Program Operations Specialist 1/Trainee

About the Role

The Program Operations Specialist 1 (POS 1) is part of the Bureau of Assessment, Oversight and Coordination (BAOC) within the Division of Statewide Services. Reporting to the Licensed Master Social Work Supervisor (LMSW) for the Assessment Quality Assurance/Quality Management team, the incumbent provides subject‑matter expertise, conducts quality reviews of assessors, investigates assessment concerns, supports stakeholders, assists with IT development, oversees contract‑vendor activities, and serves as a subject‑matter expert for bureau leadership and OPWDD.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject‑matter expertise for the development and continued implementation of assessment and quality‑assurance/quality‑management programs.
• Compile and analyze assessment and QM/QA data for timely reporting to committees and leadership.
• Navigate multiple systems to complete priority reviews and field observations within established time frames.
• Participate in and present at standing Concerns Review Committee meetings, offering expertise on documentation and clinical summaries.
• Provide oversight and tracking for all correspondence and concerns cases.
• Participate in the QA/QM “Community of Practice,” sharing information and giving feedback and guidance.
• Support activities of QM/QA and state and vendor operations teams.
• Support training for new assessors and act as peer support to other QM/QA team members, including continued development of the training curriculum.
• Report issues to the LMSW or Social Work Supervisor, as appropriate.
• Provide communication, informational updates, and in‑person training to State Offices, contract vendors, and field staff as needed.
• Coordinate and support public presentations with stakeholders and provide perspective on stakeholder inquiries.
• Facilitate liaison activities with the state assessment team for quality‑oversight activities and address arising issues.
• Maintain and complete QM/QA‑related program activities, timelines, and deliverables identified by Central Office.
• Complete all required documentation accurately using the provided technology.
• Utilize flexible scheduling, including travel, evening, and weekend hours as necessary.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively, prioritizing work plans, assignments, and meeting deadlines.
• Fulfill training and certification requirements prior to using assessment and/or review tools on an ongoing basis.
• Provide support and coverage for other POS 1 team members as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least one year of experience working directly with individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities, and be either a registered nurse or a human‑services professional possessing a bachelor’s degree in a human‑services field (e.g., sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology).
• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 1 (NS, SG‑14): a bachelor’s degree in a human‑services field.
• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 2 (NS, SG‑16): a bachelor’s degree in a human‑services field plus one year of experience in a federal or state‑certified human‑service program in a professional administrative position involving planning, coordinating, monitoring, or evaluating services for people with developmental disabilities, including information gathering and analysis.
• Program Operations Specialist 1 (SG‑18): a bachelor’s degree in a human‑services field and two years of experience in a federal or state‑certified human‑service program, with at least one year in a professional administrative position as described above.
• Substitution: a Juris Doctor, master’s, or higher degree in a related field may substitute for one year of specialized experience.
• Transfer eligibility: one year of permanent competitive or 55‑B/C status in the posted title and eligibility for lateral transfer, or eligibility via Section 70.1, 70.4, or 52.6 of Civil Service Law.
• 55 B/C qualifications: possess the minimum qualifications established by the Department of Civil Service, meet applicable mental and/or physical requirements (with reasonable accommodation if needed), and have a current Eligibility Letter from the NYS Department of Civil Service.

Pay

• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 1: $60,333* (includes Downstate adjustment of $4,150).
• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 2: $66,844* (includes Downstate adjustment).
• Program Operations Specialist 1: $74,114* – $93,120* (includes Downstate adjustment).

Benefits

• Savings programs such as U.S. Savings Bonds and the College Savings Plan.
• Voluntary pre‑tax savings options: Health Care Spending Account and Dependent Care Advantage Account.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal support services.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary retirement).
• Paid holidays: 13 per year.
• Paid vacation leave: 13 days initially.
• Paid personal leave: 5 days per year.
• Paid sick leave: 13 days per year (may carry over).
• Professional leave: up to 3 days per year for professional development.
• Health‑care coverage for employees and eligible dependents; family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.
• Paid Parental Leave: up to 12 weeks of full‑pay leave for birth, adoption, or foster‑care placement.
• Retirement through the New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS).
• Professional development and education: tuition assistance, training programs, and the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offering continuing‑education credits.

Schedule

The position requires flexible scheduling, including travel, evening, and weekend hours as necessary, to meet program priorities and deadlines.