Nature of Work: The Program Analyst series describes work associated with the analysis and evaluation of agency programs or projects. The analysis and evaluation is to provide higher level policy and decision makers with factual information to be used in planning, monitoring, and resource allocation.

Definition: Employees in this class are responsible for assisting in the review and evaluation of agency programs or projects to determine their effects and to make recommendations for higher level decision making. Employees at this level work with higher level professional staff to fully understand nature and parameters of the assignment and to develop timetable for completion. Work involves assisting in gathering necessary background data, analyzing the data, and developing recommendations. Work includes assisting in or preparing data collection tools, contacting other inter or intra departmental units for information related to the assignment, and organizing the data. Work product may be in the form of an informal oral report to higher level professional staff, memorandum, or in draft form as a part of a narrative or statistical report. Work is distinguished from the next higher level because employes serve to assist in or provide support to higher level program analysts responsible for overall program/project analysis and evaluation. Direct supervision is received and work product is reviewed in process and upon completion by supervisor for adherence to instructions and overall adequacy.

Examples of Work: Assists higher level professional staff in analyzing and evaluating agency programs or projects in order to determine effectiveness and to provide data for higher level planning, monitoring, and resource allocation.

Assists in preparing data collection tools; gathers information through interview, research, or inter or intra agency contacts; analyzes data; makes observations; and prepares draft recommendations.

Assists in the review and preparation of portions of Federal, local or state documentation to qualify for Federal or other funding.

Presents work product orally, in written memorandum or in draft form as part of narrative or statistical reports.

Responds to questions from inter or intra agency personnel or others related to the program or project under review.

Reviews policy or procedural issuances, periodicals, and other literature related to the agency's functioning for information on

current and pending agency program developments; and may be asked to comment on issues related to current and proposed assignments.

Receives on-the-job and formal instruction in advanced work techniques.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of basic budgeting processes and techniques.

Ability to use statistical and quantitative data analysis techniques in order to conduct analysis and evaluation using the scientific method.

Ability to learn agency programs and projects.

Ability to apply the methods and techniques used in collecting, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting data.

Ability to gather, assemble, and organize information related to programs and projects and to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

Ability to assist higher level staff in isolated segments of a program or project; identify problems and offer solutions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with inter and intra agency staff, associates, and the general public.

Ability to make clear and pertinent statements, orally and in writing.

Minimum Experience and Training: One year of professional analytical work which involved procedures development or review, budget or systems analysis, statistical analysis, program analysis, or management methods; and a bachelor's degree;

or

A master's degree in public administration, social science, statistics, or business administration, or a closely related field; or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Date Established or Last Revised

Class Specification - 1985

Evaluation Guide - 1991

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST06