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: Employes in this class are functioning at the journey level and are responsible for analyzing and evaluating agency programs or projects to determine extent to which the goals and objectives are being met, and to determine the impact of the program or project. Work at this level is assigned with supervisory assistance in developing evaluation design and in establishing completion dates. Work involves gathering background data, organizing and analyzing the data, and developing solutions and recommendations. Results of review and analysis may be presented orally, in memorandum form, or in the form of statistical or narrative reports. Work may also involve leading and providing guidance to lower level Program Analysts by providing guidance and direction in analysis and evaluation techniques, and employes may serve as program or project review leaders. Work is distinguished from the lower level analyst in that employes at this level are responsible, after supervisory assistance in evaluation design, for developing the evaluation approach, adjusting analysis based on unanticipated results or new findings, and for presenting results of analysis and evaluation in final form. Work is distinguished from the higher level analyst by the lack of ongoing advanced work such as analyzing and evaluating projects or programs so complex as to require creativity and originality in the evaluation methods and approach; or the lack of ongoing independent development of evaluation design; or the lack of supervisory work. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative supervisor and is reviewed through conferences and reports.

Examples of Work: Reviews and evaluates agency programs or projects to determine their impact and extent to which the goals and objectives are being met.

Assists in developing the evaluation design which serves as the blueprint for the evaluation and is the basis for testing a given hypothesis; uses the data accumulated from the evaluation design to measure program or project performance against stated goals and objectives, to identify services provided, and identify factors that facilitate or impair effectiveness.

Uses data collection methods and tools; and interviews program officials in order to gather background and current data.

Organizes and analyzes data which may involve reviewing budget information or applying mathematical, systems, or statistical methods to analyze data in order to draw conclusions, make recommendations and suggest program alternatives for higher level decision making.

Prepares tables and graphs from analysis for inclusion in final work product which may be presented orally, in memorandum form, or in the form of narrative or statistical reports.

Reviews and prepares Federal, local or state documentation necessary to qualify for Federal or other funding.

Uses research techniques in gathering and compiling data and applies appropriate statistical and mathematical methods in analyzing data.

Reviews periodicals, journals, other literature, or local, state or Federal issuances for information on current and pending programs or projects and comments on issues relevant to current and proposed assignments.

Serves as lead worker to lower level staff; provides guidance and direction in techniques used in collecting, reviewing, analyzing, interpreting and presenting data.

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 the use of statistical and quantitative data analysis techniques necessary to conduct analysis and evaluation using the scientific method.

Knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting theory and processes and their application to agency programs and resource allocation.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in conducting research, and of statistical, systems, or mathematical methods used to analyze data.

Ability to learn agency programs, projects and operations.

Ability to conduct program or project review in order to discover new facts and relationships.

Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations.

Ability to learn and apply new review and evaluation techniques to new problems.

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 as a Program

Analyst 1;

or

Two years of professional analytical work in program analysis involving the use of statistical and quantitative data analysis techniques in conducting analysis and evaluation using the scientific method; and a bachelor's degree;

or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Date Established or Last Revised

Class Specification - 1985

Evaluation Guide -1991

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST07