06/12/2003 23475

SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY, L&I

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible staff work serving as a special assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry.

An employee in this class serves as a special assistant to the Secretary of Labor and Industry, performing specialized high level staff work in assigned phases of operational activities or a wide variety of high level staff assignments which include a cross section of Departmental areas. Work involves advising and assisting with the establishment of Departmental goals and objectives; serving as the primary contact point with program deputies and staff, Federal staff and local government and public officials; representing the Secretary at meetings; preparing reports and written correspondence in response to inquiries and presenting information. Important aspects of this work include providing oversight to program deputies, monitoring and coordinating departmental programs, identifying
and resolving problems, researching issues and recommending action and providing advice to the Secretary on sensitive department wide matters. Work is performed under the general direction of the Secretary and is reviewed through conferences and evaluation of reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs specialized high level staff work in an assigned program area.

Assists the Secretary in establishing and directing the implementation of departmental 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 departmental goals and objectives.

Maintains liaison with Department program staff and with Federal, state and local government officials.

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

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

Conducts oversight of special projects assigned by the Secretary. Provides advice and information on behalf of the Secretary on sensitive Department wide matters.

Assists in assigned phases of the operational activities with the Secretary's office.

Represents the Secretary at various meetings and conferences.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinate's work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

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

Ability to learn the governmental structure of the Commonwealth.

Ability to learn, explain and promote Departmental programs, goals and practices.

Ability to gain knowledge of state and Federal legislation and regulations which impact upon the Department.

Ability to coordinate, interpret and promote program services.

Ability to evaluate program services, methods and procedures and to effectively recommend improvements and refinements.

Ability to provide oversight to, and work effectively with program directors.

Ability to analyze, evaluate and recommend policy.

Ability to represent the Secretary on sensitive and unusual issues.

Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with Federal, state, and local administrative officials, industry representatives, legislators, special interest groups and the general public in addition to Departmental staff.

Ability to organize and present clear and concise oral and written reports on findings and recommendations and to speak effectively in public.

Ability to analyze information, facts and complex political, legal and policy issues to provide analysis and recommendations.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of progressively responsible administrative or staff experience; and a bachelor's degree in Industrial Relations, Political Science, Public Administration or a related field.

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An equivalent combination of experience and training, which includes three years in an administrative or consultative capacity.