Policy Development Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Job Responsibilities              Do you have a passion to provide meaningful work in the community. Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults. Then the South Carolina Department of Social Services has the right job opportunity for you.

Job Duties: The Policy Area Manager provides strategic leadership for the development, revision, and governance of agency-wide policy. This position is responsible for collaborating with program leadership across all divisions to draft, update, and maintain comprehensive policy documents that reflect current statutory requirements, practice standards, and organizational priorities. The Policy Manager oversees and directs the work of the policy team, ensuring effective workflow management, quality control, and timely execution of policy initiatives.

Under the direction of the Director of Policy and Engagement, the Policy Manager contributes to the establishment, planning, and implementation of strategic goals for the policy area, supports leadership in evaluating the policy implications of agency decisions, and ensures a consistent, coordinated approach to policy development across the organization. Supervises policy team operations by providing leadership, direction, and performance oversight for policy staff, ensuring effective workload distribution and high-quality deliverables. Directs the drafting, revision, and maintenance of agency-wide policy documents to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Oversees the policy governance processes by managing structured workflows, approval pathways, and documentation standards to support consistent and compliant policy management. Supervises policy team operations by providing leadership, direction, and performance oversight for policy staff, ensuring effective workload distribution and high-quality deliverables. Manages policy project timelines through the establishment of project schedules, monitoring of progress, and ensuring timely completion of multiple concurrent policy initiatives.

Supports strategic planning for the policy area by collaborating with the Director of Policy and Engagement to establish annual goals, track progress, and align policy work with agency priorities. Collects, monitors, and evaluates key performance metrics related to policy operations and agency initiatives; prepares comprehensive written reports and summaries; and presents findings to agency leadership through formal briefings and in-person presentations to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Provides agency coordination and oversight for the Citizen's Review Panel, including all administrative functions required to meet federal requirements.

Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum and Additional Requirements A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Social Welfare, Public Administration, Behavioral Science, or Human Services and three (3) years of professional experience. Additional Comments This application for employment with the SC Department of Social Services must be completed in its entirety.

A resume may be included; but shall not be substituted in lieu of the completion of this application in part or in whole. "See Resume" is not acceptable information for the completion of any part of the requirements of this application. If such is submitted, this employment application will be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded as eligible for consideration to hiring managers.

Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to and be able to operate a motor vehicle. Individuals must comply with necessary field work assignments. If you certify, by completion and submission of this application, that you possess educational credentials that qualify you for the available DSS positions, you will be required to provide a certified official transcript, if you are selected for job offer.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services offers an exceptional benefits package that includes: Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs DIVISION: Office of Strategic Planning & Innovation / Richland County