CLASS SPECIFICATION
LEGISLATIVE SENIOR AIDE III*
DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is advanced level professional aide work conducting special research
studies and reviewing and analyzing programs or budgets in support of
a Councilmember. Personal contacts include Councilmembers and staff, high
level officials of County departments and agencies and other governmental
entities, executive directors and board members of non-governmental operations,
and the public, for the purpose of presenting and defending the Councilmember's
position on policy and/or budget related issues as well as resolving difficult
program problems. An incumbent in this class performs direct public service
and assistance through initiating discussion, providing program-specific
expertise, and responding to issues important to constituents.
An employee in this class performs professional aide work such as drafting
legislation or making strategy recommendations for the Councilmember to
whom assigned. The work of this class requires considerable knowledge
of programs, practices, and issues on a range of subject areas and topics
assigned by the Councilmember. An employee in this class independently
plans, coordinates with others, and resolves problems in work assignments,
usually deciding what approach to take and advising the Councilmember
of sensitive or potentially controversial matters. Work is carried out
within the parameters of broadly stated objectives and in consideration
of newly proposed legislation and policy initiative, requiring the use
of considerable judgment in determining methods and procedures for conducting
research, fact-finding, and reporting. The work is complex in that the
employee must deal with a broad range of issues and organizations in order
to solve problems and suggest options for the Councilmember's consideration,
and/or to research and identify clear goals and alternatives for the Councilmember,
working within the parameters that define the range of realistic options.
This is accomplished through analysis, consideration, and recommendation
of complex issues, always balancing the needs of the citizens, other Councilmembers,
County agencies, and other affected groups and individuals. An employee
in this class assists the Councilmember to achieve his/her particular
policy goals (i.e., affordable housing, environmental protection, smaller
class sizes) by speaking authoritatively for the Councilmember in meetings
with organizations and residents, thereby benefiting County residents.
Employees in this class may be required to work outside of normal working
hours (e.g., attend evening Council work sessions, meetings, and public
hearings to represent Councilmember.) Work is performed in a normal office
environment.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Conducts special research studies of issues on topics such as transportation,
public housing, or education; drafts legislation or resolutions for the
Councilmember; reviews and analyzes programs or budgets; briefs the Councilmember
on issues coming before the Council; makes strategy recommendations to
Councilmember on complex policy issues.
Investigates and resolves complaints and inquiries from citizens/constituents,
community groups, and private sector organizations on more complex matters
and policy issues, such as land use and public safety; negotiates with
these groups and organizations to resolve problems or propose solutions.
Initiates appropriate action on matters handled personally, investigating, researching and responding directly to complex policy issues raised in correspondence from citizens/constituents, community groups, private sector organizations, or other governmental offices.
Attends and represents Councilmember at committee meetings, hearings, and conferences on a broad range of complex topics and issues under consideration or study by the Council; explains County policies, articulates Councilmember's position; develops strategies for Councilmember to resolve issues.
Prepares public statements for Councilmember on complex policy issues;
initiates press or community relations events for Councilmember as requested.
Performs related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Three (3) years of professional level experience
in a subject area relevant to local government administration.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with
a Bachelor's Degree.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of programs, practices, and issues within specialized
subject areas related to work program assignments.
Considerable knowledge of the Montgomery County Government and local laws,
rules and regulations.
Knowledge of and skill in applying research and data gathering techniques,
methods and procedures, including ability to organize and analyze information.
Skill in negotiating issues with constituents, community groups, elected
officials, and Department/Agency heads.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to interpret and explain principles, procedures, policies, and
regulations appropriate to areas of assignment.
Ability to arrive at sound decisions through detailed analysis and evaluation
of information received from a variety of sources.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of mediums.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with
elected officials, Department/Agency heads, and community leaders.
Ability to plan, set priorities, and organize numerous complex work assignments.
Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside
the office.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
The probationary period must be twelve (12) months for a full-time or part-time employee appointed to a merit system position, and six (6) months for a promoted employee, during which time work performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.
MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Medical History Review.
Class Established: November, 2005