05/01/1987 08271

FISCAL POLICY SPECIALIST 1

DEFINITION: This is beginning level, professional fiscal policy analysis and development work in the Office of the Budget.

An employee in this class is responsible for reviewing assigned segments of state programs as a member of a study team and conducting analysis within the employee’s specialty area individually or as part of an interdisciplinary study team. Work involves conducting studies of current policy problems, of programs to address those problems and of the social, economic and fiscal implications of alternatives; and involves assisting in the development of fiscal policy recommendations made within the framework of current and future fiscal constraints. Work also includes providing direction to agencies for the implementation of programs and monitoring, coordinating and reporting on the progress of program implementation. Carrying out this work involves contacts and meetings with program recipients, program providers and program managers and drafting reports of findings. Employees also participate in study team discussions and drafts necessary descriptions, justifications, plans, legislation and regulations and portions of fiscal policy recommendations for review by the team leader. Emphasis at this level is on the use of fiscal analysis, theoretical and applied program and specialty area knowledge and advanced analytical techniques under the guidance of higher level policy specialists. Work is assigned by a higher level policy specialist and reviewed through discussions, written reports and evaluation of analysis techniques.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts fiscal analysis of program proposals and policy alternatives.

Conducts analysis based on specialized knowledge and techniques unique to the employees' specialty area.

Provides direction to agencies for the implementation of programs and monitoring, coordinating and reporting on the progress of program implementation.

Reviews assigned segments of state programs as a member of a program study team.

Analyzes and researches policy problems and identifies and studies policy alternatives to be considered in the development programs to address policy problem concerns.

Assists in the development of fiscal policy recommendations by drafting portions of the recommendations based upon the employee’s knowledge and analysis.

Works closely with higher level policy specialists to develop and use advanced analytical techniques; and to develop skill in drafting comprehensive policy recommendations.

Performs related work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of principles and methodology used in fiscal analysis including relevant aspects of areas such as economic analysis, cost accounting, cost estimating, fiscal planning, fiscal management and budgeting.

Knowledge of the theory and practice of a specialized discipline associated with Commonwealth programs such as economic development, environmental protection, education and job training, engineering and construction and others.

Knowledge of the principles and methodology used in the collection, analysis, and presentation of statistical, economic, or administrative data.

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

Knowledge of the professional and academic work done by others on problem definition, causal relationships and program alternatives in place or in the theoretical and experimental states in other jurisdictions and in the Commonwealth and knowledge of the laws and regulations governing state agencies and programs.

Knowledge of the structure and operations of state government, and its relationship to Federal, regional and local governments.

Ability to conduct complex research projects and prepare detailed analysis and recommendations.

Ability to conceive, identify and analyze complex policy issues and design and conduct research studies, and develop recommendations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency program officials, co-workers and officials of other governmental units.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Fiscal Policy Associate.

                                                                                                                                                                 or

A Master's Degree in policy analysis and planning, public administration, or a specialized disciplines relating to a Commonwealth program area, or a closely related field;

                                                                                                                                                                 or

Two years of experience in policy analysis and planning or a specialized discipline relating to a Commonwealth program area; and a Bachelor's Degree in policy analysis and planning, public administration, or a closely related field;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.