Program Specialist I

Job Description:

Program Specialist I

Description

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 vacancy is in Public Health’s Community Wellness Unit in Ukiah, CA. This position provides advanced technical program support and represents the agency in community outreach efforts.

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.

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

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.
• 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, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an application appraisal exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation (Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work (Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: 5/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$51,396.80 - $62,483.20 Annually