POLICY AND PROGRAM ANALYST1881C1
DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized, professional work in policy or management systems analysis and development, with statewide scope and application. Work involves analyzing statistical, economic, program or administrative data and contributing the planning, consulting, and project leadership necessary to propose and implement organizational change. Involves a multidimensional knowledge of agency programs. Work also includes implementing new management systems in cooperation with operating personnel and may involve the training of professional and technical personnel. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Research Analyst class series which primarily involves compiling, analyzing, interpreting and reporting statistical, economic or administrative data. Differs from the Management Analyst II class which is supervisory work in planning, organizing and directing a program of management analysis, with emphasis on program evaluation and of limited scope and application. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Constructs research models using mathematical and computer techniques to test various policy alternatives before final determinations are made; constructs econometric models; directs the collection of data required to evaluate programs and organizational processes; assists in designing evaluation research by providing major conceptual input. Collaborates with agency officials to assist in developing, planning and formulating overall reporting, research and analysis programs which are comprehensive in scope; consults with management and subject matter experts to obtain and contribute data needed to develop or modify plans and programs; develops and maintains working relationships with agency officials to become knowledgeable of key problems and issues. Analyzes data on organizational structure, processes, procedures, and computer system capability for the agency or other public entity; prepares written reports of analyses and recommendations; develops written or oral presentations of proposals for system and process changes. Provides technical assistance to agency staff in using the results of research, statistical process control (SPC), or problem-solving techniques; assists in developing in-service training for research or SPC service users; coordinates the implementation of new and revised work methods and systems in close cooperation with operating personnel and agency administrators; serves as a project manager; develops plans and criteria to evaluate program progress and results. Prepares research reports for use at legislative hearings. Testifies before legislative committees regarding findings on the fiscal impact of proposed legislation. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the principles and methods used in the collection, analysis, and presentation of statistical, economic, and administrative data. *Knowledge of research design methods and procedures. *Knowledge of management principles, concepts, and techniques and their practical application. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, particularly as they apply to state government. Knowledge of procedural analysis, work simplification methods, forms and records control, and staff utilization. Knowledge of the principles and practices of fiscal administration. Knowledge of mathematical and computer modeling in conducting research. *Knowledge of statistical measures and the application of quantitative and qualitative analyses. *Knowledge of English usage and written communication. Abilities *Ability to use and adapt technical formulae in reducing, analyzing, and interpreting data. *Ability to exercise judgment in collecting statistical, economic, and administrative data and in preparing interpretive reports. *Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow employees, administrative officials, and the public. *Ability to read, comprehend and/or develop technical narrative material including manuals, handbooks, and instructional memoranda for application to daily work. *Ability to organize and clearly express information in concise, written form. *Ability to communicate information or instructions orally. *Ability to apply analytical thinking to specific problems. *Ability to plan and direct the activities of a project. Ability to effectively use personal computer in performance of tasks. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Four years of experience in collecting, evaluating, studying or reporting on statistical, economic, fiscal/budget, legislative or administrative data. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.
|