PROGRAM SPECIALIST III, IV, V, VI

Program Specialist

Program Specialist III assist a higher-level specialist(s) by performing assignments of limited scope and complexity. Such assignments include, but are not limited to, conducting studies and analyses of projects of limited scope, or segments of larger studies or projects; participating in the monitoring or review of program operations for the purpose of assisting in program evaluation or quality assurance activities; or participating in technical consultation activities by explaining State and federal laws, agency rules and regulations to staff in the operating program(s). Positions may also participate in one or more administrative and staff support activities such as budget formulation, grants or contracts management, staff development, development of legislation, and provision of advisory services to line staff and others on new or revised techniques, processes and procedures, policy interpretation, etc. Work is performed independently, under the general supervision of a higher-level specialist or program supervisor. Completed work is in the form of recommendations and is reviewed for consistency with State and federal requirements. Difficult, unprecedented and controversial issues are referred to the supervisor for discussion and guidance. Positions may also perform work of the next higher level under closer supervision and direction.

Program Specialist IV performs the full range of program planning and development activities, in support of an agency's program. The work of positions in this class ranges from assignments of moderate complexity, such as the routine review of program operations to ensure that program objectives are being met, to the highly complex assignments of the next higher level. However, the primary work of positions in this class regularly involves complex assignments such as the development of new policies or standards that impact the agency and the interrelationships of its programs, and the development of comprehensive reports of findings and conclusions. Some positions may supervise lower-level program specialists and/or other workers. At this level, positions are usually responsible for one or more administrative and staff support activities such as budget formulation, grants or contracts management, staff development, development of legislation, provision of advisory services to line staff and others on new or revised techniques, processes and procedures, policy interpretation, etc. Work is performed independently, under general supervision of a higher-level specialist or program supervisor. Completed work products that may serve as precedents are given closer supervisory review. The specialist is responsible for seeking supervisory guidance as needed.

Program Specialist V are typically reflective of three general types: 1) A program specialist that supervises a staff of program specialists performing program planning and development work, and in addition, may participate in the performance of various program planning and development activities in support of an agency's program; 2) A program specialist located at the departmental or division level, with responsibility for all of the program planning, development, and implementation activities for one or more major components of the agency's overall program. Such responsibility has a major impact on the program's operations and services and includes, but is not limited to, being cognizant of changes to State and federal laws, legislation, policies, etc.; evaluating their impact on program goals and priorities, and resolving any issues or problems; anticipating and determining the need and making recommendations for review and development of new or revised plans, goals and objectives; ensuring that the coordination and implementation of new or revised program plans, policies, functions, work processes, etc., are properly and efficiently executed; and providing advice and consultation to managers, supervisors and others. Technical determinations are not normally questioned and the specialist is given considerable authority to coordinate work activities with federal and other State and private agencies in the planning and development of new or improved plans, policies, standards, operations, etc.; 3) A program specialist located at the departmental or division level, performing the most complex, extensive, and intensive program development, implementation, and evaluation assignments. The intensity of the agency's program is such that it requires the constant development of new or revised programs and plans, policies and standards, etc., to meet constantly changing federal requirements, legislative mandates, or consumer needs. The assignments are highly developmental, and involve solving unprecedented issues or controversial problems, or developing new concepts or methodologies that impact the entire agency's operations, goals and objectives, or provision of services. Considerable resourcefulness and creativity are required in the development of new programs and services, and recommendations carry considerable weight.

Program Specialist VI are supervisors of program development and/or evaluation services of such size and scope as to require a staff of program specialists with at least one specialist performing work comparable to the Program Specialist V level, and which may include subordinate supervisors.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education Requirement: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree.

General Experience Requirement: (Level III-VI) One and one-half (1-1/2) years of progressively responsible professional work experience which required a high degree of analytical skill. Such experience must have involved gathering, evaluating and analyzing facts and other pertinent information required to resolve problems and/or to determine and recommend appropriate courses of action.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

(Level III): None.

(Level IV): One (1) year of progressively responsible professional experience in one or a combination of the following:

A. Type 1: Professional work experience in any field which involved work such as monitoring, evaluating, or conducting studies and analyses of programs or projects to make recommendations for the development or revision of standards, policies, procedures, or techniques; gathering and analyzing data to determine conformance with standards and requirements and recommending improvements or developing training materials; and giving technical advice and direction pertaining to program standards, requirements, or techniques.

B. Type 2: Professional experience in a pertinent field/program area related to the agency's/program's role, function, operations, and/or program activities which provided knowledge of principles and practices, current issues and concerns of the identified field/program area and State and federal agencies, community, resources and services that interact with and have an impact on the agency's programs and activities.

(Level V): Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or a combination of the following:

A. Type 1: Professional work experience in any field which involved work such as monitoring, evaluating, or conducting studies and analyses of programs or projects to make recommendations for the development or revision of standards, policies, procedures, or techniques; gathering and analyzing data to determine conformance with standards and requirements and recommending improvements or developing training materials; and giving technical advice and direction pertaining to program standards, requirements, or techniques.

B. Type 2: Professional experience in a pertinent field/program area related to the agency's/program's role, function, operations, and/or program activities which provided knowledge of principles and practices, current issues and concerns of the identified field/program area and State and federal agencies, community, resources and services that interact with and have an impact on the agency's programs and activities.

(Level VI): Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or a combination of the following:

A. Type 1: Professional work experience in any field which involved work such as monitoring, evaluating, or conducting studies and analyses of programs or projects to make recommendations for the development or revision of standards, policies, procedures, or techniques; gathering and analyzing data to determine conformance with standards and requirements and recommending improvements or developing training materials; and giving technical advice and direction pertaining to program standards, requirements, or techniques.

B. Type 2: Professional experience in a pertinent field/program area related to the agency's/program's role, function, operations, and/or program activities which provided knowledge of principles and practices, current issues and concerns of the identified field/program area and State and federal agencies, community, resources and services that interact with and have an impact on the agency's programs and activities.

4.Supervisory Aptitude or Experience Requirement:

(Level III): None.

(Level IV-V): Applicant must possess supervisory aptitude. Supervisory aptitude is the demonstration of aptitude or potential for the performance of supervisory duties through successful completion of regular or special assignments which involve some supervisory responsibilities or aspects; by serving as a group or team leader, or in similar work in which opportunities for demonstrating supervisory capabilities exist; by the completion of training courses in supervision accompanied by application of supervisory skills in work assignment; or by favorable appraisals by a supervisor indicating the possession of supervisory potential.

(Level VI): One (1) year supervisory work experience which included: 1) planning, organizing, scheduling, and directing the work of others; 2) assigning and reviewing their work; 3) advising them on difficult work problems;4) training and developing subordinates; and 5) evaluating their work performance, and disciplining them when necessary.

5.Driver's License: A valid driver's license is required for some positions at the time of appointment.

SUBSTITUTION ALLOWED:

• Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of General Experience. Excess Specialized Experience may be substituted for the General Experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Selective Certification: Specialized knowledge, skills and abilities may be required to perform the duties of some positions. For such positions, Selective Certification Requirements