Program Operations Specialist 1/Trainee

Responsibilities

• Provide subject‑matter expertise for the development and continued implementation of assessment and quality‑assurance/quality‑management programs.
• Compile and analyze assessment and QA/QM 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.
• Oversee and track all correspondence and concerns cases.
• Participate in the QA/QM “Community of Practice,” sharing information and giving feedback and guidance.
• Support activities of QA/QM and state and vendor operations teams.
• Support training for new assessors and act as peer support to other QA/QM team members, including continued development of the training curriculum.
• Report issues to the Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW) Supervisor 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 with the state assessment team for quality‑oversight activities and address arising issues.
• Maintain and complete QA/QM‑related program activities, timelines, and deliverables as identified by Central Office.
• Complete all required documentation accurately utilizing the technology provided.
• Utilize flexible scheduling, including travel and evening or weekend hours, as necessary.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively, prioritizing work plans and assignments to meet 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.
• Either a registered nurse or a human‑services professional possessing at least 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 plus 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, or eligibility via Section 70.1, 70.4, or 52.6 of Civil Service Law (with transfer limits as described).
• Possession of the minimum qualifications established by the Department of Civil Service and a current eligibility letter from the NYS Department of Civil Service.

Pay

• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 1: $56,183
• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 2: $62,694
• Program Operations Specialist 1: $69,964 – $88,970

Benefits

• Paid holidays (13 per year) and paid vacation leave (13 days initially).
• Paid personal leave (5 days per year) and paid sick leave (13 days per year, may carry over).
• Professional leave (up to 3 days per year) for development events.
• Health care coverage for employees and eligible dependents, with family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.
• Paid parental leave (up to 12 weeks at full pay for qualifying events).
• Retirement through the New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS).
• Voluntary pre‑tax savings programs: Health Care Spending Account, Dependent Care Advantage Account, U.S. Savings Bond, College Savings Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal support services.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary, tax‑deferred retirement savings).
• Professional development and tuition assistance; access to Public Service Workshops Program for continuing‑education credits.

Schedule

Flexible scheduling is required, including travel and the possibility of evening and weekend hours to meet program needs.