
- a Master’s Degree and 1+ years of experience, or
- a Bachelor's Degree and 3+ year of experience, or
- an Associate's Degree and 5+ years of experience, ro
- at least 7+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role.
Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.
- Strong understanding of communication strategies, messaging, and audience segmentation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content.
- Proven experience working directly with clients to assess needs and provide strategic recommendations.
- Familiarity with digital marketing, social media, and emerging communication trends.
- Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
- Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
- Past successful communication campaigns, materials, and work.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
