Social Services Program Specialist 3

State of Nevada•Nevada, NV

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Social Services is recruiting for a Social Services Program Specialist 3 in the Eligibility and Payments unit in Las Vegas or Carson City. This position supports the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Summer EBT (S EBT) by researching, interpreting, and implementing federal and State policy. Responsibilities include developing and updating program policies, procedures, and guidance; providing policy interpretation and technical assistance; and responding to complex eligibility and operational questions. The position also plays a key role in developing and maintaining automated systems that support SNAP and S EBT. Duties include identifying necessary system changes, writing business requirements, reviewing system functionality, participating in testing, and resolving policy or system issues. Additional responsibilities include supporting S EBT operations, preparing required federal documents and reports, monitoring program performance, assisting with audits and reviews, preparing program communications and training materials, and representing the Division in meetings and workgroups. The incumbent may also assist with contracts, procurements, grants, and funding activities as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study pertinent to the program assignment and two years of professional social services experience which included serving as a consultant to professional/supervisory program personnel; directing the operation of a program unit; coordinating program activities with officials and representatives of other agencies; interpretation and application of complex documents such as federal regulations, technical journals, and legislative studies; writing program policies, procedures, and reports; and conducting research and preparing recommendations for management; OR one year of experience as a Social Services Program Specialist II in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as describe above.
Working knowledge of: organizational structures and political subdivisions and systems; management practices and service delivery applicable to social services; methods and techniques of program development, implementation and administration; legislative proceedings and processes; data processing concepts including general database, system security, data communication, and multiple platform strengths and weaknesses.
General knowledge of: methods and practices of evaluating, monitoring, delegating and training staff; financial planning and budget analysis related to program operations.
Ability to: recommend solutions for complex system variables such as staff and funding shortages increasing client needs and numbers, and increasing federal procedures and coverage requirements; develop cost-effective solutions to problems within budgetary constraints and available resources; develop computer system needs specifications in a logical manner and communicate system needs to computer programmers; and set up a testing mechanism to validate programming changes; investigate complex and sensitive issues and problems and make recommendations to management; maintain professional working relationships with all levels of government and public officials; read and understand complex documents such as court orders, federal and State laws and regulations, Supreme Court decisions, technical journals, and legislative studies; write complex technical and legal material to communicate with government, legal, legislative, and public entities and computer programming staff; coordinate the activities of various units and programs; coordinate and cooperate with the division, other State agencies and federal staff to maximize service delivery; interpret, analyze and direct the development and implementation of program policies and procedures; work with upper level management including administrators, directors, presidents, and chief executive officers; evaluate the need for policy clarification based on inquiries, case reviews and field requests; speak publicly to various groups and before the legislature; coordinate the development and implementation of quality standards; analyze and solve complex programmatic problems.
Skill in: analyzing computer user needs; and developing appropriate solutions and requirements; researching and evaluating computer hardware and software needs; assisting data processing staff in developing bridging specifications to program areas that interact with computer processes and output.

Responsibilities

Participate in planning and developing social services or medical assistance programs to provide needed services; conduct needs assessments; research and evaluate existing programs; identify community and financial resources, and establish committees to assist with program development; calculate the financial and operational impact to the agency; prepare reports and recommendations for management; apply for grants; draft proposed legislation; develop program plans and acquire administrative approval.
Develop and revise program documentation to include State plans, policy manuals, procedures, and contracts to ensure programs are implemented in accordance with program goals and objectives and in compliance with federal regulations and State laws; analyze and interpret federal regulations and State laws; determine the impact upon program operations; gather input from program personnel and other interested parties, coordinate with other affected units within and outside the agency, and acquire agency approval and regulatory approval as needed.
Monitor program quality and compliance to ensure programs are operating effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with program requirements; design monitoring instruments; develop and monitor management information reports; conduct on-site reviews to include a review of program operations, management practices, and program and financial records; identify problem areas, summarize findings in a written report, and develop corrective action plans.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to program staff and respond to inquiries and requests for information from a variety of individuals such as agency management and personnel, other government agencies, community representatives, government officials, media representatives, attorneys, and the general public; interpret federal and State regulations; provide policy clarification and statistical information, complete surveys, resolve complaints, and draft correspondence for managers, administrators and officials.
Conduct research studies to provide administration with needed information; plan the study and design instruments for gathering data; research existing programs, compile and analyze data, prepare comprehensive reports, and develop recommendations.
Prepare and monitor program operating budgets to ensure funds are expended appropriately and in accordance with the goals and objectives of programs; develop annual budgets, allocate funds among program offices, monitor revenue and expenditures and propose funding adjustments if necessary.
Promote social services or medical assistance programs and serve as a spokesperson for the division; communicate and meet with program personnel, clients, providers, media representatives, community groups, and government officials to promote program goals and objectives; serve as a liaison with federal, State, and local officials regarding the program; deliver speeches and write press releases and public service announcements; and develop informational material such as posters, brochures and pamphlets.
Develop and implement training programs; analyze and research training needs and evaluate training models; develop appropriate training curricula, materials, and methods; establish training schedules, conduct training sessions, and evaluate and update curricula on an ongoing basis.
Provide technical guidance to service providers within or outside the State; explain policies, procedures and applicable regulations; provide consultation on problematic cases.
Participate in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of computerized systems to support program operations; research and evaluate the needs of program staff, initiate system change requests, and work with programming staff to test and implement system changes; prepare documentation for the computer system manual as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Under general direction, incumbents perform the full range of duties described in the series concept and are assigned the most responsible and complex administrative and professional program assignments on a statewide basis. Regulations governing program areas assigned are usually extensive but not definitive, and incumbents are required to exercise judgment when interpreting the regulations or seeking clarification from federal regulatory officials. Incumbents at this level work directly with a program chief or administrator in planning and implementing principal components of major social services or medical assistance programs and may function as an assistant program chief, supervising subordinate program specialists and other professional personnel as assigned. Incumbents conduct comprehensive research and analyses and develop recommendations for management concerning substantive changes in policies and programs; participate in the development and implementation of new and more complex social services or medical assistance programs and monitor the initial phases of implementation until programs are established and administrative responsibility is transferred to a lower level program specialist. In addition, incumbents recommend new or improved procedures and processes for the provision of services; serve as a consultant to caseworkers, district and regional managers, and lower level program specialists; monitor and evaluate social services or medical assistance programs operated by local government agencies and private organizations; serve as a liaison to federal representatives, other divisions, State and local agencies, service providers, professional and community organizations, and client representatives. This class is distinguished from the lower levels by responsibility for the largest, broadest, and most complex, multifaceted programs. The majority of these positions are supervisory.