Program Specialist I

Position Description

This posting will be used to fill a Full Time, Permanent, Program Specialist I position within the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works.

It is program management support work carrying out assignments in operational programs requiring knowledge of a range of program issues to perform recurring assignments involving standard principles and practices.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

The occupational field of program management work involves directing or carrying out assignments in one or more programs or management staff functions that are directly related to the agency's mission of providing services to County residents. This field of work is distinguished from management-support functions such as personnel, budgeting or other administrative-type tasks which are designed to facilitate the activities of other employees providing direct services. The majority of contacts are with employees in the same or other departments and agencies of the County government, State and Federal agencies, non-profit and private sector organizations or citizens. The purpose of the contacts, which normally are of a cooperative nature with both parties working toward mutual goals, are for coordinating or resolving program operating problems and/or providing technical or subject-matter information.

An employee in this class utilizes knowledge of program management support and program subject matter principles, techniques, functions, regulations and procedures in carrying out a variety of standard assignments within a defined area of one or more programs.

Assignments may also require knowledge of and skill in using computer and automated office technology. Some recurring contract monitoring responsibilities may be assigned to positions in this class appropriate to the level and type of other duties assigned. The employee independently plans and carries out the aspects of program implementation and resolves problems and deviations in accordance with policies and program practices.

The supervisor reviews methods and approaches used in carrying out the program for conformance to policy and established requirements. The employee uses discretion and independent judgment in locating, selecting and applying the appropriate guidelines, references and procedures to respond to specific situations and may determine which of several alternative courses of action to use.

The work involves a range of recurring problems and issues requiring the employee to decide on factors that must be identified and analyzed to determine relationships with existing criteria. Work output affects the social, physical or economic well-being of program participants or recipients of services.

The work is primarily sedentary, is performed in an office environment and presents no significant hazards. Employees may have supervisory responsibilities.

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)

Provides support for and liaisons with various citizens' committees, community groups, and advisory councils; ensures requests from the public are handled in a timely and effective manner; prepares meeting summaries; identifies issues requiring further action.

Directs the collection and maintenance of data vital to operations; coordinates data updates with other County departments; and maintains detailed data in third party mapping applications.

Provides program support by establishing and maintaining mechanisms/databases to track program activity; generate reports; process data, billings, and payment vouchers; verify data or identify inaccuracies in data; and monitor changing trends and patterns.

Monitors specific or selected aspects of contracts and makes recommendations on the acceptability of program services; serves as a liaison between contractor and user agency by receiving complaints and resolving problems concerning contract performance or costs.

Determines eligibility for program services, based on the review of applications, including the supporting documentation and review of program regulations and guidelines; and verifies data provided by the applicant.

Drafts and oversees distribution of program promotional materials including public service announcements to local newspapers, special correspondence to employers, and meeting with potential program participants to encourage enrollment.

Tracks and reconciles budget and purchasing; generates reports on statistical information to monitor budget trends and percentage changes.
Prepares workload surveys and recommends changes in work distribution, assignment of functions, and other related matters.

Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the program areas related to the department/agency to which the position is assigned.

General understanding of applicable County, State, and/or Federal regulations and procedures, as required.

Knowledge of contract, administration, and monitoring, as required.

Ability to act independently, plan and execute program implementation, and resolve problems and deviations, in accordance with policies and program practices.

Ability to handle a range of recurring problems and issues requiring factors that must be identified and analyzed to determine resolution.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to deal tactfully, effectively, and equitably with people.

Ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office, if necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; and one (1) or more years of experience in recycling or waste management or an area directly related to the assignment of the position.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

1.) Experience with recycling program development.
2.) Education, marketing and outreach specific to landfill or recycling operations.
3.) Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Google Doc/Sheet, Gmail or related computer software systems.