SNAP Initiatives Specialist
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Salary
$58,872.00 - $76,536.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IHA 00421 06/04/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OES (Office of Economic Security)
Opening Date
06/08/2026
Closing Date
6/22/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
1575 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203, USA
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
roni.schad@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT COLORADO RESIDENTS
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
About this Unit:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) exists to safeguard the health and well-being of low-income, financially eligible households by providing food assistance benefits redeemable for eligible items at authorized retailers. SNAP operates in all counties, certifying and authorizing issuance of benefits to approximately 330,000 households monthly. In a state-run, county-administered system, the SNAP Initiatives Unit is responsible for implementing the federal policies in Colorado through regulation updates, system enhancements, training, and county support. This involves working with developers on system updates, interpreting federal policy into state regulations through the rulemaking process, creating and leading trainings with a state-wide audience, conducting case reviews, and providing support to counties through email, one-on-one training sessions, and occasional site visits. The SNAP Initiatives Unit is part of the SNAP Program Unit within the Food and Energy Assistance Division of the Office of Economic Security.
Description of Job
Please Note: Hybrid Position with a minimum of 2 required in-office days @ 1575 Sherman St .
These requirements are subject to change.
This position provides county support for the administration of the SNAP program in Colorado through interpretation of federal and state rules, including training, technical assistance, program and policy information, clarification, and general program assistance to county staff responsible for the administration of all components of SNAP in accordance with federal guidance.
Primary Job Duties: Summary of Policy and Rule Research and Development :
Responsible for policy analysis and development of Volume IV rules, state statutes, and other policy guidance documents. Interprets and translates federal regulations and laws affecting SNAP for application in Colorado regulations, statutes, and guidance documents. Drafts state regulations to implement changes in federal and state legislation and/or other program rules, and manages the draft regulation through the rule-making process. Reviews regulation and policy revisions and drafts for accuracy. Researches and analyzes policy initiatives, regulations, and processes. Aids in the development of SNAP training materials.
Summary of County Support:
Responsible for a range of support for county departments of human/social services and their partners, such as: providing technical assistance in the form of troubleshooting cases; conducting occasional onsite visits to provide individualized technical assistance; individualized coaching/training with counties in need of state guidance/intervention; offering in-depth policy analysis to questions posed by the county; assisting in the creation of training materials used by county staff; and occasional presentations to large county audiences.
Summary of System Support :
Provides expertise to identify and document needed system changes in CBMS related to SNAP. Performs system user testing when necessary. Ensures that CBMS is operating in accordance with state and federal SNAP regulations. Participates as a representative of SNAP Policy in the development of future automation projects, as assigned to provide clarification, interpretation, and guidance from a regulatory perspective. Collaborates with SNAP Policy Supervisor to get further clarification from federal SNAP partners in relation to these projects, as needed.
Summary of All Other Duties as Assigned:
Other duties as assigned specific to Department vision and goals .
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Experience Only:
Six (6) years of relevant experience in eligibility determination processing for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Colorado Works (CW), Adult Financial (AF), or Medicaid (MA) programs. A combination of related education and/or relevant experience can be used to meet the six (6) years requirement.
OR Education and Experience:
A combination of related education to the position and/or relevant experience in eligibility determination processing for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Colorado Works (CW), Adult Financial (AF), or Medicaid (MA) programs. A combination of related education and/or relevant experience can be used to meet the six (6) years requirement. equal to six (6) years.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience creating written products and verbally presenting those products.
Experience utilizing the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS).
Interest in and experience in completing independent research into regulations, statutes, and policy.
COWINS Partnership Agreement: Relevant years of State service, prorated for part-time, that contribute to a candidate's position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior, or other posted competency should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process.
TRANSFERS ONLY : Relevant years of State service will be considered as a preferred qualification and given the weight of at least 15% of the overall score under the process.
Conditions of Employment:
Standard Background ALL CDHS employees (non-direct contact):
CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), and drug screen (commercial Driver's license)
Travel: Travel independently with overnight stays are required.
This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must: - Disclose that information on the application. - Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position. - Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination, and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.
Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
Relevant years of state service experience.
Minimum Qualification Screening Process
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."
You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.
Your Work Experience/Job Duties
Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.
If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.
Supplemental Questions Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing). Appeal Rights
You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board (https://spb.colorado.gov/) website.
You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
You can find the official appeal form here (https://spb.colorado.gov/sites/spb/files/documents/Consolidated%20Appeal%20-%20Form%20-%202025.pdf) (Download PDF reader) .
You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or
Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or
Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or
Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.
Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:
At (303) 866-3300, or
Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules (https://spb.colorado.gov/board-rules) webpage.
Supplemental Information
How to apply to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0) (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)
About Us & Benefits
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS . In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/medical-benefits) and dental (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/dental-insurance) health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/disability-insurance)
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/home)
Employee Wellness program
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs) .
Our Values
We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.
Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.
ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.
This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us .
EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer
We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Additional Support For Your Application
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support
If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clickingthe "Printer" icon located above the job titleLocation varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
