Human Services Program Specialist

Social Services Program Specialist 3 ***This recruitment may close without further notice depending on the number of applications received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible*** The Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) is currently recruiting for a Social Services Program Specialist 3 in Carson City, Las Vegas, or Reno/Sparks, Nevada. This recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies as they occur in the following program: Policy Unit. Social Services Program Specialists perform administrative and professional work in conjunction with the administration of statewide public assistance, medical assistance, or social services programs. As a Social Services Program Specialist 3, the incumbent functions as a first-line supervisor who trains, supervises, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; assigns and reviews work; and initiates disciplinary action as needed. This position is responsible for the development, interpretation, and implementation of policies, procedures, and forms for programs related to children and older adult services and other policy areas as assigned. Additionally, this position will serve a critical role in statewide accessibility and nondiscrimination compliance by acting as the Division's ADA Title II, Section 504, and Language Access Coordinator. This role requires a valid Driver's License. ADSD fosters a positive, inclusive, and diverse work environment that values innovation, teamwork, and collaboration. The mission of ADSD is to empower individuals and their support systems by providing resources for disabilities and aging - connecting Nevadans to services and improving their quality of life. Essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study pertinent to the program assignment and two years of professional social services experience which included serving as a consultant to professional/supervisory program personnel; directing the operation of a program unit; coordinating program activities with officials and representatives of other agencies; interpretation and application of complex documents such as federal regulations, technical journals, and legislative studies; writing program policies, procedures, and reports; and conducting research and preparing recommendations for management; OR one year of experience as a Social Services Program Specialist II in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as describe above. Job Duties Participate in planning and developing social services or medical assistance programs to provide needed services; conduct needs assessments; research and evaluate existing programs; identify community and financial resources, and establish committees to assist with program development; calculate the financial and operational impact to the agency; prepare reports and recommendations for management; apply for grants; draft proposed legislation; develop program plans and acquire administrative approval. Develop and revise program documentation to include State plans, policy manuals, procedures, and contracts to ensure programs are implemented in accordance with program goals and objectives and in compliance with federal regulations and State laws; analyze and interpret federal regulations and State laws; determine the impact upon program operations; gather input from program personnel and other interested parties, coordinate with other affected units within and outside the agency, and acquire agency approval and regulatory approval as needed. Monitor program quality and compliance to ensure programs are operating effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with program requirements; design monitoring instruments; develop and monitor management information reports; conduct on-site reviews to include a review of program operations, management practices, and program and financial records; identify problem areas, summarize findings in a written report, and develop corrective action plans. Provide technical assistance and guidance to program staff and respond to inquiries and requests for information from a variety of individuals such as agency management and personnel, other government agencies, community representatives, government officials, media representatives, attorneys, and the general public; interpret federal and State regulations; provide policy clarification and statistical information, complete surveys, resolve complaints, and draft correspondence for managers, administrators and officials. Conduct research studies to provide administration with needed information; plan the study and design instruments for gathering data; research existing programs, compile and analyze data, prepare comprehensive reports, and develop recommendations. Prepare and monitor program operating budgets to ensure funds are expended appropriately and in accordance with the goals and objectives of programs; develop annual budgets, allocate funds among program offices, monitor revenue and expenditures and propose funding adjustments if necessary. Promote social services or medical assistance programs and serve as a spokesperson for the division; communicate and meet with program personnel, clients, providers, media representatives, community groups, and government officials to promote program goals and objectives; serve as a liaison with federal, State, and local officials regarding the program; deliver speeches and write press releases and public service announcements; and develop informational material such as posters, brochures and pamphlets. Develop and implement training programs; analyze and research training needs and evaluate training models; develop appropriate training curricula, materials, and methods; establish training schedules, conduct training sessions, and evaluate and update curricula on an ongoing basis. Provide technical guidance to service providers within or outside the State; explain policies, procedures and applicable regulations; provide consultation on problematic cases. Participate in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of computerized systems to support program operations; research and evaluate the needs of program staff, initiate system change requests, and work with programming staff to test and implement system changes; prepare documentation for the computer system manual as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level. Working knowledge of: organizational structures and political subdivisions and systems; management practices and service delivery applicable to social services; methods and techniques of program development, implementation and administration; legislative proceedings and processes; data processing concepts including general database, system security, data communication, and multiple platform strengths and weaknesses. General knowledge of: methods and practices of evaluating, monitoring, delegating and training staff; financial planning and budget analysis related to program operations. Ability to: recommend solutions for complex system variables such as staff and funding shortages increasing client needs and numbers, and increasing federal procedures and coverage requirements; develop cost-effective solutions to problems within budgetary constraints and available resources; develop computer system needs specifications in a logical manner and communicate system needs to computer programmers; and set up a testing mechanism to validate programming changes; investigate complex and sensitive issues and problems and make recommendations to management; maintain professional working relationships with all levels of government and public officials; read and understand complex documents such as court orders, federal and State laws and regulations, Supreme Court decisions, technical journals, and legislative studies; write complex technical and legal material to communicate with government, legal, legislative, and public entities and computer programming staff; coordinate the activities of various units and programs; coordinate and cooperate with the division, other State agencies and federal staff to maximize service delivery; interpret, analyze and direct the development and implementation of program policies and procedures; work with upper level management including administrators, directors, presidents, and chief executive officers; evaluate the need for policy clarification based on inquiries, case reviews and field requests; speak publicly to various groups and before the legislature; coordinate the development and implementation of quality standards; analyze and solve complex programmatic problems. Skill in: analyzing computer user needs; and developing appropriate solutions and requirements; researching and evaluating computer hardware and software needs; assisting data processing staff in developing bridging specifications to program areas that interact with computer processes and output. The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.