07/01/1996 16860

LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICY SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is responsible managerial work in the development and implementation of local government services programs in the Center for Local Government Services.

Local Government Policy Specialist positions are located in the Governor's Regional Offices and the central offices of the Center for Local Government Services in the departmental headquarters. Employees in this class develop policies and strategies to provide a comprehensive program of local government services in a geographical area of the Commonwealth. Services include consultation, technical assistance, and planning in the areas of local government structure, finance, operations, personnel management, public works, municipal codes development and enforcement , training, intergovernmental cooperation, community planning, community and economic development, and general administration. Work involves studying policy issues, existing and proposed legislation, and the effectiveness of State programs to analyze impact on municipalities, local governments and community and economic development in their assigned region. An important aspect of this work is acting as a liaison between local and State government in order to fulfill the mandate of the Community Development Enhancement Act. This entails coordinating and facilitating local government involvement in departmental community and economic development initiatives in the assigned region; assisting local authorities in identifying and utilizing the resources of other State agencies; advising managers and executives of other State agencies on the development and administration of programs, regulations and policies and their affect upon local governments and communities. Though the Specialists' responsibility emphasizes provision of services and coordination of development in their region, they may be assigned responsibility for projects involving research, publications development or program evaluation that have Commonwealth-wide impact. Work is performed with a high degree of independence under the general direction of a Local Government Policy Manager and evaluated for effectiveness in meeting the broad objectives established by the Executive Director of the Center for Local Government Services.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts policy reviews and program analyses related to services provided to local, municipal and county governments. Prepares reports and recommendations for the Executive Director. These reports and recommendations may be presented to the Local Government Advisory Committee and Governor's Policy Office.

Provides leadership, direction and advisory services to local government officials and managers to improve the management, administration, operational efficiency and financial stability of municipalities and counties. Develops plans and strategies to resolve critical problems and enhance the effectiveness of operations, and assist local officials and managers in their implementation.

Analyzes Federal and State legislation and regulations to assess impact upon local governments. Develops recommendations to revise existing legislation and regulations or propose new legislative initiatives.

Meets with departmental staff and managers responsible for housing, community development, distressed communities, human resources and economic development programs to assist them in assessing the needs critical to their region and insure strategic and effective coordination of program initiatives and resources in their region.

Advises local government officials of services provided and regulatory requirements of Commonwealth agencies. Contacts the officials and representatives of Commonwealth agencies to represent the interests of local governments and provide advice on improving services to local governments.

Administers the Local Government Capital Projects Loan Program , Shared Municipal Services Program and similar programs in their assigned geographical area. Also assists in the filing of Local Government Unit Debt Act applications.

Represents the Local Government Services Center at conferences and addresses local government officials, local government associations, public and private agencies, regional and community development authorities and colleges.

Analyzes the operations and administration of local governments in their region, regional trends in regional economic and community development, and available State government resources to develop a comprehensive program of local government services in their assigned area.

Monitors and evaluates training courses provided by State Municipal Training Organizations.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of local government administration including public finance, fiscal administration, governmental organization, operations, personnel management, codes administration, intergovernmental cooperation, and community planning and development.

Knowledge of major Federal and State legislation dealing with municipalities and other political subdivisions.

Knowledge of the legislative process in the Commonwealth.

Knowledge of legislative research sources, techniques and methods.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of techniques used in policy research, program analysis and planning.

Knowledge of the social and economic programs of state government, and the laws and regulations governing state agencies and programs.

Knowledge of the structure and operations of state government, and its relationship to Federal, regional and local governments.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and to speak effectively before large groups.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, civic leaders, public and private agencies, and the general public.

Ability to conduct research, analyze and evaluate data, and write technical reports.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of highly responsible professional experience involved in local or regional governmental affairs as a consultant, manager, administrator, planner or governmental official; and a Bachelor's Degree;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Graduate study in Public Administration, Political Science or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-to-year basis for a maximum of two years.