Legal & Regulatory Policy Specialist (Closes 6/21/2026)

Summary

The Legal and Regulatory Policy Specialist is a professional position within the Office of Developmental Supports (ODS), Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS). This position is responsible for understanding and recommending processes to comply with statutory, regulatory, and agency authorities, including the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, other County agency partners, the PA Office of Developmental Supports, and all state and Federal requirements

This position requires an organized, detail-oriented person who wants to ensure policies and procedures best support individuals with Intellectual Disability and/or Autism while protecting their rights. In addition, there is a focus on learning and navigating complex systems of legal rules, regulatory guidelines, and community resources. 

Finally, we look for this position to work with the Legal Connections, Support & Intervention (LeCSI)  Supervisor to develop innovative responses to identified gaps in coordination with cross-system partners within DHS.  

If hired for this position, you would be an employee of our partner agency, Community Family Advocate's working onsite at Allegheny County DHS.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a Compliance Matrix of all applicable Federal, State, and local statutes, regulations, and agency guidance affecting and shaping ODS’s work.
• Review all bulletins, announcements, and other ODP issued guidance and regulations. Analyze for impact on ODS, and provide updates to the appropriate teams, either in writing or through facilitating team meetings to discuss the effects of the guidance. 
• Assist in developing and formalizing procedures to ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements. Ensure procedures are updated according to new guidance as it is issued and formalize all processes and procedures in writing.
• Serve as a resource to all ODS teams for regulatory interpretation and ensure consistent policy and procedure format and application. Explain regulatory requirements, what procedures must be followed and why.
• Ensure all written Policies and Standards of Practice are developed and maintained as required by administrative authority guidance and office needs. This includes standardized forms.
• Coordinating and collaborating with DHS HIPAA compliance team and the Allegheny County Law Department to ensure all communications meet privacy law requirements.
• Plan and Coordinate appeals including County Conferences, PUNS Disputes, and Fair Hearings.
  • Track and analyze data to identify trends, efficacy of current programs, and ID/A service system gaps.

• Research and identify additional funding and grant resources potentially available to assist ODS to develop and innovate service delivery within the regulatory requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and group facilitation skills.
• Statutory and regulatory interpretation skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of ID/A supports and services.
• Good organizational skills, maintaining records both current and historical.
• Knowledge of child and adult serving systems within the Department of Human Services.
• Legal research skills a plus.
• Previous experience in the development of a multi-system service design preferred, and experience in policy, administration, and funding is a plus.
• Good computer skills, including data collection and analysis.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Master’s degree in public policy or related field, plus 1 year of practical experience.

-OR-

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public policy, or related field, plus at least 3 years of practical experience.

-OR-

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances.

-AND-

• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

Why DHS?

DHS is diverse, but we strive to be even more inclusive. This includes equity in hiring and advancement, as well as in unleashing the creativity and ideas of staff at every level of DHS. It has strong, assertive leaders. We do not hire yes-people.

You can make a big impact here. We stand out as one of the best human services organizations in the country. But we need problem-solvers, innovators, and terrific leaders to make sure we are smart in how we use our funding so that we reach the people who most need our help to make their lives better.

“DHS strives to be the kind of place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come to grow and do their best work.”

-From the organization’s statement on Equity and Inclusion

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER -M/F/V/D