10/03/2013 76150

SPECIAL ASSISTANT FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, PEMA

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible staff work serving as a special assistant to the Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

The employee in this job serves as a special assistant to the Director of PEMA, performing specialized high level staff work in assigned administrative and program areas. Work involves advising on and assisting with the establishment of agency goals and objectives; serving as a primary point of contact with program deputies and staff, federal and state level emergency management organizations and local government and public officials; representing the Director at meetings; and preparing reports and written correspondence in response to inquiries and presenting information. Important aspects of this work include developing state level policies to ensure compliance with federal level emergency management programs and initiatives; providing oversight to the agency’s administrative and operational deputates in order to eliminate the duplication of efforts and ensure consistency in the fulfillment of agency goals and objectives; and monitoring and coordinating agency programs, identifying and resolving problems, researching issues and recommending action and providing advice to the Director on sensitive agency wide matters. Work is performed under the general direction of the Director and is reviewed through conferences and the evaluation of reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs a wide variety of high level staff work to assist the Director in carrying out the programs of PEMA.

Assists the Director in establishing and directing the implementation of agency goals and objectives.

Provides oversight to program deputies in assigned program areas.

Reviews policy and program proposals with program deputies to determine acceptability, avoid duplication and assure compatibility and compliance with agency goals and objectives.

Maintains liaison with agency program staff and with federal, state and local government officials.

Identifies problems and issues in program operations and recommends appropriate action to the Director.

Researches and compiles data for the Director in preparation of meetings and official responses.

Conducts oversight of special projects assigned by the Director.

Provides advice and information on behalf of the Director on sensitive agency wide matters.

Assists in assigned phases of the operational activities with the Director’s office.

Represents the Director at various meetings and conferences.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinate's work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Performs related work as required.

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

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to promote and gain acceptance of agency programs, goals and practices.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to evaluate and make improvements to agency programs and services.

Knowledge of policy writing methods and techniques.

Ability to analyze and interpret written materials.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of professional administrative or consultative experience, and a bachelor's degree in political science or public administration, or a related field;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.