Program Specialist 1 (Cannabis) - VID

Program Specialist 1 (Cannabis)

Reporting to a Program Specialist 2 (Cannabis), the Program Specialist 1 (Cannabis) position will be responsible for inspecting, auditing, researching, evaluating, and performing a full range of compliance duties for the regional area they are assigned to. The Program Specialist 1 (Cannabis) position will primarily perform audits to ensure adherence to program regulations, develop guidance documents, prepare statement of findings, and any other duties to ensure licensees are complying with public health and safety best practices. The Program Specialist 1 (Cannabis) may also research and evaluate cannabis products and testing results, administration methods to ensure consumer safety, and compliance with regulations for medical, adult-use, and cannabinoid hemp. The incumbent may also perform inspections of applicants and licensee physical facilities.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide research, analysis, and input on legislative and regulation development and industry guidance.
• Analyze and interpret data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
• Utilize Department systems to assist with registration, monitor compliance, and analyze data.
• Support the implementation and enhancement of seed-to-sale tracking software and other technology used to monitor compliance of registered organizations and AU licensees.
• Compile and make recommendations on metrics and Key Performance Indicators for the management of risk and compliance.
• Conduct research and make recommendations for enhancements to the program based upon data analysis.
• Collaborate with section staff to develop guidelines, policies, and procedures and develop alternatives/strategies for programs, both internally and externally on a statewide level.
• Review incoming data, including adverse events, dispensing data, inventory, and sales data to assess compliance or respond to inquiries reported to the agency.
• Review and research licensee information.
• Assist with drafting responses to FAQs and knowledge-based language for shared mailboxes.
• Identify deficiencies or deviations, recommended corrective actions, proposed citations, and enforcement actions.
• Ensure corrective and preventative actions are taken to prevent recurrence of deficiencies in policy and regulatory compliance.
• Complete inspection reports and findings after inspections or desk audits have been completed.
• Conduct audits, reviews, and research and identify deviations from regulatory compliance or deficiencies and present findings and recommendations.
• Perform other duties and special projects as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Six years of experience where your major job responsibilities included one of the following: accounting and auditing; investigating or inspecting regulated entities and facilities; interpreting and explaining policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals; policy analysis and research; surveillance; quality assurance that included evaluating whether projects met or are meeting requirements that included risk assessment; providing professional level economic development products or services; community outreach which included vulnerable populations; negotiating or approving contracts or agreements with suppliers, distributors, federal or state agencies, or other administrative control processes.

Substitution: An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master's degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.

NOTE: IN ORDER TO AWARD THE PROPER CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, RESUMES MUST INCLUDE MONTH AND YEAR FOR START AND END DATES. IF ANY OF THIS EXPERIENCE IS LESS THAN FULL TIME YOU MUST INDICATE THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED PER WEEK.

Additional Comments:

NOTE:

• Travel may be required (approximately 10%), including during evening and weekends, depending on mission and assignment.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver's License issued by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle is required or otherwise demonstrate the capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job.

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is an equal opportunity employer, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We encourage applicants for all communities to apply. For a full version of OCM's EEO/AA statement and benefits of joining OCM, please visit: About | Office of Cannabis Management (ny.gov).

NYS Office of Cannabis Management does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency's Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.