PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT/DEPUTY 46124

07/16/92 B

This is the singular and expert class for positions that research, analyze, develop, coordinate and implement a wide range of agency activities involving financial, administrative and programmatic initiatives for a deputy commissioner. Positions in this class review the work of others and supervise economic, operational, and programmatic assessments/projects which require assigning, scheduling, coordinating various resources and serving as the liaison with federal, state and local agencies.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty that requires planning and oversight/supervision of activities of professional and technical staff utilized to meet agency objectives for projects/agency programs. Prepares proposals, and provides consultation to a deputy commissioner on pending or proposed agency initiatives. Acts for the deputy commissioner independently with respect to responding to public and private entities and/or secretariat, governor's office, etc. Analyzes information from variety of sources related to agency issues and programs and prepares recommendations for the conduct and review of agency projects related to the applicable duty. Drafts and reviews responses prepared on behalf of the deputy, agency head, cabinet secretary, or other state officials. Recommends development or revision of budgets, and program policies. Plans and conducts research projects related to agency functions; makes decisions on the availability and sources of data. Directs the preparation of reports on results of studies and conducts analysis to determine appropriate recommendations to make to the deputy regarding implementation. Resolves immediate operational/programmatic problems considering the effect on agency operations. Assesses effectiveness of agency financial, administrative and programmatic areas and develops alternatives to achieve operational efficiency. Exercises independent judgment and decision-making authority relating to departmental objectives and their coordination with the deputy.

Supervision Given: Positions in this class provide oversight and direction to employees, tasks forces, and study groups for agency initiatives, projects, serving as team leader for studies which require resources in and outside of the agency.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction from the deputy commissioner to which employee is assigned. Usually works with minimal supervision in the administration of work tasks.

Scope: Positions in this class affect agency-wide operational, administrative and programmatic activities and services to the agency and its clientele statewide.

Impact of Actions: Initiatives, studies, projects, policies, and procedures produced have serious and long-term affects on the interests of the clients, agency programs, and costs associated with agency services. Errors could result in the development of ineffective initiatives which could jeopardize federal and state funds for agency policies, procedures, and programs inhibiting the agency from achieving it's goals and in providing services to clients.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with federal, state, and local agency executives/employees; legislative staff; and public and private organizations. Contacts with the Department of Planning and Budget, the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to discuss agency initiatives, programs, and operations which affect services to the public.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of large-scale organizational functions related to administrative planning and procedures affecting management principles and processes; of financial, economic, and programmatic issues affecting large, complex state agencies; of principles and procedures of public administration/management programs, and policies. Knowledge of research and statistical methods and their application. Knowledge of agency services and delivery techniques.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to analyze data, problems, and situations and to conduct independent research. Ability to interpret and apply regulations, procedures and to develop proposals and mandates; to oversee/supervise work of employees in variety of agency projects and initiatives, and to work with diverse groups of people. Ability to coordinate work processes through intra- and inter-agency methods and to work with ancillary groups. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to serve as a liaison for the agency as an agent of the Deputy Commissioner.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience involving project management, research, analysis, and supervising work processes and procedures.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised in July 1992 and replaces the Welfare Research and Reporting Director class.