Program Aide

Salary: $22.16 - $26.94 Hourly
Location : Markleeville (Alpine County)
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: MSS06172
Department: Alpine County Health and Human Services
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Position Information


Under general supervision, performs routine, entry-level program support duties in both office and field settings in support of County health, human services, or social services programs. Incumbents assist with direct service delivery operations, including customer service, logistical support, transportation of materials, basic clerical functions, and support of community-based program activities. Assignments consist of structured, task-based functions performed in accordance with established procedures and do not involve eligibility determination, case management, counseling, or independent program decision-making.
This classification is allocated to the Clerical level within the Program Support series. Incumbents exercise limited judgment within clearly defined procedures and are distinguished from higher-level classes by the absence of analytical responsibility, independent decision-making authority, and program administration duties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Program Aide is an entry-level, non-professional classification that provides operational and service-delivery support across program areas. Positions in this class
perform routine, repetitive, and task-oriented duties within clearly defined procedures and guidelines. Although the role involves frequent public contact, incumbents exercise only limited decision-making authority and do not perform analytical, technical, or program administration work.

This classification is distinguished from the Social Services Aide (SSA) by its focus on non-paraprofessional support and the absence of client case-related or service-plan activities. Program Aide focuses on tangible/logistical support, whereas the SSA typically assists with behavioral/service-plan support (e.g., supervising visits). It is further distinguished from the Eligibility Worker by not performing eligibility determinations, case management, or benefit authorization functions.

Unlike the Office Assistant series, which is primarily focused on sedentary office support and administrative processes, the Program Aide is characterized by its operational and field-based nature. Assignments may require regular travel to community sites, physical coordination of program logistics, and the manual handling of materials, rather than a primary focus on clerical processing or general office administration.

Scope Limitation:
Positions allocated to the Program Aide classification shall not perform duties involving eligibility determination, case management, service planning, counseling or client intervention, program authorization or approval, policy interpretation, or any analytical, technical, or administrative program functions. Incumbents in this classification are restricted to non-professional, task-based support activities and may not engage in work assigned to higher-level merit system classifications.

SUPERVISION
Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision from supervisory or managerial staff.
Supervision Exercised:
None. May provide incidental assistance or guidance to volunteers or program participants.

Examples of Duties

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles of customer service and effective public interaction techniques
• General community-based service programs and service delivery environments
• Safe handling of materials (e.g., basic food safety and storage practices)
• Safe work practices, including proper lifting techniques, equipment handling, and workplace safety standards
• Basic office practices and procedures, including filing systems, record keeping, and data entry
• General program support functions
• Standard confidentiality requirements related to handling participant or program information
• Basic vehicle operation and transportation safety practices, including adherence to traffic laws and departmental policies

Ability to:

• Follow oral and written instructions and adhere to established safety, confidentiality, and operational procedures Adapt to changing work locations, schedules, and program needs
• Work in a variety of environments, including indoor offices, outdoor locations, and community-based service sites
• Perform routine, repetitive tasks accurately, consistently, and in accordance with established procedures
• Identify routine versus complex inquiries and appropriately refer issues to professional staff
• Interact effectively with the public, including individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Maintain accurate records related to inventory, deliveries, and program activities
• Operate a motor vehicle safely and adhere to all traffic laws and departmental policies
• Perform physical tasks including lifting, carrying, loading, and unloading supplies and equipment in accordance with safety standards
• Use basic computer systems and office equipment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Customer Service: Provide assistance and information to program participants to support access to services in accordance with program procedures
• Logistical Support: Transport, organize, and distribute program materials to ensure timely and efficient service delivery
• Clerical Support: Maintain basic records, logs, and data entry to support program operations and tracking requirements
• Operational Support: Assist with setup and operation of service sites to ensure continuity of program activities
• Compliance: Follow established safety, confidentiality, and operational procedures to ensure compliance with County, State, and Federal requirements

Minimum Qualifications
Six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience performing routine, structured, task-based support duties in a program, operational, service-delivery, community-based, warehouse, distribution, logistics, public-contact, or similar setting.


Substitution
No substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Supplemental Information
This position is located in Markleeville, CA in Alpine County.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• A valid driver's license may be required at the time of appointment and employees may also be required to drive their own car, provide proof of car insurance, and a DMV clearance. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• The position may require pre-employment drug testing, physical examination, and fingerprinting for a background investigation.
• Government agencies accessing US government information, which includes federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent with the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information. A background check may be required if the position requires access to these types of records. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification, and local law enforcement checks. State agencies must conduct an investigation during the time of hire and ensure a reinvestigation is conducted 10 years from the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%

The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate's knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.
Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.
If conditions warrant, an Education and Experience examination may be conducted in lieu of the Training and Experience examination. Please review the Education and Experience examination information below:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%

The Education & Experience examination is based solely upon information provided from the application and supplemental information (e.g., resumes, transcripts). Information provided from the application and supplemental information will be assessed compared to a standard developed in relation to the elements of the job. Special care should be taken in submitting a complete description of your education and experience relevant to the typical tasks, scope, and minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin. Supplemental information will be accepted, but competitors should read this bulletin carefully to determine what kind of information will be useful to those individuals completing the evaluation. To obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.
Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.

ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION

A departmental promotional eligible list will be established for the county of Alpine. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.
RETEST PERIOD

Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.
SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTS

Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.
EDUCATION DOCUMENTS

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
GENERAL INFORMATION

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified.
If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list. Meeting the entry requirements does not assure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list.
General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
ABOUT ALPINE COUNTY

Nestled along the majestic crest of the Central Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Alpine County is California's best-kept secret, boasting the smallest population of all the state's counties. With only about 1,200 residents, this hidden gem is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Alpine County is perfectly situated south of the iconic Lake Tahoe and north of the breathtaking Yosemite National Park.
The county's population is charmingly concentrated in a few picturesque mountain communities. Woodfords offers a glimpse into rustic living, while Bear Valley and Kirkwood attract outdoor enthusiasts with their stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities. The county seat, Markleeville, serves as the heart of this serene region, embodying the spirit of small-town America with its close-knit community and historic charm. Alpine County is not just a place; it's a serene sanctuary where nature's beauty and a slower pace of life take precedence.
Merit System Services does not negotiate or determine the benefits or salaries for positions offered by its partners. For more information about benefits or salaries, please visit the listed county or child support office's website or contact their human resources department.
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