Planner IV

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well‑being, fostering self‑sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

This professional planner position will support the work of DSAAPD through high‑level planning, creation and review of policies at Division and Department levels; program development and strategic improvement; quality improvement; strategic planning; research; data analysis; exploration of national trends and best practices; and identification and execution of evidence‑based or innovative programs. The role will develop, implement, and coordinate emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery plans for both the Division and its network of service provider partners;

as well as handle the development, maintenance and implementation of the Division’s Occupational Health and Safety policies for Community Service staff.

• Analyze and assess data, problems, and issues and their impact on programs, plans or the current environment.
• Define and evaluate alternative uses of resources, viable options/approaches and anticipated costs and benefits, consequences and outcomes using present and projected information.
• Develop recommended course of action for public and private decisions in formal plans and policies including policy statements, budget allocations, regulations and/or legislation to affect and facilitate change and reach objectives.
• Formulate plans and policies to meet the social, economic, and physical needs of communities.
• Develop, promote and market strategies for the implementation of plans, policies and programs.
• Build consensus with community leaders, customers, advocates, and other affected parties via negotiations, mediation and facilitation.
• Involve and educate special interest groups, customers, and public officials via variety of forums, e.g., seminars, workshops, conferences, newsletters, assessments, and analytical reports.
• Coordinate planning activities and policies across state, regional, county and local levels; integrate with other entities outside the state.
• Provide technical assistance, training and education for understanding and managing change.
• Design and manage the planning process.
• Systematically evaluate the impact of plan implementation and incorporate findings into the ongoing planning process.

• At least three years of experience as a planner or in a planning function.
• Experience with responsibility for a complex planning project (complexity determined by discipline, population, fiscal impact, geographic area, social impact, planning horizon, public involvement, research and analysis, and project team nature).
• Experience serving as a subject matter expert in emergency management and planning.

This is a casual/seasonal position, non‑pension eligible, without healthcare and/or other benefits.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information. DHSS does not provide employment‑based sponsorship. All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation on their first day of employment.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.