Temporary Education Program Specialist - Development and Strategic Initiatives

United Domestic Workers of America
AFSCME Local 3930

Temporary Education Program Specialist
Development and Strategic Initiatives

Based in Kern County, CA
(Hybrid / Field-based)

Job Title: Temporary Employee- Education Program Specialist 
Department: Development and Strategic Initiatives – DSI 
Job Type: Hourly 
Reports To: Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships 
Location: Kern County – Hybrid/Field-based 
Schedule: Not to exceed 40 hours per week 
Hourly Rate: $35.00 per hour
Status: Part-Time, grant-funded through September 30, 2026 (with possibility of extension)

Job Summary: 
The Temporary Employee- Education Program Specialist will play a vital role in coordinating and supporting the planning and expansion of community college partnerships in Kern County for members to pursue educational opportunities. This individual will be responsible for temporarily overseeing and completing various initiatives and tasks to ensure the successful growth and impact of the project. By coordinating projects, communication and meetings, delivering individualized case management services to members and their family members enrolling in community college classes, creating the framework for these expansion efforts into Kern County so they may be sustained long-term. The Education Program Specialist will contribute to the overall success of community colleges programming with the Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, thereby meeting the educational and training needs of UDW members. They will work closely with other staff members, volunteers, and community partners.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develop project plans, timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful completion of program objectives to expand community college partnerships in Kern County. 
• Monitor and evaluate project progress, addressing any issues or concerns promptly. 
• Represents management in for communication between the educational institutional partners in Kern County and UDW as relationships are being built. 
• Coordinate and contribute to regular meetings with key stakeholders to develop best practices and discuss program updates, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration. 
• Leads Registration and Enrollment Events with educational institutional partners, UDW, and nonprofit partner United Resource Center. 
• Coordinate with community organizations and service providers to maintain referral pathways for wrap-around services such as healthcare, counseling, housing, financial assistance, academic support, and other student support services.
• Develop outreach and enrollment support strategies to identify and assist eligible UDW members and their family members in accessing community college educational opportunities.
• Collaborate with UDW leadership to identify potential new educational institutional partners in Kern County and promote the benefits of the community colleges project internally and externally for the long term. 
• Assess participant needs and provide individualized case management, educational guidance, and referrals to supportive services to promote persistence and success in the program.
• Analyze data related to enrollment, retention, graduate rates, and career development opportunities. 
• Present findings and recommendations to key stakeholders, using data-driven insights to inform future program strategies. 
• Maintain accurate electronic and physical filing systems, organizing documents and information for easy access and retrieval, and maintain updated records and case notes on all members accessing services. 
• Meet individually with students to conduct needs assessments, develop service plans, provide enrollment and retention support, and connect participants to appropriate educational and community resources.
• Develop and facilitate educational workshops and student support activities focused on topics such as stress management, time management, study skills, self-efficacy, and navigating community college systems.
• Attend outreach events, enrollment workshops, and resource fairs to provide information about educational opportunities, student support services, and program resources available to participants.
• Maintain client confidentiality and ethical standards and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic in all aspects of the role, serving as a reliable and trusted resource for management and colleagues. 
• Assist with DSI department projects including attending DSI events and perform other duties as assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of work in this job classification. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Deep understanding of community college applications and enrollment processes, and services. 
• Facilitation Skills - strong skills to facilitate meetings and decision-making processes among diverse stakeholders. 
• Project Management: Strong organizational and time management skills to plan, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and effectively manage multiple program initiatives simultaneously. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate program goals, objectives, and outcomes. Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and maintain clear and effective communication channels. 
• Relationship Management: Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with educational institutions, service providers, and internal stakeholders to support program implementation and participant success.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing program requirements, priorities, and timelines. 
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using computer applications and software related to grant management, project management tools, spreadsheet software, and online submission portals relevant to program coordination. 
• Ethical and Professional Conduct: Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in all aspects of program coordination, including confidentiality, conflict of interest, and compliance with laws and regulations. 
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team, collaborate with colleagues, build relationships with stakeholders, and contribute to a positive work environment. 
• Commitment to Labor and Social Justice: Strong dedication to labor and social justice issues, demonstrated through previous work or volunteer experience. Genuine passion for advocating for equitable policies and supporting marginalized communities in the program coordination role. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, Education, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Social Work, Counseling 
• 5+ years of experience in program coordination and project management, preferably within the education or workforce development sector. 
• Deep understanding of Kern County demographics and resources. 
• 5+ years of experience in or knowledge of community college systems, workforce development and/or labor or non-profit experience. 
• Experience working with adult learners. 
• Knowledge of the IHSS Program. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team. 
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work. 
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment. 
• Knowledge of current trends and developments in education or workforce development is a plus. 
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and self-motivated. 
• Fluency in Spanish. 

Requirements: 

• Ability to work from UDW’s office three days/per week (subject to changes based on organizational needs) 
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license, auto insurance that covers business driving, and an automobile for business use.
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, often including nights and weekends.

Employee Benefits: 

• Paid Sick Leave 

Additional Specifics:

• No employee benefits or medical insurance
• Workweek not-to-exceed 40 hours per week or 8 hours per day 
• Reports to Assistant Director or his/her designee
• COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: 
• UDW has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. As a condition of employment, our employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law. 

Physical Demands: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Work Environment 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily exposed to an office-type environment. The employee will frequently work on or around office equipment and furniture. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. The employee will frequently work with deadlines under pressure and will occasionally be required to work alone. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor environments which can include exposure to vehicles, moving mechanical parts; vibration; odors, fumes, gases, smoke, dust, or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 
UDWA is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law. 

Notice of E-Verify Participation: 
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS View phone number on unionjobs.com, dhs.gov/e-verify

Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply:
Please visit UDW’s career page and submit your application. UDW’s career link:

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