SENIOR ASSISTANT TO COMMISSIONER (SOCIAL SERVICES) 9440

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class directs the employee relations function, assists in coordinating personnel and payroll activities and assists the Commissioner in the overall administration of the Department of Social Services. The incumbent participates in determining policy, develops and implements procedures, ensures that departmental employees follow proper practices in employee benefits and labor relations, and supervises a support staff. The incumbent acts on behalf of the Commissioner when designated. The work requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment and initiative, and is reviewed by the Assistant Commissioner through periodic conferences and reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Develops procedures and recommends policy changes as needed to ensure uniform application of the collective bargaining agreement, personnel rules and payroll procedures;

Monitors employee benefits and labor relations activities to assure compliance with local and state mandates;

Maintains liaison with department employee organizations to ensure harmonious labor/management relations;

Assists the Commissioner on policy and legislative proposals;

Prepares budget input for assigned operations;

Supervises the preparation and filing of any organizational and activity reports required by New York State;

Maintains regular contact and cooperation with other County agencies regarding personnel matters;

Processes and acts upon various types of employee requests, including contractual grievances;

Advises departmental administrators regarding employee relations, personnel and payroll matters;

Represents the department at various types of employee hearings, including Civil Service Section 75 Hearings and Section 72 Medical Hearings;

Conducts numerous conferences with employees concerning personal and/or work-related problems;

Maintains a thorough knowledge of the organization of the department including the functions of departmental positions;

Monitors employee performance evaluations;

May represent the department head at meetings and conferences.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Through knowledge of the principles and practices of public personnel administration; thorough knowledge of the operations, policies and procedures of the Department of Social Services; thorough knowledge of New York State personnel requirements; good knowledge of New York State Civil Service Law and local Civil Service Rules; good knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques utilized in the field of labor relations; good knowledge of applicable labor contracts; ability to plan and direct the activities of subordinates in the manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department employees and officials of other agencies; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

(a) Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, and six (6) years of supervisory or administrative experience in a large public social services or health agency, at least two (2) years of which must have included primary responsibility for personnel administration and labor relations; or,

(b) Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Master's Degree, and four (4) years of supervisory or administrative experience in a large public social services or health agency, at least two (2) years of which must have included primary responsibility for personnel administration and labor relations; or,

(c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

05/18/87

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

RR1/22/03