Program Specialist I

The Position

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions in a variety of departments, service areas, and locations throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium. The current vacancies are in Ukiah.

Under immediate supervision, the Program Specialist I performs professional work to support a variety of departmental programs. This position assists with gathering, analyzing, and organizing information, supporting the implementation of program activities, and handling routine administrative tasks such as tracking data, preparing fundamental reports, and maintaining records.

– This position supports community members transitioning out of homelessness by providing on-site support and helping residents access services such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, IHSS, housing vouchers, education, employment, and child care. The position also documents services in HMIS and VerticalChange. Public Health – Community Wellness – This position supports the planning and coordination of community wellness programs and outreach activities that promote health, well-being, and access to community resources. The position collaborates with Health Services programs, community partners, and local organizations to provide health education, increase awareness of services, and address community health and wellness needs.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide assistance in monitoring program activities and coordinate follow-up actions; ensure confidentiality of sensitive information; review records to verify compliance with program requirements and standards; maintain ongoing communication and support with departments, agencies, and program participants.
• Assist in research and analysis and prepare recommendations regarding special projects.
• Organize and maintain records.
• Support the review of existing procedures and workflows within the assigned program area to identify areas for improvement.
• Assist with planning, development, implementation, and maintaining a program; identify program needs; draft and monitor program goals; ensure proper allocation of resources; and assist with training sessions.
• Learn to evaluate and address program participants' needs, requests, and concerns regarding program services.
• Reviews, interprets, and applies changes in legislation for assigned program as directed.
• Assist in connecting individuals with appropriate services and resources as directed; protect the confidentiality of program records and information.
• Assist with drafting or updating internal policies and procedures to help ensure the program follows current state and federal legislation, regulations, directives, and other rules.
• Help research possible funding sources, support the preparation of grant applications, and assist with tracking contracts and agreements like MOUs.
• Support communication and coordination with other departments or agencies, and participate in meetings to stay informed and represent the program as assigned.
• Attend regular staff and community meetings to share updates, receive instructions, assist with program planning, coordinate and schedule presentations, and promote program services.
• Assist with preparing and submitting various mandated financial, operational, and statistical reports.
• Work with department staff, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and ensure optimum efficiency and compliance with appropriate policies and procedures.
• Prepare correspondence, handouts, and other written materials for distribution.
• Assist in reviewing program outcomes and offer suggestions to improve services or results based on findings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience:

An associate's degree from an accredited college in a field related to the assigned program(s), and one (1) year of experience performing technical or specialized program support work related to program operations, management, or fiscal work.

OR

A combination of related education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Driver's License

Incumbents must possess and maintain, or obtain and maintain, all licenses, certifications, registrations, and/or other requirements identified in the minimum qualifications, as applicable, and within the timeframes specified. These requirements are conditions of continued employment and minimum qualifications for the position. Failure to possess, obtain, or maintain any required license, certification, registration, or other requirement within the specified timeframe may result in rejection during the probationary period, or disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Functions, principles, and operation of public administration programs.
• Principles of office practices and procedures.
• Applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations and legislative issues; with particular emphasis on compliance requirements and funding allocations.
• Available sources of public assistance program laws, legislation, rules, and regulations.
• Interviewing techniques
• Grant writing and application processes.
• Setting and obtaining program goals.
• Policies and procedures related to assigned program.
• Statistical data collection methods, analysis, and techniques.
• Computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill in:

• Exercising sound independent judgement and problem-solving skills within established guidelines.
• Interpreting and following rules, processes, and guidelines, and updating workplace policies.
• Collecting, analyzing and interpreting data to develop conclusions, evaluate options, and anticipate outcomes.
• Preparing clear, concise, and complete reports, correspondence, directives, and manuals.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and judgment within established guidelines.
• Giving and following oral and written instructions.
• Integrating the services of volunteers with established department programs and activities.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintaining confidentiality.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Work under conditions of changing priorities and tight time schedules.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with program participants, staff, volunteers, and community groups from a variety of social, culture and economic backgrounds.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to: walk, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, speak and hear, push and pull, move, or lift above and below the neck objects weighing up to 25 pounds

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference "see résumé" will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.

• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this classification, please submit unofficial transcripts with your application. Applicants who completed their education outside of the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must provide an education evaluation. The education evaluation must state the number of units to which foreign coursework is equal. Foreign education evaluation services can be found at This education evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be submitted with the application.

• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated