ILS Policy Analyst

Job Description :

The Independent Living Services (ILS) Program Specialist V reports to the ILS Training, Policy, and Data Manager. Performs advanced policy analysis and quality assurance work for the Independent Living Services Program.

Provides direct consultative services to the Director of the ILS program regarding program policy and procedures, legislation, contracting, and quality assurance.

Responsible for revisions to the ILS Standards for Providers, Independent Living Base / Operational Grant Standards for Service Providers, development of reports, analysis of financial information, and quality assurance activities.

Works closely with internal and external staff on various program projects. Prepares and reviews operational and special reports, statistical analysis and research activities.

Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions :

EJF #1

Develops and interprets policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards and manuals in accordance with legislation, federal regulations, program objectives and goals.

Maintains knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act as amended by the Workforce Innovations and Opportunities Act (WIOA), federal regulations related to Independent Living, state regulations, ILS Standards for Providers, IL Base / Operational Grant Standards for Service Providers, contract requirements and fiscal requirements.

Analyzes legislation to determine its impact on the ILS program. Develops recommendations for policy in programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and / or expansion or reduction of program funding.

Assists in responding to legislative and external inquiries and requests. Analyzes ILS performance and provides program updates, policy changes and other programmatic updates. (30%)

EJF #2

Supports policy projects and quality assurance work, including analyzing information / data collected and providing recommended resolutions where improvement is needed to ensure high quality, effective and efficient operation of the ILS program.

Assists with development and implementation of new innovative approaches for evaluating the work of the Centers for Independent Living (CILs), and providing technical assistance to bring needed improvements.

Conducts quality assurance activities related to ILS contracts. (25%)

EJF # 3

Gathers and analyzes program data to complete administrative and programmatic reporting, including performance measures, substantial service targets, annual program report to the Legislature, annual federal Program Performance Report and special projects.

Provides support with preparing and evaluating financial information and compiling information for the ILS Annual Report as well as other reports.

Works with internal and external stakeholders to prepare information needed to respond to requests for program information such as regular reports and consumer inquiries. (30%)

EJF # 4

Manages the ILS Extranet page, which serves as the repository for exchanging information between the ILS program and CILs.

Conducts quality assurance tasks to ensure accuracy of program information in the ILS Extranet. Works with ILS staff to maintain and update information to be added or removed from the Extranet. (10%)

EJF #5

Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to actively participating and / or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and / or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and / or locations. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities :

Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to Independent Living Services (ILS).

Basic knowledge of contract administration, management or monitoring practices.

General knowledge of performance management and oversight best practices based on identified measures.

Considerable knowledge of independent living services for individuals with general disabilities or specialization in the field of blindness or deaf blindness.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in providing technical assistance related to services for people with disabilities.

Ability to conduct quality assurance activities.

Ability to prepare reports.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze data.

Ability to devise solutions to problems.

Ability to develop and analyze policies, rules and statutes.

Ability to communicate and foster relationships with contracted entities, staff, community agencies and the public effectively.

Ability to independently plan, organize, prioritize and manage multiple work assignments.