County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, assist with providing technical programmatic services primarily related to program development and implementation; reviews and evaluates functions to direct client service delivery programs where such services are provided by community-based organizations (CBO’s), contract service providers and/or County staff in a wide variety of service areas; acts as County liaison with service providers and funding sources and ensures program regulations and procedures are followed; and, performs other related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Positions allocated to the class of Associate Program Specialist are located in County operating agencies/departments, and report to Supervising Program Specialists or other mid-level County managers. The class of Associate Program Specialist is distinguished from the next higher class of Program Specialist in that the former class is the entry-level class in the series and is in training, learning the full scope of the assigned duties and responsibilities. While the latter class is the journey-level class, independently performing professional-level work and having full responsibility for overseeing a particular program within a County agency/department. Incumbents in the class of Associate Program Specialist are expected to gain experience and demonstrate proficiency which qualifies them to promote to the higher level class of Program Specialist after the equivalent of one year of full-time service. Appointment at the Associate Program Specialist level will not be extended beyond one year.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Learns to develop and modify techniques and formats to evaluate pilot, or current program effectiveness, and to determine the need for program modifications and/or new program development.

2. Researches program alternatives, funding sources, service delivery organizations and other elements for possible program inclusion; evaluates alternatives, prepares reports, and makes recommendations.

3. Assists in acting as a County liaison with multiple stakeholders and providing coordination among community-based organizations and other service providers, County departments, State or other funding sources, and community or business organizations; interacts with various planning councils or boards; answers questions and provides training and technical assistance as required.

4. Learns to monitor assigned program, or programs, and ensures compliance with contract provisions and funding source regulations; recommends and facilitates implementation of procedural and operational changes to maximize service delivery and revenue reimbursement.

5. Compiles and maintains accurate records and files regarding program activities; prepares periodic and special statistical or narrative reports as required; and, may access multiple databases to prepare such reports.

6. May assist in negotiating contracts with service providers and ensuring that contracts are renewed in a timely manner; prepares, distributes, and follows up on contract documentation.

7. Participates in departmental, countywide and/or state planning processes; serves on a variety of committees and task forces.

8. Learns to analyze changes in regulations; evaluates the impact upon program operations and drafts policy and procedural changes as required.

9. Prepares a variety of correspondence, periodic and special reports, informational publications, program documentation, policies, procedures and other written materials.

10. Operates a variety of standard office equipment including a word processor and/or computer; may drive a county or personal vehicle to make site visits and attend meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience in one of the following classes: Supervising Eligibility Technician; Health Educator II; or, Consumer/Family Relations Program Assistant in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes the District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts).

Or II
Education:

The equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) with major coursework in business or public administration, a social science or field related to the program area to which assigned.

(Additional experience as outlined below may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.)

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time professional-level or supervisory work in the direct delivery of services to clients or the oversight of such services in the program area to which assigned, one year of which must have included program planning and evaluation, or in program administration, contract negotiations, grants management and similar financial services.
Or III

Possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, social science or a field related to the program area to which assigned.

Licenses:

Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license. Specified positions may also require licensure or certification in the programmatic area to which assigned.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, funding sources and administrative requirements in the program area to which assigned
• Principles and practices of direct client service delivery
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations
• Computer applications related to the work
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment
• Various resources, services, and other benefit programs administered by public and private entities related to the work
• Basic supervising principles and practices

Ability to:

• Plan, monitor and evaluate program and service delivery effectiveness in the programmatic area to which assigned
• Identify programmatic and operational problems, investigate and evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions
• Interpret, explain and apply complex regulations, policies and procedures
• Prepare clear, accurate and effective reports, correspondence, policies, informational brochures and other written materials
• Represent the department and the County in meetings with others and make effective presentations to diverse groups
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines
• Maintain accurate records and files
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established policies and guidelines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Research, compile and summarize varied information, evaluate alternatives and reach sound conclusions

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspecs: 0301
IC:cs 2/26/16
CSC Date: 3/30/16

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.