Program Specialist

Department: Youth and Community Wellness Program: EXCEL Status: Regular, full-time, non-exempt Pay: $21.87 per hour Location: SBCS Headquarters Schedule: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Schedule may vary to meet the various needs of the program Who we are SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services) transforms communities to support the well‑being and prosperity of children, youth, and families. For more than 50 years, we’ve worked throughout San Diego to provide safe shelter, transitional housing, intervention prevention programs, mental health support, and many other services that meet the ever‑changing needs of our communities. Our organization is dedicated to offering high‑quality services and ensuring all services align with the community's needs. To best serve our communities, SBCS partners with various grassroots organizations throughout California to develop innovative strategies that enhance services, empower clients, and ensure that culturally appropriate and trauma‑informed care is offered. SBCS provides a wide range of services tailored to meet each client's unique needs. At SBCS, our client‑centered approach highlights the importance of respect, empathy, and compassion when interacting with all community members. As a mission‑driven organization, our work is centered around providing exceptional, face‑to‑face support to our clients and community members to foster trust, accessibility and personal connection that are critical to our mission. About YOU You are an advocate and champion of nurturing communities where families can pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential. You are dedicated to and energized by engaging directly with individuals and communities. You care deeply about the well‑being and prosperity of ALL children and youth throughout San Diego. You want to become a part of an energetic and effective team, and contribute your expertise, creativity, and insights to a unique role encompassing program management, development, and direct counseling services for at‑risk children, adolescents, and families. About our organization SBCS is home to a committed team of 470 dedicated employees and volunteers who diligently serve all of San Diego County. Having offered services for 52 years, SBCS is committed to providing hope and support for numerous young children, individuals, and families facing adversity. With an annual budget of $68 million, SBCS continues to be a beacon of assistance in the community. Competitive and Sustainable Employee Pay Package SBCS offers competitive pay and additional benefits for full‑time employees, including generous vacation time, holidays, health, vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, discount programs, public service forgiveness loan, and an excellent retirement plan with matching contributions. Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Program Director and Program Coordinator, the Program Specialist assists with participant eligibility and enrollment processes, reviews documentation for completeness and accuracy, and supports compliance with federal, state, local, and grant‑specific requirements. The position supports participant eligibility and enrollment processes while assisting with documentation review and compliance activities across Workforce Development programs. The Program Specialist works collaboratively with program staff to maintain accurate participant records, assist with monitoring and quality assurance activities, support compliance with funding source requirements, and promote timely participant enrollment and service delivery. Services will be consistent with agency goals, objectives, mission and style. Duties Conduct participant eligibility screenings, verify required documentation, and assist in determining eligibility in accordance with WIOA and other applicable federal, state, local, and grant‑specific requirements. Assist with participant intake, enrollment, and orientation activities by collecting and reviewing required documentation, supporting timely completion of enrollment requirements, and maintaining accurate participant records in accordance with program guidelines, agency policies and funding source requirements. Provide support and guidance to program staff regarding eligibility requirements, acceptable documentation, enrollment procedures, and compliance standards under the direction of the Program Coordinator and Program Director. Review participant files, case records, and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with program requirements and communicate identified discrepancies or missing information to appropriate program staff. Conduct routine quality assurance reviews of participant files, identify documentation gaps or deficiencies, and collaborate with program staff to support timely resolution and accurate recordkeeping. Monitor participant records in CalJOBS, ETO, and other required data management systems to support accurate data entry, maintain complete participant records, and assist with compliance reporting requirements. Maintain accurate participant records and electronic files in accordance with agency policies, contractual requirements, and record retention guidelines. Assist with the development and maintenance of tracking systems for participant eligibility, enrollments, file reviews, corrective actions, and compliance activities to support program reporting and quality assurance efforts. Support internal reviews, monitoring visits, audits, and corrective action activities by assisting with the organization, tracking and maintenance of required documentation and participant records. Assist program staff by providing guidance and support regarding eligibility requirements, documentation standards, and compliance expectations. Assist with outreach, recruitment, and community engagement activities by providing program information, supporting participant enrollment efforts, and promoting program awareness of available Workforce Development services. Provide program information and orientation to prospective participants, families, referral partners, and community organizations to support understanding of program services, eligibility requirements, and enrollment processes. Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, collaborative meetings, and agency‑sponsored events. Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director/Program Coordinator. Requirements High school diploma or GED equivalent, required. Previous experience in workforce development, social services, human services, participant intake, eligibility determination, outreach, compliance, administrative support, or a related field, preferred. Ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of people and organizations, as well as strong public speaking skills. Must possess good working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams to develop, update, maintain and manage spreadsheets and data reports. Possess initiative, ability to set goals, and prioritize while being highly organized. Effective communication and listening skills to interact with Transitional Age Youth and team members. Ability to work with a diverse population, possess cultural sensitivity, and maintain appropriate boundaries with clients. Bilingual English/Spanish, preferred. Conditions of Employment Employment may be conditioned upon satisfactory completion of certain background clearances which may include a Department of Justice criminal background check requiring fingerprints (Live Scan), screening through the National Sex Offender Public Website, drug test, tuberculosis (TB) test, and such additional clearances as may be required under the program. Candidate is required to have reliable transportation; therefore, the candidate must successfully complete a motor history check. Candidate must also possess and maintain a current valid California driver’s license and valid auto insurance policy. (Approximately 5 – 10% of the time.) Physical Demands Mentally and emotionally: Ability to work under deadlines, various projects and dealing with clients in crisis and difficult situations. Must be able to remain in a stationary position during shift. Moves throughout the building. Moves, raises, or lowers (includes upward pulling) an object or equipment up to 50 lbs. Transports an object, from 20 to 50 lbs. across the facility, for various needs. Ability to exert force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force. Ability to exert force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force (includes jerking). Ascending or descending stairs and ladders when applicable. Body agility is emphasized. Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when ascending, descending, traversing. Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist, requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles. Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with objects or office machinery. Communicating: Expressing or exchanging ideas. Communicating is important for those activities in which workers must impart information to clients or to the public, and in those activities in which they must convey detailed or important instructions to other workers accurately, or quickly. The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all‑inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by a negotiated contract. Accessibility Accommodation SBCS is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, parental status, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program – Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. At‑Will Employment Status Please note that all employment with SBCS is at‑will, which means your employment may be terminated at any time by you or SBCS, without cause or advance notice. The terms and conditions of any employment may also be modified. #J-18808-Ljbffr