Policy Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $52,100.00 - $60,000.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 189125
Agency: Department of Employment and Workforce
Division: Workforce Development
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Please apply online.
Class Code:: AH40
Position Number:: 60035844
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN09
Hiring Range - Min.: $52,100.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $60,000.00
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
About Us
Business is booming in South Carolina! Are you ready to be a part of developing and connecting the next generation of workers in this state? Year after year, experts pick our state as one of the best in the country for doing business. Just last year, South Carolina announced more than 8,000 new jobs and $9.12 billion in capital investment. Entrepreneurs are flocking to cities like Greenville, Charleston, Columbia, and Rock Hill to start and grow their businesses. And our hospitality industry is primed to take off as travelers from around the world continue to discover the beauty and accessibility of South Carolina's mountains and coast.
Here at the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), we are laser-focused on connecting every jobseeker who comes through our doors with their next great career opportunity! Are you looking for a meaningful position at an agency brimming with optimism and camaraderie that also offers job security, affordable health insurance, great retirement benefits, and work-life balance? If so, continue reading to discover your chance to make a difference at DEW!
Job Description
Do you enjoying supporting an organization through policy and procedure development?
Our Policy Development and Research Specialist will serve with the Workforce Policy and Technology Department within the Workforce Development Division. This role will provide on-going research and technical writing support for policy and procedure development for programs including Wagner-Peyser, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG), and Workforce Pell. An ideal candidate will take initiative on projects, work effectively with others toward a common goal, analyze and solve problems, and adapt as needs of the department or agency change.
Key Responsibilities
Under general supervision, the Policy Development Specialist will:

• Provide ongoing research and technical writing support for policy and procedure development for programs, such as the Wagner-Peyser, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Jobs for Veterans State Grants, and Workforce Pell programs.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to create policies that comply with federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Advocate for innovative policy recommendations that meet the needs of individuals, business leaders, and the local and state staff.
• Facilitate the communication of policy updates through webinars, forums, and trainings to stakeholders, subject matter experts, and the State Workforce Development Board for the continuous improvement
• Update public-facing webpages with current policies, memorandum, and manuals.
• Provide research support in the identification and coordination of grant opportunities for the agency.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
Education and Experience
A bachelor's degree OR a high school diploma and four years relevant experience. Superior analytic, writing, editing, and proofreading skills required.
An original writing sample, submitted with application. Use of AI in the writing sample will automatically disqualify the application.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing multiple projects and producing timely work products. Experience analyzing program needs and advising team on possible solutions.
Additional Comments
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
What is your highest level of education?

• Less than a twelfth grade education
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

02
How does your experience relate to this position?
03
Please confirm that you have attached an original writing sample with your application.

• Yes
• No

04
At SCDEW, a previous criminal offense or involuntary termination from prior employment are not automatic disqualifiers from employment. The agency takes the totality of a person's work history and background into consideration when making job offers. However, we do expect that individuals provide truthful and complete answers during the application process. Any misrepresentation could result in withdrawal of a pending job offer or termination of employment if selected for hire. By checking "yes" I am certifying that the work history listed on my application is accurate and that I have disclosed all involuntary terminations and any prior criminal convictions (excluding convictions occurring as a minor) regardless of age of offense.

• Yes
• No

05
How did you hear about this position with SC DEW?

• Indeed.com
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter
• SC State Jobs Website - careers.sc.gov
• NASWA Job Board
• SC Works Center Referral
• SC DEW Current or Former Employee
• SC DEW Recruitment Communication or DEW Recruiter
• Other

06
If "Other" selected, please specify.
07
The hiring range for this position is $52,100.00 - $60,000.00 per year. Are you willing to accept a position within that salary range?

• Yes
• No

08
Please provide the names, phone numbers, email addresses, and job titles of at least two (2) professional references that we may contact regarding your qualifications and experience. By providing this information, you consent to SCDEW contacting these individuals should you be selected for the position.
09
Will you be able to report to the office in Columbia, SC, five days a week?

• Yes
• No

10
Are you a veteran?

• Yes
• No

11
If yes, which branch of service? If no, enter "N/A".
Required Question