PROGRAM CONSULTANT II4157A4 Pay Grade: 27 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is technical and specialized work planning, implementing and monitoring program activities with significant scope and impact; or liaison work providing complex client liaison services through client advocacy activities. Work involves consulting and evaluating operational practices, procedures and activities by providing professional expertise and direction for programs that have considerable impact on the agency's mission. Work may include statewide authority in a specific phase of a total program. Work also may include explaining and interpreting operational practices, procedures, regulations and activities and or advising clients, organizations or the general public about specific programs. Classification Factors Scope - LEVEL B: Responsible for a program or programs of an agency or major agency subdivision. Impact - LEVEL A: Contributory - provides interpretation of guidelines and policies; facilitates decision making through input and recommendations. Complexity - LEVEL A: Work requires a knowledge of general management practices and government functions in addition to competence in the program area. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Guidelines consist of broad agency policies and objectives. Contact Level and Purpose - LEVEL B: Interacts with agency staff, general public and counterparts from other agencies or organizations to plan, coordinate, advise, and influence or obtain common understanding or solutions to problems. Supervision Exercised - LEVEL A: Reviews recommendations of subordinate staff if applicable; staff may consist of a mixture of occupational classes or a large number of employees in a single occupational class. Financial Responsibility - LEVEL A: Requests or recommends expenditures; may allocate budgeted monies. Distinguishing Features Differs from Program Consultant I where actions and decisions have limited impact on the agency's mission; or liaison activities are limited to the initial stage. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Formulates organizational and operational plans, grants, contracts or procedures for achieving program goals; prepares procedural manuals and related instructional materials; arranges for resources, facilities and equipment necessary to administer on-going programs and to implement new programs. Reviews and analyzes operations to assist, advise and train program personnel regarding prescribed standards, practices and procedures; evaluates activities and makes recommendations to increase operating efficiency, adequacy of services and adherence to federal or state regulations and guidelines. Initiates and administers grant applications; disperses and monitors the use of grant or contract money for community programs; coordinates technical and administrative documentation and reports to determine eligibility and conformance to program objectives; may terminate providers for non-compliance. Speaks to groups and organizations to explain services and to promote participation and cooperation; serves on committees, boards or councils concerned with program functions and activities. Provides technical planning assistance and training to agency staff, organizations or community groups in analyzing areas of need, in planning to meet needs and in documenting effectiveness and compliance with program guides. Works to remove barriers that impede continuous improvement. Resolves complex conflicts that have not been satisfactorily resolved during prior contacts with agency representatives; resolves disputes and contention by using advanced negotiation skills; advises clients, organizations or the general public about specific programs and sensitive issues. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing the area of program specialization. *Knowledge of the principles and techniques of training. *Knowledge of the principles and methods of planning and implementing programs. Knowledge of funding mechanisms, policies and procedures related to community and state-operated service delivery programs. Knowledge of total quality management methods of analyzing processes and identifying customer expectations. Abilities *Ability to write and review technical documents such as regulations, standards, program and action plans, contracts, grants and audit reports. *Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations and policies affecting program operations. *Ability to develop a program plan and administrative procedures to direct, implement, and evaluate a specialized service program. *Ability to analyze regional, community and statewide needs in the program specialty and to make recommendations for new or revised programs. *Ability to communicate technical information, conduct formal presentation or negotiate and persuade to settle issues. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: One year of experience in planning, implementing and monitoring activities relevant to the agency’s programs. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/94 |