JOB SPECIFICATION CATEGORICAL PROGRAM TECHNICIAN THE POSITION Under general supervision, to serve as the assistant to a District level administrator and to perform the duties necessary to successfully implement the activities of State and Federal categorical programs; to perform highly complex and technical work; to interpret policy and administrative regulations and state law; and performs other related work as required. RESPONSIBLE TO: Accountability, Assessment & G.A.T.E. Director DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The person must possess prior experience or skills to successfully support schools in managing complex projects with definable outcomes and other characteristics required by the specific grants and/or funding sources exercising a high degree of judgment, discretion, and initiative. The duties involve ongoing contact with District and school administrators and the meeting of crucial deadlines. They must have a wide knowledge of district, state and federal laws; the policies and operations of the office in which they work, as well as the school district; be able to apply this knowledge in the performance of their assigned tasks; and to communicate this information to the public and staff members. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES The duties listed are typical, but not exclusive: • Coordinate the preparation of the Consolidated Application for categorical programs. • Participate in the development of budgetary plans and programs; prepare complex fiscal, statistical and government reports. • Supply District administrators with their estimated allotment for categorical budgets each year under the guidelines established by Cabinet and the Governing Board. • Provide guidance to schools and departments on staffing units, allocations, transfer of funds and budget adjustments based on enrollment projections and budget parameters. • Meet with site administrators and District staff as needed to provide information, graphs, materials and guidance during the categorical budget preparation process; be available to answer questions and advise school and District administrators on the budget process for their programs. • Make recommendations for budget modifications; prepare the categorical budgets in their final form. • Monitor and audit categorical budgets through review of personnel requisitions and transactions and maintenance of position control file for all categorical District employees; verify numbers and levels of personnel to assure funds cover salaries for projected expenses • Monitors/Meets with Private Schools to review funds available and create Memorandums of Understanding for all requested expenditures; prepare related board agenda item(s). • Research categorical budget variances and unusual transactions to assure proper account classification; analyze and project costs and report findings and recommendations. • Research categorical program guidelines with governmental agencies to ensure District compliance • Prepare and process operational documents related to budgeting, purchasing, personnel, payroll, contracts, and other administrative activities. • Monitor budget expenditures and assist in the preparation of the annual budget of assigned program. • Classify accounting transactions and maintain, reconcile, and close accounts associated with program budget. • Coordinates and plans for the Categorical Program Monitoring reviews for Categorical Programs QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE Knowledge of: • General accounting principles, practices, procedures and methods. • Basic accounting terms and procedures. • Computer application programs for accounting, databases and word processing, such as Excel, Word, and Access. • Applicable state/federal laws, District policies and regulations governing school districts. • Basic methods, procedures and practices of financial and statistical record keeping. • Basic research data collection procedures and composition techniques. • School District organization, operations and objectives. Ability to: • Work and communicate effectively with district and school staff and the public. • Perform complex financial and statistical tasks that involve the exercise in independent judgment. • Understand and interpret a wide variety of policies, laws, rules and regulations. • Work with a high level of independence and with little direct supervision. • Organize and prioritize work and adhere to established deadlines. • Generate comprehensive written reports involving complex data in a proficient manner. • Use discretion with confidential information. TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college; or two (2) years of community or school planning experience, including work with financial, statistical and demographic data including duties requiring regular use of computers; or any combination of training and experience that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities. PERSONAL QUALITIES Maturity and good judgment; analytical aptitude; willingness to learn new procedures; pleasing office personality. SKILLS •Ability to perform at required level. •Typing 55 words per minute. •Proficiency in use of computer, calculator and associated technology. WORK YEAR: 12 Month SALARY: Range 42 Board Approved: April 6, 2010