11/24/2014 49900

CHIEF OF STAFF, SECRETARY OF HUMAN SERVICES

DEFINITION: This is responsible consultative and policy development work as the Chief of Staff for the Department of Human Services (DHS).

The employee in this job assists the DHS Secretary with establishing departmental goals and objectives, formulating administrative policies and procedures, and providing guidance to the program offices in the interpretation, implementation, and evaluation of various programs. Work includes ensuring maximum integration of all human service programs over which the department has jurisdiction, identifying and researching major problems and issues, recommending action to the Secretary, and overseeing activities of the program offices. Work involves providing advice to the Secretary on sensitive department wide matters, managing special projects for the Secretary, monitoring the status of major projects and issues, exercising leadership on advisory councils and task forces, and preparing reports on departmental activities for the Governor. Work also includes liaison responsibility with federal and state agencies, members of the legislature, and public and private agencies regarding unusual and sensitive issues. Work is performed with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment limited only by federal and state legislation and departmental policy, and work is reviewed by the Secretary for achievement of goals thorough conferences, reports and an evaluation of overall effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the development and coordination of policy and communications to incorporate the Secretary’s vision, goals and objectives regarding the integration, implementation and evaluation of all human services programs.

Provides advice to the Secretary on sensitive DHS matters.

Manages and monitors the status of special and major projects for the Secretary which includes directing management work groups and task forces.

Monitors the program offices for timely and appropriate responses or action on behalf of the Secretary on various identified issues/problems.

Serves as the Secretary's representative with federal and state agencies, members of the legislature, and public and private agencies on important, unusual and sensitive matters.

Manages the Secretary's external relations through selection and arrangement of speaking engagements, visits to departmental facilities, and meetings with members of the legislature and public and private agencies.

Prepares reports for the Secretary to the Governor relating to important and sensitive issues and departmental accomplishments.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job 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 resources available in human services programs.

Knowledge of current developments in human services legislation and programs.

Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to human services programs.

Knowledge of project management methodologies.

Knowledge of strategic and operational planning techniques.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision.

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

Ability to analyze and interpret program and fiscal data.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Eight years of consultative human services program experience that includes three years in a supervisory capacity and five years involving program planning and policy development, and a bachelor's degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes three years of human services program supervisory experience and five years of professional program planning and policy development experience in human services programs.