EXPANDED SCOPE

FOR

SOCIAL SERVICES TRAINING SPECIALIST OC

1. ENSURING EFFECTIVE INTER/INTRA AGENCY COMMUNICATIONS- These questions test for understanding of techniques for interacting effectively with individuals and agencies, to educate and inform them about topics of concern, to clarify agency programs or policies, to negotiate conflicts or resolve complaints, and to represent one's agency or program in a manner in keeping with good public relations practices. Questions may also cover interacting with the staff of one's own agency and/or that of other agencies in cooperative efforts of public outreach or service.

2. PREPARING WRITTEN MATERIAL- These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.

3. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING- These questions test for the knowledge and abilities used to develop and deliver training. They address topics such as the assessment of training needs; instructional design; training methods and techniques; the use of training aids, materials, and technology; motivation; learning theory; classroom management; the evaluation of learning outcomes; and the usage of training-related data.

4. MANAGEMENT OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS- These questions test for the knowledge and abilities used to manage staff development and training programs. They address issues such as guiding and assessing the design, development, and implementation of training courses; selecting, supervising, and evaluating trainers and/or vendors; assessing the outcomes of training courses and programs; and understanding and optimizing the relationship between the staff development and training program and the organization as a whole.

The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available on line at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm

USE OF CALCULATORS IS ALLOWED