JOB TITLE: SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF CORRECTIONS

JOB CODE: 47720

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible advisory and consultative strategic staff work serving as a special assistant to the Secretary of Corrections.

An employee in this job serves as a special assistant to the Secretary of Corrections, performing specialized strategic high-level work in assigned phases of operational activities and a wide variety of high-level staff assignments that include a cross section of departmental areas. Work involves advising on and implementing departmental goals and objectives; serving as a primary contact point with program deputies, executive staff, and public officials; representing and acting on behalf of the Secretary at meetings; preparing reports and written correspondence in response to inquiries; and presenting information. Important aspects of this work include responsibility for direct interaction with high-level administrative officials and decision-makers, providing oversight and direction to program deputies, monitoring and coordinating departmental programs, identifying and resolving problems, researching issues and recommending and implementing action, and providing advice to the Secretary on sensitive department-wide matters. Work is performed with a high-degree of independence and is reviewed by the Secretary for overall effectiveness and achievement of agency specific goals and initiatives.

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.):

• Performs specialized high-level staff work by providing strategic planning assistance in all program areas to the Secretary and Deputy Secretaries of Corrections.

• Oversees the development, analysis, modification, and implementation of the department’s strategic initiatives.

• Formulates or directs the development of departmental policies consistent with the department’s strategic initiatives and broader policies of the Governor.

• Serves as a principal advisor to the Secretary on all matters pertaining to operational management and departmental strategic initiatives.

• Works with deputy secretaries to identify issues, programs, and ideas to help implement the department’s strategic plan and provides advice on unusual, difficult, sensitive, or precedent setting problems.

• Monitors the status of projects and major issues and provides direction to deputies to ensure appropriate timely action occurs.

• Serves on national and state committees and represents the Secretary at meetings and conferences relating to departmental initiatives.

• Initiates and coordinates operational studies and surveys for the purpose of improving methods and practices.

• Provides advice and information on behalf of the Secretary on sensitive department wide matters.

• Assists in assigned phases of the operational activities within the Secretary’s office.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Knowledge of research methods and techniques.

• Knowledge of government administrative and regulatory functions.

• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, goals, and objectives.

• 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 departmental programs, goals, and objectives.

• Knowledge of laws impacting the department.

• Ability to develop, interpret, and implement policies and procedures, and analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of programs.

• Ability to coordinate the activities of program areas and resolve conflicts as necessary.

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

• Six years of professional administrative or staff experience;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.