07/05/2005 43230

OIM POLICY AND PROGRAM MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is professional and administrative work directing regulations and policy development for federal and state-funded public assistance and human services programs within the Office of Income Maintenance (OIM).

The employee in this job is responsible for directing and coordinating the planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance of programs, policies, procedures, regulations and directives for federal and state-funded public assistance and human services programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, General Assistance, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Low Income Home Energy Assistance or Food Stamps. Work involves extensive coordination of policy and program development activities with the Department's Offices of Policy Development, General Counsel, Legislative Affairs, other departmental offices, federal agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups and the public. Work includes directing the analysis of current and proposed federal and state regulations and legislation and evaluating the impact on public assistance and human service programs within OIM; directing the development and implementation of program policies and regulations to comply with federal and state mandates; directing the preparation of State Plans and amendments for the receipt of federal funding; and coordinating with information technology staff for the design, testing and implementation of automated systems applications to support public assistance and human service programs. Work also includes the development and evaluation of pilot projects designed to improve client benefits delivery and assist in reducing client and agency errors. Supervision is exercised over professional, administrative and clerical staff. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general direction of the OIM Policy and Program Management Director who reviews work through conferences, evaluation of reports and results achieved in meeting established goals and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes, and directs the research and analysis of federal and state legislation.

Directs the development of comprehensive program policies, regulations and procedures in collaboration with federal officials, other state agencies, consumer organizations, advocacy groups and the public.

Directs the evaluation of the impact of proposed federal and state legislative changes on public assistance and human services programs.

Directs the development of OIM input to State Plans and amendments.

Directs the review and management of the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Plan.

Directs the preparation and selection of requests for proposals for receipt of state and federal funds.

Prepares, monitors and evaluates contracts and provides guidance to grantees.

Directs coordination with the Bureau of Operations for training county assistance office staff in implementing public assistance and human service programs, policies and initiatives.

Directs the development of program informational brochures and posters, client messages, program eligibility notices, procedural directives and handbooks.

Manages the development and maintenance of a policy clarification system to interpret regulations, policies and procedures to county assistance office staff and ensure operational compliance.

Maintains close liaison with federal agencies to ensure that current and proposed policies, programs and procedures comply with federal regulations and directives.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

May participate in the performance of subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of public assistance and human services programs and the governing federal and state legislation, regulations and requirements.

Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of policy and program planning, development, coordination, implementation and evaluation.

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

Knowledge of the functions, programs and resources of federal and state agencies related to public assistance and human services programs.

Knowledge of the principles of program management, supervision and administration.

Knowledge of the concepts, characteristics and capabilities of computerized systems.

Ability to understand and interpret federal legislation governing public assistance programs.

Ability to direct the development and implementation of public assistance programs, policies and procedures.

Ability to coordinate and oversee the implementation of automated systems applications in support of public assistance and human services programs and interface with information technology staff.

Ability to relate management objectives to computerized systems.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal and state officials and individuals from public and private sector organizations.

Ability to enlist support and cooperation of individuals, groups and other agency personnel having divergent program or project interests.

Ability to coordinate and manage complex issues and programs and prioritize work to meet established program goals and objectives.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of professional public assistance or human service program experience, three years of which must have been in a consultative or supervisory capacity and a bachelor's degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training, which includes three years of professional consultative or supervisory public assistance or human service program experience.