Program Specialist

Program is defined as distinct services, operations, and/or functions which provide specialized professional services that may be internal and/or external focused; focus on achieving a well-defined organizational objective or set of objectives; administer its own program, policies, procedures, and goals; develop and manage its own budget separate from the department and/or division; operate under guidelines established by a manager; develop short- and long-term strategic plans that are monitored for desired outcomes; ensure program compliance with regulatory or performance guidelines; typically involve interaction of other agencies and/or organizations; staff has acquired the specialized expertise required for managing a program and performs related professional and technical duties.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Act as subject matter expert (SME) and/or coordinator of programs to drive initiatives; support programs that are established and ongoing and provide a tangible outcome or service; responsible for operational evaluation assignments and implementation and/or the coordination of program activities through staff and volunteers.

• Provide strategic analysis and support to management in recommending and implementing policies, guidelines, and procedures; analyze and review federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in order to ensure compliance; conduct analysis on best practices and trends and formulate recommendations.

• Research funding sources, develop grant applications, and write proposals; review and screen RFP's for sub-contracted services and make recommendations; review and approve grant or contract budget; monitor expenditures and prepare reports for program evaluation and development; participate in contract compliance review and/or developing budgets.

• Conduct workflow analyses to identify areas for improvement, simplify redundant processes, and address quality assurance; develop and implement training for revised or new business systems or processes.

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality management plans and systems to ensure compliance and achieve program outcomes; develop training manuals, literature, publications, and other documents regarding new procedures, regulations, and services about program area.

• Develop program evaluation criteria; collect data to evaluate program performance based on goals and objectives; analyze and prepare formal assessments and reports of the program; make program recommendations based on research and analysis conducted.

• Develop informational resources and materials; arrange and publicize meetings; schedule speakers; conduct workshops and trainings internally and/or to community groups.

• Represent the county and assigned program to the public, elected officials, other agencies, government jurisdictions, media, committees, and organizations; develop and make presentations, conduct community outreach, and respond to requests for information.

• Provide technical assistance and consultation to other departments, the general public, and/or outside agencies; investigate complaints and recommend corrective actions as necessary; act as representative on Citizen’s Advisory Boards, committees, interagency task forces, special projects, and other community outreach activities as assigned.

• Develop and monitor legislation having an impact on programs; prepare policy statements on legislative topics.

• In addition to the above duties, the senior level will: act as the primary driver and designated spokesperson other than the manager for highly complex interdivisional and interagency strategic programs and projects with multiple jurisdictions, disciplines, and community groups; lead organizational policy, procedure, and program analysis planning and development efforts; operate in broad policy areas where standards, management direction, and access to best practices are not readily available; act as technically authoritative knowledge leaders; identify problems and formulate solutions independently or through consensus with stakeholders; provide project management on interagency or interdivisional projects including the preparation of grant documentation and reporting; advise senior management on policy and organizational issues; develop and administer sophisticated survey instruments to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend proposals based on data-driven analysis; oversee quality control activities over complex contracts with high levels of funding at risk; provide strategic direction by developing and defining new enterprise or joint ventures to increase program effectiveness; evaluate program structure, staffing, and operations to develop recommendations and implement changes.  

• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEVEL AND TYPE OF WORK AND/OR SUPERVISION:

Program Specialist

• Journey level

• Professional

• Perform the full range of duties, working independently, applying well-developed subject knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative.

• Receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise.

• Fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.

• Work is reviewed based on compliance, appropriateness, and effectiveness in meeting goals and deadlines.

• Receive direction from manager or staff.

• May exercise functional and technical supervision over staff.

Program Specialist Senior

• Advanced level

• Professional

• Perform the most difficult assignments requiring a higher level of responsibility, applying advanced subject knowledge, and exercising significant independent judgment and initiative.

• Receive work assignments in terms of objectives, priorities, and deadlines.

• Work is reviewed for technical accuracy, compliance to program objectives, and overall results.

• Receive direction from manager or staff.              

• May exercise technical and functional supervision over staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Requirements are determined at the time of recruitment based on responsibilities of the individual position and business needs of the department.

Program Specialist

Training and experience for journey level, professional classifications are typically equivalent to a bachelor's degree and one (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 5-8 years of qualifying training and/or experience).

Program Specialist Senior

Training and experience for advanced level, professional classifications are typically equivalent to a bachelor's degree and three (3) to six (6) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 7-10 years of qualifying training and/or experience).

Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to pass a criminal background check, have a valid driver license, and/or additional training, licenses, or certificates.