10/24/2003 34660

SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY, HEALTH

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible staff work serving as executive staff assistant to the Secretary of Health.

The employee performs a variety of high level staff work assisting the Secretary in carrying out the programs of the Department. Work involves advising and assisting the Secretary with the establishment of Departmental goals and objectives, serving as the primary point of contact with program deputies and staff, and Federal and local government and private officials. This employee represents the Secretary at meetings, responds to correspondence on behalf of the Secretary and prepares reports on assigned topics. Important aspects of this work include monitoring and coordinating Departmental programs and projects, overseeing senior level policy development, identifying and resolving problems, researching issues and recommending action, and providing advice to the Secretary on sensitive Departmental matters. This employee serves as a liaison to the Office of Health Care Reform, serves as a member or liaison on special committees and task forces as assigned by the Secretary, and when designated, chairs such committees or task forces. Work is performed under the general direction of the Secretary and is reviewed through conferences and evaluation of reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs specialized high level staff work in assigned phases of operational activities, or a wide variety of high level staff assignments which include a cross section of Departmental programs.

Represents the Secretary at meetings and conferences and in contacts with statewide and local organizations, advocacy groups and individuals.

Serves on special committees and task forces for the Secretary and, when designated, chairs such committees or task forces.

Coordinates the Secretary's representation on and with statewide Boards, Commissions and Councils and, when designated, sits as the Secretary's alternate on such bodies.

Identifies and evaluates problems in current policies and programs and recommends appropriate action to the Secretary.

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

Performs other related duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of Departmental programs, goals and practices.

Ability to represent the Secretary on sensitive and unusual issues.

Ability to analyze, evaluate and recommend policy.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Departmental staff and Federal, state and local officials.

Ability to explain and promote Departmental programs.

Ability to express oneself effectively, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of progressively responsible administrative or staff experience;

                                                                                                                                                                     or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.