Basic Function
The Program Specialist in the Financial Assistance Services Department (FAS) supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of economic assistance programs by serving as a subject matter expert in areas of administering public assistance programs. This role provides technical support to frontline staff and supervisors, including troubleshooting system issues, maintaining systems procedures and workflow processes that promote consistent, efficient case processing. The person in this role distributes BlueZone scripts, collaborates with IT and business analysts to resolve systems problems. The Program Specialist acts as a liaison with external vendors and partners to ensure clear communication, coordination, and resolutions related to contracted systems that support program operations.
Represent the department and participate in state and county collaborative workgroups. Support multiple internal systems including coordinating onboarding and offboarding of users, vendor communication, assist users with training and troubleshooting, and monitor system performance. Gather data and respond to private and public data requests. Collaborate among county departments and serve as department Subject Matter Expert.
To coordinate the development, implementation and evaluation of a specified program or project which provides services to clients/participants or employees of the Department to which assigned; and to perform related duties as assigned.
Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy (Download PDF reader).
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Responsibilities
Examples of Work Performed
- Promote a diverse, culturally competent and respectful workplace.
- Develop implementation plans, program plans, or performance plans including projections of resource needs for various programs or projects including community-based programming within the department as assigned.
- Identify areas that need improvement and support the development of system modification and/or the development of new services.
- Survey, study, and analyze existing resources to achieve maximum effectiveness.
- Coordinate and collaborate with department staff (including other Ramsey County departments) and with the community, providers, state and regional municipalities, and federal authorities to meet program or project goals.
- Develop and maintain the program or project team priorities and work goals to achieve desired results.
- Identify needed changes in workflow and procedures and work with managers and supervisors to implement changes.
- Prepare reports and maintain records on program or project goals, achievements, methods, utilization, and challenges.
- Coordinate educational activities for service providers, concerned community groups and organizations affected by the program or project.
- Monitor, analyze, and evaluate the effectiveness of projects or programs including resources to ensure that services are provided in a cost-effective manner.
- Plan, conduct, identify, and/or coordinate training on topics related to the program or project for staff (including volunteers and interns), community provider agencies and clients/participants; implement orientation and recruiting goals in order to maximize program or project effectiveness.
- Assist in the creation of request for proposals, contracts and Board documentation related to the department project or program, as assigned.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Social Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience: Five years of experience in programs or services related to the department to which assignment will be made, including two years in a field appropriate to the project to which appointment will be made.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Certifications/Licensure: None.
Exam/Screening Process Information
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Program Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for one month(s) or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin. Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of our workforce.Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact Crystal.Diaz@co.ramsey.mn.us
Ramsey County
Saint Paul, Ramsey, Minnesota 55101
US
