Lead Finance and Policy Analyst - Budget Analyst III

Budget And Policy Analyst

This position functions as a fully operational senior-level Budget and Policy Analyst for the Division of Child Welfare (DCW), providing high-level fiscal, policy, legislative, and data analysis to support statewide child welfare programs and county-administered services.

The position operates with significant autonomy and independent judgment in analyzing complex budgetary and policy issues, developing allocation methodologies, evaluating program performance, and interpreting legislative and regulatory changes. The Budget and Policy Analyst serves as a trusted advisor to program leadership, the Division Finance Director, and counties, providing actionable recommendations that directly inform decisions about resource allocation, program rules, and policy development.

The position translates complex financial and policy information into clear, actionable guidance, ensuring that DCW programs operate efficiently, equitably, and in compliance with statutory and fiscal requirements. The position plays a critical and ongoing role in the Allocation Methodology Team (AMT), a subgroup of the Child Welfare Allocation Committee (CWAC), helping to design, test, and implement county allocation models that directly impact service delivery.

It also ensures data integrity, evaluation of program outcomes, and accurate reporting to state and federal partners. This role is imperative to the effective operation of the Division, bridging the gap between department objectives, county administration, and fiscal management. By providing evidence-based analyses, policy recommendations, and high-quality reports, the position enables leadership to make informed decisions that directly affect child welfare programs and outcomes across the state.