Program Operations Specialist 1

About the role

This position serves as a Program Operations Specialist 1 (POS 1) within a division of the Service Access Program Implementation and Stakeholder Support – Regional Field Office (SPSRFO). Divisions include Service Access (Front Door and Waiver Services), Eligibility, Self-Direction, Housing, Crisis, Property/Development, Fiscal, and Quality Management/Technical Assistance. The role is based in Region 3, which covers an 18-county area with oversight in Capital, Taconic, and Hudson Valley.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Unit Liaison, performing administrative duties for Self-Direction, Waiver, Housing, Fiscal, Property, or Quality Management/Technical Assistance Units, including planning, development, implementation, operation, and authorization.
• Monitor new initiatives and changes in existing programs.
• Assist the Department Lead with receiving, reviewing, and processing SART requests (e.g., self-direction budgets, waiver service authorizations/amendments, employment services).
• Maintain knowledge of OPWDD policies and procedures; review ADMs, Protocols, Policies, and Procedures, conduct training, and ensure implementation.
• Emphasize expertise in Self-Direction, HCBS Waiver Services, and Family Support Services.
• Represent the Regional Field Office in local and statewide meetings regarding OPWDD services and service delivery changes.
• Participate in Regional Office Quality Review and Quality Assurance activities related to service authorization.
• Engage in local and statewide meetings, trainings, and workgroups as assigned.
• Conduct public speaking and training for providers (e.g., fiscal intermediaries, support brokers, residential and other service providers, community partners).
• Foster collaboration and communication with individuals, families, Care Coordination Organizations, agencies, Local Government Units, and community stakeholders.
• Maintain and regularly update the Regional Field Office’s Policy and Procedural Manual.
• Provide technical assistance to Care Coordination Organizations and OPWDD provider agencies as needed.
• Use proficient computer skills including data entry, databases, spreadsheets, Microsoft Word, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Travel or conduct site visits to programs and agencies as required.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications vary by title:

• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 1, NS (SG-14): Bachelor’s degree in a human services field.
• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 2, NS (SG-16): Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and one year of experience in a federal or state certified human service program, including a professional administrative role focused on planning, coordinating, monitoring, or evaluating services for people with developmental disabilities, with information gathering and analysis.
• Program Operations Specialist 1, SG-18: Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and two years of experience in a federal or state certified human service program, including one year in a professional administrative role focused on planning, coordinating, monitoring, or evaluating services for people with developmental disabilities, with information gathering and analysis.

Substitution: A Juris Doctor, master’s, or higher degree in a related field can substitute for one year of specialized experience.

Benefits

• Savings programs: U.S. Savings Bond and College Savings Plan.
• Voluntary pre-tax savings programs: Health Care Spending Account and Dependent Care Advantage Account.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for assessment, referral, and support services.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary retirement savings).
• Health care coverage with multiple affordable options; family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.
• Paid holidays and leave: 13 paid holidays, 13 days paid vacation initially, 5 days paid personal leave, 13 days paid sick leave (may carry over), and up to 3 days professional leave annually.
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Retirement program: NYS Employees’ Retirement System (ERS).
• Professional development: Training programs, tuition assistance, and continuing education credits through PSWP.

Pay

• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 1: $57,764*
• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 2: $63,994*
• Program Operations Specialist 1: $70,951 – $89,138*

*Amounts include Downstate adjustment ($4,000).