Legislative Policy Analyst

General Summary

The Legislature is seeking a Legislative Policy Analyst. The analyst will serve as a technical expert conducting research studies, program evaluations, and policy analyses of public programs and agencies. Analysts are expected to show a high degree of proficiency in conducting program evaluations and policy analyses, demonstrate strong writing and presentation skills, and develop substantive knowledge of Florida state government operations and the legislative process. While operating under supervision of a staff director, most work is performed independently.

Examples of Work Performed

- Collects, analyzes, and summarizes data on programs and policies administered by state agencies using library resources, personal interviews, telephone surveys, written surveys, budget documents, agency annual reports, and available databases. - Prepares concise and accurate written summaries of the data gathered on state agency operations or programs that can be used as part of reports. - Participates as part of a team in developing an oral presentation of the results of a study to legislators, legislative staff, and other groups. - Participates as part of a team in designing written or telephone surveys to gather information on agency performance or analyze a public policy issue. - Develops and maintains contacts with key agency staff, legislators, legislative staff, and the public. - Participates as part of a team in conceptualizing report issues and developing research reports. - Conducts personal interviews with agency personnel, legislators, legislative staff or others to gather information about an agency or public policy issue. - Possesses technical knowledge of appropriate research methodology to effectively and accurately evaluate a state agency or program administered by the agency. - Conceptualizes issues, analyzes and synthesizes information and consistently develops clear messages in reports.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Knowledge of legal terminology and legal research. - Knowledge and expertise in assigned policy areas. - Knowledge of applicable computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs. - Knowledge of Florida state government, legislative rules, and procedures. - Knowledge of research and analysis techniques. - Skill in reading comprehension, analysis, and organization. - Skill in program evaluation, policy analysis, and performance auditing. - Ability to communicate effectively and concisely verbally and in writing. - Ability to take action in situations that lack clear direction. - Ability to take initiative on independent research projects. - Ability to work independently and under pressure on multiple tasks. - Ability to work effectively with legislators, legislative staff, and other constituents. - Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments. - Ability to work cooperatively as a team member. - Ability to conduct meetings and to make presentations. - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. - Ability to collect and analyze data. - Ability to organize data into logical format for presentation in reports, documents, and other written materials. - Ability to solve problems and make decisions. - Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications

- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in research, analysis, program planning and evaluation, or administrative work with training in policy analysis and research methods. - A master’s degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of the required experience. - A doctorate from an accredited college or university can substitute for two years of the required experience. - Professional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

Working for the Florida Legislature Includes a Lively Benefits Package

- Health and Dental Insurance - Employees have a choice of participating in the State Self Insured Plan or a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) if available in the county of residence or employment (Standard and High Deductible Investor plans are available). Full-time employees pay $30 per month for family coverage or $8.34 per month for individual coverage. Part-time employees pay premiums based on the total hours of work. For dental insurance, the Legislature offers a PPO plan that offers choice of dentist and pays from 50 to 100 percent of usual, customary, and reasonable charges. There is a $1500 maximum benefit per plan year. The Legislature pays the total premium for full-time employees and part-time employees pay premiums based on the total hours of work. - Leave Accrual Benefits - Annual Leave accrues as follows based on creditable state service: Up to 5 years - 11 hours per month 5 to 10 years - 13 hours per month Over 10 years - 15 hours per month - Sick Leave accrues at 9 hours per month for all full-time employees. - Life and Disability Insurance - Group Term life Insurance with an accidental death and dismemberment benefit provides $25,000 coverage. The Legislature pays the total premium for full-time employees and part-time employees pay premiums based on the total hours of work. For disability insurance, the Legislature offers a Group Long Term Disability Insurance Plan that provides a monthly benefit of 60 percent of covered monthly earnings after an elimination period of 360 days. The Legislature pays the total premium. - Retirement - Participation in the Florida Retirement System is compulsory for all salaried staff, except certain re-employed retirees. New employees have until the end of the eighth month following their first month of employment to select a retirement plan, from the traditional pension plan or the investment plan. New employees will receive an informational packet approximately two months after the hire date. Members and staff contribute 3% of their salary towards retirement and the Legislature pays the remainder of the premium. - Florida Pre-Tax Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan - This state sponsored program includes Supplemental Insurance Plans, Health Savings Account (when enrolled with an Investor Health Plan), and a Flexible Spending Program on a pretax basis. The Supplemental Insurance Plans include hospitalization, cancer/intensive care, dental, vision, and accidental/disability. The Flexible Spending Program includes healthcare and dependent care accounts. A competitive Deferred Compensation Plan is also offered. The State of Florida Deferred Compensation Plan offers a number of investment options including variable annuities, mutual funds, and a bank, with a variety of contract providers. - Paid Holidays - New Year's Day - Martin Luther King Day - Memorial Day - Independence Day - Labor Day - Veteran's Day - Thanksgiving Day - Friday After Thanksgiving - Christmas Day - Personal Holiday

Employer

Florida Legislature 111 W Madison St STE 874 Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-1400 Phone: (850) 488-6803