Occ. Code 2422100

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 1, GRADE 18	2422100
WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 3, GRADE 23	2422300
WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 1, GRADE 27	2423100
WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 2, M-3	2423200

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Positions in this series develop, maintain, promote and monitor workforce development and training programs, occupational safety and health training, employment related tax incentives and related programs.  Incumbents provide technical direction and oversight to Local Workforce Investment Boards (LWIB), Local Workforce Investment Areas (LWIA), social services districts, employers and employee groups, community service agencies, and various public and private boards regarding workforce development funding programs, and may also operate and/or supervise the delivery of direct client employment services.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 1: full performance level; monitors, evaluates and provides technical assistance in developing and implementing workforce development and training contracts and the delivery of services to ensure conformance with federal and State laws, regulations and procedures. 

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 3:  monitors compliance with grants and contracts; evaluates program results and formulates program and policy recommendations; may supervise lower level Workforce Programs Specialists and other staff.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 1:  supervises Workforce Programs Specialist 3; serves as a section head, bureau chief, or field office manager for a multi-county area, major metropolitan area, or Statewide program.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 2: supervises Workforce Programs Managers 1; oversees the largest, most difficult and/or politically sensitive programs.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

            WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 1

• Develops or revises requests for proposals (RFPs) guidelines and review procedures; obtains and organizes contractual program performance and expenditure data from federal and State funding sources and prepares detailed analyses; assists in reviewing and evaluating RFPs for programmatic correctness, adherence to State policy, compatibility with agency programs and goals and availability of funds.

• Participates in analyzing federal and State legislation and federal regulations; identifies changes in program guidelines, eligibility factors, procedures or regulations; drafts Technical Advisories and Bulletins on agency policies.

• Responds to requests from workforce development and training program partners, contractors, employer/employee groups, community-based organizations, other State agencies for program information and policy interpretations.

• Advises program staff of proper administrative procedures, State and federal guidelines and changes in workforce development and training eligibility rules and other program features.

• Provides advice, assistance, and recommendations to contractors, municipal officials and administrators, community-based organizations, and other agencies; examines programs to identify and analyze problems and reports on inefficient and ineffective practices at community-based organizations and contractor agencies.  Assists in preparing formal recommendations to management regarding program administration.

• Assists in developing and implementing workforce development and training programs, working with workforce development system partners and community-based organizations; gathers, organizes, prepares and disseminates training related materials to attendees at regional meetings, conferences and forums to advise the various participants of changes in procedure, eligibility or requirements.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 3

• May supervise and train Workforce Programs Specialists and support staff; trains grant recipients and agency staff on changes in procedures or requirements.

• Participates in developing, implementing and managing performance and cost-reimbursement based contract documents.

• Prepares technical advisories, Commissioner letters, program policy releases, bulletins, and memos regarding both employment and training, and safety and health policies, regulations, guidelines, and federal and State mandates.

• Prepares recommendations to management regarding program administration; develops operating procedures for new or revised grant or contract programs.

• Serves on various task forces on interpretation of procedural and policy issues related to workforce employment and training, and safety and health programs.

• Reviews, monitors and evaluates federal and State workforce development and training, and safety and health workforce training programs to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, rules, regulations and policies; and analyzes program performance data to ensure accountability.

• Works with information technology staff to develop and implement data systems for evaluating services.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 1

• Manages various State and federally funded workforce development and training, employment tax credit and occupational safety and health programs.
• Oversees the review, evaluation and fiscal control of programs and/or contracts related to workforce development and training, welfare to work, employment tax credit, employer/employee safety and health training programs and employment support services.

• Develops and administers control mechanisms to ensure that all programs and/or contracts and projects are developed and operated in accordance with existing or revised regulations.

• Negotiates, monitors and resolves difficult and sensitive problems connected with contracts.

• Represents the agency on various boards; serves as a primary point of contact with other State agencies, governmental entities and community organizations.

• Prepares correspondence, analyses and reports in response to inquiries from management.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 2

• Directs a large or multiple State and federally funded workforce development and training programs.

• Develops policies and procedures for new or revised workforce development and training programs; advises agency managers on policy and budgeting guidelines.

• Directs staff engaged in developing, monitoring and managing contracts, grants and RFPs; sets priorities based on Division and agency guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 1

Open Competitive:  Bachelors Degree and  two  years of experience in performing one or more of the following activities:

a. developing and implementing plans or proposals to deliver workforce        development and training programs;

b. evaluating, monitoring or administering workforce development and          training programs;

c. managing contracts and budgets for workforce development and    training programs, which must include development, negotiation,             execution, fiscal management, and monitoring or program review;

d. determining eligibility for public assistance; and

e. assessing applicants for, or recipients of, welfare employment program     benefits to identify and remove barriers to self-sufficiency.

College education may substitute at the rate of thirty credits for each year of experience, for up to four years of the required experience.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 3

Promotion:  one year of permanent service as a Workforce Programs Specialist 1.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 1

Promotion:  one year of permanent service as a Workforce Programs Specialist 3.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 2

Promotion:  one year of permanent service as a Workforce Programs Manager 1.

Date:  5/10 (Updated 4/13)

Attachment

NOTE:  Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualifications for appointment or examination.

PARENTHETICS ATTACHMENT 

            Positions of Workforce Programs Specialist and Workforce Programs Manager are classified with the following parenthetics:

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 1 (YOUTH SYSTEMS): develop promote, monitor, analyze and evaluate workforce development programs and contracts for youth aged 13 to 18 years; provide technical assistance, support and training programs to agency facilities, contractors, congregate care facilities, community-based organizations, and youth bureaus that offer opportunities for youth; research and maintain updated information regarding best practices, industry standards and employment trends for workforce development programs; review contracts, approve and process contract modifications and prepare reimbursement requests consistent with federal and State funding requirements.

Open Competitive:  Bachelors Degree and two years of experience with youth workforce development including program administration, program development, program monitoring, provision of  technical assistance, employment counseling and/or vocational training, job development or placement services.  An Associates Degree and two additional years of experience may substitute for the Bachelors Degree. 

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 3 (YOUTH SYSTEMS):  supervise Workforce Program Specialists 1 (YS) and support staff in the development and monitoring of programs to assist youth in finding job training or job opportunities; provide technical assistance to workforce development programs; involve private sector organizations and associations in program planning or resource development; deliver training programs to professional staff to facilitate the use of programs or materials designed to prepare youth particularly at-risk youth for successful employment.

Promotion:  one year of permanent service as a Workforce Programs Specialist 1 (Youth Systems).

Open Competitive:  Bachelors Degree and three years of experience in youth workforce development including the following:  program administration; program development; program monitoring; provision of technical assistance; employment counseling and/or vocational training, job development or placement services.  An Associates Degree and two additional years of experience may substitute for the Bachelors Degree. 

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 1 (YOUTH SYSTEMS):  administer the day-to-day activities of the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Office of Workforce Development; direct staff in providing technical assistance to residential facility and community-based programs; review documents prepared by staff for accuracy and completeness; develop training, jobs and career ladder opportunities through links with trade unions and large private sector employers; establish links with community colleges to assist youth in independent living and foster care programs; oversee the development and monitoring of contracts for education and training initiatives and special projects developed in cooperation with other State agencies.

Open Competitive:   Bachelors Degree and two years of direct service experience with juvenile justice populations in a workforce development program where the duties included one or more of the following activities:  program administration, program development, program monitoring, technical assistance, employment counseling and/or vocational training, job development and/or placement services and five years of management experience involving the supervision of staff in the administration of workforce development programs including one year devoted to programs under the Workforce Investment Act guidelines.  A Masters Degree may substitute for one year of the direct service experience and one year of the management experience. 

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 2 (YOUTH SYSTEMS):  direct OCFS Office of Workforce Development; represent the Commissioner on the Statewide Workforce Investment Board  (SWIB) and its Emerging Worker Subcommittee; devise Statewide strategies that reflect youth development components to enhance Workforce Investment Act Program outcomes; develop youth workforce development policies for consideration by SWIB; act as liaison with agency offices, bureaus and units to establish a coordinated effort for agency clients and youth in care; review the development and delivery of workshops, symposiums and related materials to assist State and local agencies dedicated to youth workforce development. 

Open Competitive:  Bachelors Degree and two years of direct service experience with juvenile justice populations in a workforce development program where the duties included one or more of the following activities:  program administration, program development, program monitoring, technical assistance, employment counseling and/or vocational training, job development and/or placement services and seven years of management experience involving the supervision of staff in the administration of workforce development programs including one year devoted to programs under the Workforce Investment Act guidelines and as executive level staff in the course of performing assigned duties.  A Masters Degree may substitute for one year of the direct service experience and one year of the management experience. 

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 1 (OTDA): develop, promote, maintain, monitor and evaluate New York State Jobs Program policies, activities, services and grant programs regarding employment programs and policies to assist recipients of public assistance to gain employment; serve as liaison with local social services districts to review workforce development contract requirements and provide technical assistance; monitor and evaluate effectiveness of programs; facilitate workforce development with employers, employer groups, community based organizations; research and analyze program data and legislative proposals; may develop and negotiate contracts and monitor contract clearance and execution; monitor contractor performance for adherence to guidelines through on-site reviews; and develop program reports and other materials, including performance data, to support program objectives

Open Competitive: Bachelors Degree and successful completion of a two-year traineeship; or six years of experience in New York State Welfare to Work programs performing one or more of the following activities:  developing and implementing plans or proposals to deliver Welfare to Work programs; evaluating, monitoring, or administering Welfare to Work or other employment placement programs; managing contracts and related budgets for Welfare to Work programs, which must include development, negotiation, execution, fiscal management, and monitoring or program review; determining eligibility for temporary assistance; and assessing applicants for, or recipients of, welfare employment program benefits or other social services programs to identify and remove barriers to self-sufficiency. 

College education may substitute for experience at the rate of 30 semester credit hours equaling one year of experience for up to four years of the required experience. 

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 3 (OTDA):  supervise staff in the review and monitoring of contracts, program activities and services to develop employment opportunities and related services to help public assistance recipients transition to employment; develop, negotiate and manage program contracts, regulation, policies and other communications; disseminate program information; participate in training conferences; and ensure the reporting of timely and accurate program data.

Promotion:  one year of permanent service as a Workforce Programs Specialist 1 (OTDA), Temporary Assistance Specialist 1, Program Outreach Specialist 1 or Senior Auditor, or in a position where at least 50% of duties involve auditing programs, organizations or social services districts which receive funding from TANF, Food Stamp Employment and Training, or the Safety Net programs.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 1 (OTDA):  research policy and legislative proposals to determine their impact on program goals; develop State policy regarding public assistance and food stamp employment services requirements; make recommendations in response to policy and operational proposals developed by the federal government, State agencies and local social services districts; provide policy guidance to agency staff and social services district staff on public assistance and food stamp employment services program rules, district requirements and program operations; and oversee and train staff. 

Promotion: one year of permanent service as a Workforce Programs Specialist 3 (OTDA) or Temporary Assistance Specialist 2, Temporary Assistance Specialist 2 (Spanish Language) Temporary Assistance Specialist 2 (Refugee and Immigrant Services), or Program Outreach Specialist 2.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER 2 (OTDA):  direct a large or multiple State and federally funded workforce development and training program; develop policies and procedures for new or revised programs for employment and training; advise agency managers on policy and budgeting guidelines; analyze federal and State budget authority and develop concept papers, programming plans, funding applications and requests for proposals; develop proposal review guidelines and agreements with providers;  and direct staff.

Promotion:  one year of permanent service as a Workforce Programs Manager 1 (OTDA).