| Location | Reno, NV |
| Salary | $73,309.68–$109,640.88 Per Year |
SOCIAL SERVICES CHIEF 1
Salary
$73,309.68 - $109,640.88 Annually
Location
Reno
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
2026-03941
Department
NVHA - NEVADA HEALTH AUTHORITY DIRECTORS OFFICE
Opening Date
09/16/2026
Closing Date
11/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
N/A
Salary Grade
38
Full Physical Address of Position (City, State, Zip)
Reno, NV 89521
Job Summary
The Medicaid Division of the Nevada Health Authority is seeking a Social Services Chief 1 in Reno. This position is responsible for administering Nevadas 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waivers by interpreting and applying complex federal and State regulations, developing waiver applications and amendments, coordinating input from teams responsible for budget neutrality calculations and justifications, systems changes, federal reporting, and waiver monitoring, and ensuring waiver activities comply with federal requirements. This position serves as the primary point of contact with our federal partners at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) who review, approve, or deny waivers, including negotiating with CMS on the development of special terms and conditions for each waiver. This position is also responsible for overseeing vendor activities that support the waiver, preparing analytical reports and policy recommendations, mediate and resolve operational issues, and monitor program quality and effectiveness to ensure the waiver meets agency goals within the parameters of federal regulations. This position directly supervises one Management Analyst position and two Social Services Program Specialist positions.
Social Services Chiefs are assigned programmatic responsibilities which include interpretation of program regulations and requirements; quality assurance; development and implementation of automated systems; preparation and distribution of program policies, procedures, standards and guidelines; entering into contracts with service providers; proposing short and long term goals and objectives; preparing draft bills; and testifying before the legislature. At the higher levels in the series, incumbents may also supervise subordinate Social Services Managers who oversee subordinate supervisors and professional staff engaged in the direct delivery of social services to clients. However, positions allocated to the Chief series spend the preponderance of time managing the overall design, analysis, development, and evaluation of social services programs.
Essential Qualifications
Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in social work, health or social science, public or business administration or related field and three years of professional social services experience which included serving as a consultant to professional/supervisory program personnel; coordinating program activities with officials and representatives of other agencies; interpreting and applying complex federal regulations, technical journals, and legislative studies; writing program policies, procedures, and reports; and conducting research and preparing recommendations for management; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Job Duties
Establish and monitor the accomplishment of unit and program goals and objectives to ensure programs are administered in compliance with federal and State regulations and in accordance with the goals and objectives of the agency.
Analyze and review data and reports regarding program participation and quality assurance activities; analyze economic and demographic trends and statistical data; determine the availability of resources; consult with administrators regarding agency and program goals and objectives.
Coordinate resources and activities with other chiefs and district or regional office managers; establish performance indicators and goals and objectives; monitor staff activities to determine progress in meeting goals and objectives and assess the quality of work performed; determine the impact and effectiveness of completed projects and assignments and plan for future changes or activities.
Direct the development and ensure implementation of State plans, policies, procedures, and support systems to maximize federal financial participation; review and interpret federal and State rules and regulations; research or direct staff to research the financial and operational impact to programs.
Analyze requested changes to computer and accounting systems and establish appropriate priorities; oversee the development of new or revised policies and procedures and secure administrative approval; respond to inquiries and requests for assistance in the implementation of policies, procedures and system changes; make decisions on unusual cases and operational issues; monitor program quality and compliance through review of management reports and results of on-site reviews.
Manage the development, negotiation and monitoring of cooperative agreements and program contracts to ensure services are provided and operations are conducted within program parameters; oversee the development of agreements, contract documents and amendments; evaluate and adjust reimbursement rates; conduct periodic reviews of personnel, equipment and program operations; meet with contractors and program personnel to evaluate performance and resolve problems associated with requirements set forth in agreements or contracts; determine whether financial reimbursement should be withheld in situations of non-compliance.
Develop or participate in the development and justification of legislative proposals to include drafting proposed legislation; determine fiscal and operational impact; gain the approval and support of administrative staff and present the agencys position to the legislature as requested.
Develop or participate in the development of operating and program budgets and monitor approved budgets; develop cost estimates and justification for new or expanded programs, purchase of equipment, and additional personnel; provide recommendations to administrators for incorporation into the agency budget; present budget proposal to the Budget Office and legislature as assigned; monitor revenues and expenditures and recommend alternatives for program operations in shortfall situations.
Supervise professional personnel and support staff and may provide administrative supervision to higher level professionals in a specialized area related to program operations; participate in interviewing applicants and selecting personnel; delegate authority and responsibility to staff; develop work performance standards and complete performance evaluations; ensure appropriate training is provided; provide counseling and guidance and initiate or recommend disciplinary actions.
Serve as a liaison with a variety of groups and individuals, professional advisory groups, community groups, federal staff at the regional and national levels, district attorneys and judges, the media, agency and division administrators, district and regional managers, and government officials to provide and gather information and to explain program policies and procedures.
Promote program goals and objectives; facilitate advisory group meetings; coordinate program activities among units, State agencies, and local government or community agencies; negotiate solutions to problems and resolve conflicts; and consult with federal regional program administrators on complex program issues.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Under general supervision, incumbents administer statewide social services programs which are small or narrowly focused in comparison to programs administered by higher level chiefs. Areas of responsibility require an incumbent to interpret and apply federal and State regulations and agency policies and procedures.
Some incumbents at this level are assigned to oversee preparation of grant applications and proposals to secure funding for major division-wide programs and initiatives.
They supervise subordinate supervisors and professional staff who prepare and mediate contractual agreements; develop program standards and evaluate services through site visits and/or reports; review grant applications submitted by grantees; provide training to grantees; review service provider operations; monitor quality of services; research and compile data and prepare reports; and organize board and commission meetings. These positions monitor and disburse grant funds to contractors who provide services to clients.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
General knowledge of: principles and practices of program management and supervision; federal and State laws and regulations governing social and health care services; current social and economic trends impacting eligibility for social services and programs; philosophy and purpose of social services programs; effective change management; quality management principles.
Ability to: establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with direct and indirect reporting staff, peers, superiors, legal entities, federal officials, other agencies and businesses; modify and/or adapt policies, procedures or methods to ensure program compliance and avoid federal penalties; define problems and identify relevant concerns to formulate logical and objective solutions; negotiate and exchange ideas, information and opinions with others to formulate policy recommendations; establish work priorities, delegate assignments, train, motivate, and supervise staff; write concise, logical, and grammatically correct analytical reports, correspondence and program documents; make oral presentations to persuade others to accept a specific opinion or achieve consensus, and to explain and/or promote ideas, procedures, policies, and actions; read and interpret complex legal documents such as federal and State laws, court decisions and attorney general's opinions; organize material, information, and staff in a systematic way to meet objectives and optimize program effectiveness and efficiency; analyze information and statistical reports to plan for staff, program needs, budget preparation and evaluate program effectiveness.
Recruiter Contact Information: Jenn Trachet - jtrachet@admin.nv.gov
The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.
Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.
Benefits include:
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).
Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
No Nevada state income tax.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.
Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).
For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).
The following are legal holidays:
January 1.............................................. New Years Day
Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday
Third Monday in February................ Washington's Birthday
Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day
June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day
July 4.................................................... Independence Day
First Monday in September.............. Labor Day
Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day
November 11........................................ Veterans Day
Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day
Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day
December 25........................................ Christmas Day
When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255
01
For my application to be considered, it must be complete, accurate, and truthful, including: Employment Information • Employment dates are accurate, with end dates for any past positions. • My current employer is included. • Contract work lists the contracting company as the employer. • Each position held at the same employer is listed separately with correct dates. Application Requirements • All required documents are attached (resume, transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) and any applicable licensure or certification) • I have not listed "see resume" or "refer to application" in any section. I understand that not completing the application as directed, unanswered questions, incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.
02
A pre-employment criminal history check and fingerprinting are required. Persons offered employment in this position will be required to pay for these items. Can you meet this requirement?
03
A valid drivers license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment. Can you meet this requirement?
04
Do you have any of the following?
05
Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education? This must match the education section of your profile.
06
For each degree you have earned or are currently pursuing, list the degree type, area of study, and the total number of units or credits completed (if the degree is still in progress). If you do not have any degrees, enter N/A.
07
How many years of interpreting and applying federal and State policy to a Social Services program do you possess? This experience is required. Your answer will be compared to the work history information on your application to determine if you meet minimum qualifications.
08
Describe your experience with interpreting and applying federal and State policy to a Social Services program. For each position where you gained this experience, please use the following format: 1. Employer Name 2. Job Title 3. Dates of Employment 4. Detail of Experience. If you do not possess this experience, please enter N/A. Note: The work experience section of your application must include all relevant job duties. The positions listed below will be compared to the work experience section and will be utilized to evaluate qualifications.
Required Question
Employer State of Nevada (NV)
Address See Above for Agency Information
See Above for Posting Location, Nevada, 89701
Website https://nvjobs.nv.gov