JOB TITLE: SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF HUMAN SERVICES

JOB CODE: 49901

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible staff work serving as a special assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS).

An employee in this job performs specialized high-level staff work in assigned program areas. Work involves advising on and assisting the Secretary with the establishment of departmental goals and objectives; serving as the primary contact point with program deputies, executive staff, and public and private officials; representing and acting on behalf of the Secretary at meetings; preparing reports and written correspondence in response to inquiries; and presenting information. Important aspects of this work include monitoring and coordinating DHS programs, identifying and resolving problems, researching issues and recommending and implementing action, and advising 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: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Performs specialized high-level staff work in assigned phases of operational activities or a wide variety of high-level staff assignments that include a cross section of DHS program areas.

• Assists the Secretary and/or Chief of Staff in establishing and directing the implementation of DHS goals and objectives.

• Reviews policy and program proposals with program deputies to determine acceptability, avoid duplication, and ensure compatibility and compliance with DHS goals and objectives.

• Liaises with DHS program staff and with federal, state, and local government officials.

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

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

• Provides advice and information on behalf of the Secretary on sensitive department-wide matters.

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

• Represents the Secretary at various meetings and conferences.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of policy and program planning, development, and evaluation.

• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing human services programs.

• Knowledge of research methods and techniques.

• Ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, policies, and objectives.

• 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: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Five years of professional human services program experience, including three years in a consultative capacity; and a bachelor's degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes three years in a consultative capacity.