CLASS SPECIFICATION
P R O G R A M S P E C I A L I S T I
DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is program management support work carrying out assignments in operational
programs requiring knowledge of program issues to perform recurring assignments
involving standard principles and practices. The majority of contacts are with
employees in the same or other departments and agencies of the County Government,
State and Federal agencies, non profit and private sector organizations. The
purposes of the contacts, which generally are of a cooperative nature with both
parties working toward mutual goals, are for coordinating or resolving program
operating problems and/or for providing technical or subject-matter information.
While this class of work involves employees talking with various members of
the public, the provision of direct public service or assistance on a sustained
basis is not a predominant characteristic of the class.
An employee in this class utilizes knowledge of program management support and
program subject matter principles, techniques, functions, regulations and procedures
in carrying out a variety of standard assignments within a defined area of one
or more programs. Assignments may also require knowledge of and skill in using
computer and automated office technology. Some recurring contract monitoring
responsibilities may be assigned to positions in this class appropriate to the
level and type of other duties assigned. The employee independently plans and
carries out the precedented aspects of program implementation, and resolves
problems and deviations in accordance with policies and program practices. The
supervisor reviews methods and approaches used in carrying out the program for
conformance to policy and established requirements. Specific procedures and
regulations are available in carrying out program activities. The employee uses
judgment in locating, selecting and applying the appropriate guidelines, references
and procedures to respond to specific situations and may determine which of
several alternative courses of action to use. Significant, proposed deviations
or situations to which existing guidelines cannot be applied typically are referred
to a supervisor for assistance. The work involves a range of recurring problems
and issues requiring the employee to decide on a course of action by referring
to existing regulations or procedures. Decisions involve conditions and factors
that must be identified and analyzed to determine relationships with existing
criteria. Work output affects the social, physical or economic well being of
program participants or recipients of services. The work is primarily sedentary,
is performed in an office environment and presents no significant hazards. Employees
may have supervisory responsibilities; however, this is atypical of the class.
(NOTE: The occupational field of program management work involves directing
or carrying out assignments in one or more programs or management staff functions
that are directly related to the agency's mission of providing services to County
residents. This field of work is distinguished from management support functions
such as personnel, budgeting or other administrative type tasks which are designed
to facilitate the activities of other employees providing direct services. Program
management work consists of three distinct but interrelated functions: 1) determining
what to do and deciding how and when to do it; 2) carrying out or overseeing
the accomplishment of the work to achieve established objectives; and 3) evaluating
the effectiveness of the activities carried out. Depending on the nature and
level of the individual position, one or more of these functions may be assigned.)
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Administers a client assistance program by overseeing the resolution of complaints
and provision of help and referral in such areas as employment, economic development,
child care, consumer affairs, health, and other service functions.
Provides support for and liaison with various citizens' committees, community
groups, and advisory councils including preparation of meeting summaries, identification
of issues requiring further action, and ensuring that requests from the public
are handled in a timely and effective manner.
Develops and maintains current listing of specific resource services available
for individuals in target population.
Provides program support by establishing and maintaining mechanisms/data bases
to track program activity; generate reports; process data, billings, and payment
vouchers; verify data or identify inaccuracies in data; and monitor changing
trends and patterns.
Cooperates with private sector and governmental organizations that employ or
deal with the working poor, refugees, and other ethnic communities by referring
these and other target populations to the appropriate County program.
Monitors specific or selected aspects of contracts and makes recommendations
on the acceptability of program services; serves as liaison between contractor
and user agency by receiving complaints and resolving problems concerning contract
performance or costs.
Determines client eligibility for program service based on a review of application
with supporting documentation, program regulations and guidelines and verification
of data provided by applicant.
Drafts and oversees distribution of program promotional materials including
public service announcements to local newspapers, special correspondence to
employers, and meeting with potential program participants to encourage enrollment.
Prepares workload surveys and recommends changes in work distribution, assignment
of functions, and other related matters.
Recruits, screens, trains, schedules, supervises and evaluates program volunteers
and student interns.
Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: One (1) year of professional experience in a program/specialization
area directly related to the assignment of the position.
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:
Knowledge of the program area relating to the department/agency to which the
position is assigned.
General understanding of applicable County, State, and/or Federal regulations
and procedures, as required.
Knowledge of contract development, administration and monitoring, as required.
Ability to prepare, interpret, and evaluate program proposals and modifications.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to deal tactfully, effectively and equitably with people.
Ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office if
necessary.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Individuals appointed or promoted to a bargaining unit position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six months. Individuals appointed to a non-bargaining unit position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of twelve months, or if promoted to a non-bargaining unit position, will be required to serve a probationary period of six months. Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.
LICENSE: Positions assigned to the Abandoned Vehicle Program require possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Medical History Review
NOTE: Medical Protocol may vary according to assignment as follows:
1) If assigned to Transit Services Safety & Training - Core Exam + Drug/Alcohol
Screen
2) If assigned to program with direct service to vulnerable populations or with
communicable disease exposure - Limited Core Exam + Drug/Alcohol Screen
3) If assigned to the Abandoned Vehicle Program - Core Exam + Drug/Alcohol Screen
Call OMS for clarification when assignment is known.
Class Established: May 1977
Revised: March 1978
October 1979
March 1988
July 1989
September 1990
April 1995(M)
October 2007
April 2008