SNAP Initiatives Specialist

About the Unit

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) safeguards the health and well‑being of low‑income households by providing food assistance benefits redeemable for eligible items at authorized retailers. The SNAP Initiatives Unit implements federal policies in Colorado through regulation updates, system enhancements, training, and county support. The unit works with developers on system updates, interprets federal policy into state regulations, creates and leads trainings for a statewide audience, conducts case reviews, and provides support to counties via email, one‑on‑one training, and occasional site visits.

• Analyze and develop Volume IV rules, state statutes, and policy guidance documents; interpret and translate federal regulations into Colorado regulations, statutes, and guidance.
• Draft state regulations to implement changes in federal and state legislation, manage the draft through the rule‑making process, and review revisions for accuracy.
• Research and analyze policy initiatives, regulations, and processes; aid in the development of SNAP training materials.
• Provide technical assistance to county departments of human/social services and partners: troubleshoot cases, conduct onsite visits, coach/training, offer in‑depth policy analysis, assist in creating training materials, and give presentations to large county audiences.
• Identify and document needed system changes in the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS) related to SNAP; perform system user testing; ensure CBMS complies with state and federal SNAP regulations.
• Participate as a representative of SNAP Policy in future automation projects, providing clarification, interpretation, and guidance from a regulatory perspective.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the department’s vision and goals.

• Six (6) years of relevant experience in eligibility determination processing for SNAP, Colorado Works, Adult Financial, or Medicaid programs, or a combination of related education and experience meeting the six‑year requirement.

• Experience creating written products and verbally presenting those products.
• Experience utilizing the Colorado Benefits Management System.
• Interest in and experience conducting independent research into regulations, statutes, and policy.
• State service relevant to the position, considered as a preferred qualification.

• Hybrid position: minimum of two in‑office days at 1575 Sherman St.
• Background checks include CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, reference checks, professional license verification, and a drug screen.
• Travel required, including overnight stays.
• Position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application and throughout employment.

• Retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan and 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Employer‑supplemented Health Savings Account.
• Paid life insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
• Employee Benefit Hub Resource Center and Employee Wellness program.
• Work‑life programs such as flexible schedules and training.
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
• Possible qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL” of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. We encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success and encourages candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and serve them. In all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans) or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.