Plans, directs, coordinates, develops, implements and evaluates activities of one or more programs requiring analysis of complex issues at the department level; develops and implements studies, plans, policies and projects to improve services and operations; carries out liaison responsibilities with other departments, external agencies and vendors; and performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics: 

This class differs from the Program Specialist II in that the Program Specialist III performs as a senior worker with the overall responsibility for the program planning, direction, coordination, development and implementation of activities for one or more major components of the department's programs; whereas the Program Specialist II performs the full range of program planning and development at the departmental level.

Work requires use of judgment and initiative in developing solutions to problems, interpreting general policies and determining work assignments to provide advice and consultation to others. Positions in this class also serve as program resource and liaison. Work requires the ability to coordinate projects and foster cooperation with other departments and governmental agencies, vendors, and private or community organizations.

The following are examples of duties and are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of specific duties statements does not preclude management from assigning such duties if such duties are a logical assignment for the position.

• Conducts studies, analyzes systems and policies, identifying problems and potential solutions; leads and participates in the preparation of plans and programs, determines scope of work, plans development process and timelines of programs;
• Develops, interprets, implements and evaluates new or revised policies, procedures and guidelines and recommends alternatives, changes or enhancements;
• Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and efficiency, and develops recommendations to superiors on modifications to ensure program effectiveness and efficiency;
• Serves as the primary program resource and provides advice and consultation to managers, supervisors, other employees and the public; 
• Prepares program budget and participates in the preparation of annual budget requests;
• Prepares requests for proposals, drafts and administers professional services contracts, payments, grant reimbursements, and other required documentation;
• Identifies program needs and potential sources of funding from State, Federal and private sources, prepares and develops grant applications and supporting documentation and administers projects;
• Organizes and makes public presentations, provides design, technical support and project management functions;
• Performs as project lead with other professional staff and consultants, developing work plans, schedules and budgets; coordinates, reviews and monitors progress of projects; serves as liaison with local jurisdictions, agencies, and community groups;
• Trains staff and/or provides technical and policy guidance to staff and/or to departmental personnel, other departments and agencies:
• Keeps abreast of Federal, State and County laws, ordinances, regulations and legislation that may govern or impact program, evaluates impact and resolves issues or problems;
• Oversees the maintenance of records, prepares operational reports, evaluates statistics to ensure achievement of objectives and to implement program changes;
• Prepares, negotiates and monitors conformance with inter-agency agreements;
• Organizes and serves as department representative on multi-agency technical review committees, serves as program liaison and attends meetings with employees, departments, vendors and private and community organizations regarding program matters;
• May supervise others as assigned; 
• Performs other related duties as required.

Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a field pertinent to the department's program
and activities; and four (4) years of specialized professional work experience pertinent to the department’s programs and/or activities.
 
License Requirement: Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver’s license (equivalent to State of Hawaii Type 3).
 
Knowledge of: Principles, practices and methods of program planning and development; pertinent Federal, State and County laws, codes and regulations; research and statistical methods and information sources; report writing; public relations; project management methods and techniques; principles and practices of public administration and budget preparation; effective organization and staff utilization; knowledge and understanding of department's programs and activities, operations, processes, regulations, goals and objectives, issues and concerns, policies and procedures.
 
Ability to: Research and analyze issues, data, reports and identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations; plan, direct, organize, coordinate, implement and manage activities and operations for the development of new or revised programs, policies and procedures; estimate, prepare and administer budgets for studies and in managing projects; interact professionally with various levels of employees, officials and special interest groups; prepare clear and concise reports on complex issues; communicate effectively orally and in writing; develop and maintain effective working relationships with others; interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
 
Health and Physical Condition: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Physical Effort Grouping: Light