JOB TITLE: PROGRAM ANALYST 1

JOB CODE: 08050

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Program Analyst job series describes work in the analysis and evaluation of commonwealth agency programs and projects to provide policy and decision makers with factual information to be used in program planning, improvement, monitoring, and resource allocation.

DEFINITION: This is beginning level professional work in the analysis and evaluation of agency programs and projects.

An employee in this job performs analytical and evaluative work of agency programs and projects to provide management with recommendations for making decisions and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of agency operations. Work involves analyzing and evaluating agency programs or projects to determine the extent to which the goals and objectives are being met and to determine the impact of changes; gathering, organizing, and analyzing data; developing solutions and recommendations for program changes; and developing statistical or narrative reports. Work involves reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, and proposing revisions to related policies, which may include ensuring compliance with policies through recommendations for agency programs or projects. Work may also involve analyzing and evaluating business operations, processes, and systems related to the program or project to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Employees at this level work with higher level professional staff to fully understand the nature and parameters of the assignment, to assist in the design of studies, and to make program recommendations, or perform independent analysis for singular or less complex agency programs or projects under the direction of an administrative or technical supervisor. Work is reviewed in process and upon completion for adherence to established principles and standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Reviews and evaluates agency programs or projects to determine their impact and extent to which the goals and objectives are being met.

• Determines or assists in determining the appropriate evaluation or study methodology.

• Prepares data collection tools and gathers information through interviews, surveys, research, agency contacts, or system queries.

• Meets with program staff to discuss program issues.

• Uses research techniques to gather necessary information to make recommendations for changes or improvements.

• Uses and maintains databases and spreadsheets to record and analyze data.

• Applies financial, statistical, and/or mathematical methods to analyze data.

• Prepares reports, tables, charts, and graphs to make recommendations for improving agency operations.

• Assists in the development or maintenance of documentation such as planning documents, policies and procedures, manuals, and forms.

• Assists in the review and analysis of policy, guidance, and procedures and interprets laws, policies, and procedures affecting agency operations.

• Develops or assists in developing program performance measures and monitors, updates, calculates, and recommends adjustments to performance measures to determine program effectiveness.

• Assists in planning for the implementation of program changes.

• Responds to inquiries regarding program information.

• Reviews or assists in the review and preparation of federal or state documentation to qualify for federal or other funding.

• Prepares and revises training materials and provides user training.

• Performs the full range of supervisory functions.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in researching, collecting, organizing, reviewing, and assessing data.

• Knowledge of statistical and mathematical methods.

• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information and numerical data.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These may not be evaluated by the State Civil Service Commission or used for Civil Service examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.):

• Knowledge of program evaluation processes and techniques.

• Knowledge of agency programs and projects.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Ability to develop written reports, charts, graphs, presentations, and other correspondence.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• One year of paraprofessional analytical experience;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training