County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction the Social Services Agency Planner, develops and coordinates research and evaluation plan for the Agency; coordinates the collection and analysis, and presentation of research findings; serves as liaison with external researchers/evaluators in other County departments, Agency Department Heads, and advisory councils and commissions; and performs related work as required. Works closely with Agency Department Heads and Division Directors on developing a research/evaluation agenda, and on utilizing findings in the policy development process.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This classification is a single-position classification located in the Social Services Agency. Work is performed with general guidance from the Financial Services Director, SSA. The position requires the incumbent to work with Agency Department Heads to facilitate a cohesive research/evaluation program. The planner will use independent judgment in planning work details and making technical decisions. The Social Services Agency Planner will manage the professional staff and the activities of the Evaluation and Research Unit.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Develops in coordination with the Agency Executive Team, an evaluation/research agenda for the Agency. Oversees the work of a team of researchers who carry out this evaluation/research agenda.
2. Provides information and interpretation of data/research studies to the staff of the Social Services Agency, the County Administrator's Office, the Human Services Council and other County commissions.
3. Obtains demographic and other data relevant to social services planning and facilitates the use of that data in the Agency planning process.
4. Consults frequently with the members of the Agency Executive Team, to identify program goals and to agree to methods to evaluate programs.
5. Uses advanced techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of agency programs.
6. Prepares evaluation/research reports and relevant correspondence.
7. Maintains a technical library.
8. Presents key findings and help departmental staff understand the strengths and weaknesses of existing programs at achieving stated goals. Makes presentations in public hearings before the Board of Supervisors, other governmental agencies, and the community.
9. Plans and designs the format and layout of reports or printed materials necessary for the planning function.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Business Administration, Sociology, Urban Studies or a related field (experience in evaluation of or planning for the delivery of social services may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education),

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of two years of increasingly responsible paid professional experience in the evaluation of or planning for the delivery of social services in a social welfare, or social planning agency or community organization.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's license and the ability to drive.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods and procedures of research/program evaluation.
• County government and community organizations interested in social services.

Ability to:

• Supervise, develop and guide professional staff involved in research/evaluation efforts.
• Coordinate the collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
• Work with top-level managers, commissions, and community-based groups, to facilitate the coordination of research and evaluation studies.

Core Competencies:

• Oral Communication - Includes person to person and presentations before large groups.
• Written Communication - Includes daily correspondence and larger reports/presentations.
• Decision-making - Includes making decisions that further the goals and needs of the County; includes using business acumen in making decisions that build a strong organization which delivers the highest level of service to diverse customers.
• Analytical and Problem Solving - Includes using vision, strategy, and innovation to deal with change.
• Planning and Organization - Includes using vision, strategy and innovation to maximize resources.
• Management Control / Supervision - Includes making excellent hiring choices, developing staff professionalism, growth and competency, and giving honest and fair evaluations.
• Leadership - Includes knowing when to lead and when to work effectively as part of a group; includes imparting to staff a commitment to the County’s mission, credo and goals; includes modeling excellence.
• Interpersonal Sensitivity - Includes fair treatment of all persons in both oral and written communication.
• Flexibility - Includes working with change using vision, strategy and innovation
• Resistance/Adaptation to Stress - Includes staying calm under difficult conditions.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

JGJ:BG:sj 1/78
Retyped: 3/85
Old doc: 0676h
New doc: 6795.doc
ys/8/01
CSC Date: 2/27/78
AM:po Revised 4/3/07
CSC Date: 4/25/2007

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.