Program Operations Specialist 1/Trainee

Duties

• Report issues to the POS2 Supervisor, as appropriate.
• Compile and analyze assessment, Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Management (QM) data for reporting to committees and leadership; review data metrics related to assessment rates.
• Support oversight of contract management, including vendor (and subcontractor) deliverables, performance, information needs, and quality indicators.
• Assist with development of data and reports that support the continued implementation of assessment and QA/QM programs.
• Provide communication, informational updates, and in‑person training to State Offices, contract vendors, and field staff as needed.
• Liaise with Developmental Disability Regional Office Front Door leads to resolve individual electronic health record issues.
• Coordinate OPWDD IT system, Tracking and Billing System (TABS)/CHOICES updates for assessment operations, QA/QM.
• Receive and process assessor staff changes in accordance with privacy and security agreements.
• Navigate multiple systems for assigning priority assessments to State assessors.
• Assist with IT development and evolution of existing systems.
• Provide general support to bureau leadership and OPWDD.
• Perform other duties assigned by your supervisor to meet and support the needs of the Division.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human‑service related field (e.g., social work, psychology) and a minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with people who have developmental disabilities.
• Strong writing, verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in the use of a computer.
• Valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State (preferred).

Specific qualifications for each level:

• 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 (1) 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): Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and two (2) years of experience in a federal or state‑certified human service program; at least one (1) year must be in a professional administrative position with duties as described above.

Additional eligibility:

• Candidates must be reachable for appointment on the current Civil Service Eligible List or the Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) Eligible List.
• A Juris Doctor, master’s or higher degree in a related field can substitute for one year of specialized experience.
• Transfer eligibility requires 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.
• 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

• 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 savings on a tax‑deferred basis).
• Paid holidays and leave:
  • 13 paid holidays per year.
  • 13 days of paid vacation leave initially.
  • 5 days of paid personal leave per year.
  • 13 days of paid sick leave per year (PEF/CSEA), may carry over.
  • Up to 3 days of professional leave per year for professional development.
• Health care coverage for employees and eligible dependents, with a variety of affordable plans; 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:
  • Training programs and tuition assistance for eligible employees.
  • Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offering continuing‑education credits.