Program Specialist, Categorical

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction of assigned supervisor of record, perform a variety of professional level program support related activities while playing a key role in the day to day operations of assigned projects, programs, or functional area; provide direction for assigned projects, programs, or functional area; serve as a liaison between the program area and the general public, students, staff, and other campus and community officials and groups; develop and maintain relationships with other organizations and schools in the project, program, or functional area; and plan, coordinate, and implement assigned operations and activities of the assigned office.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished from similar classifications in that the position assigned to this class is categorically funded, not financed by District funds. The Program Specialist is a journey level professional classification that performs a full range program support related duties while playing a key role in the day to day operations of assigned projects, programs, or functional area including to participate in the development, implementation, and administration of assigned services and functional areas, participate in budget development and monitoring, and project area policy and procedure development and implementation. Positions at this level coordinate communication and work activities among District staff and community and business groups and partners. Assignments performed at this level require a broad knowledge of assigned program/grant or project area and an in-depth knowledge relative to specific areas.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Perform a variety of professional level program support duties while playing a key role in the day to day operations of assigned projects, programs, or functional area.

Assist in the planning, design, and implementation of project or project elements that support service delivery; participate in processes to define scope and schedule of services and activities; participate in implementation processes.

Assist in providing coordination of resources for projects or programs; assist in determining project short and long-term needs and develop recommendations; assist in designing processes and procedures to implement, maintain, and/or manage functional area resources.

Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the grant funded area; research policies, procedures, and changing business practices and processes for assigned area; participate in the development and maintenance of handbooks, forms, and related policies and procedures.

Provide assistance in resolving operational and administration problems; identify problem areas and issues; conduct research to find alternative solutions; make recommendations; assist in implementation of recommendations.

Perform a variety of research, administrative, operational, financial, and analytical duties in support of assigned grant/programs and projects; conduct studies, research projects, and analysis.

Prepare administrative, operational, and financial reports including the preparation of conclusions, recommendations, and forecasts based on data summaries and other findings; consult with District staff and outside agencies to obtain information.

Assist with the budget process; provide assistance in the development of assigned budget; collect and analyze financial data; review and analyze budget requests; create data tracking and reporting systems; monitor status.

Assist in researching, negotiating, and monitoring assigned contracts and agreements with outside suppliers, service providers, and others; ensure work is performed in compliance with contracts and agreements; process invoices and payments.

Create and maintain publications promoting the assigned project, program, or program area; develop publications and materials to advertise and provide program information including newsletters, directories, handbooks, special event flyers, and other public relations materials as needed.

Participate in coordinating assigned activities and functions with other staff, projects, and functions as well as local, state, and federal agencies/jurisdictions, business partners, and the general public; coordinate with, interact with, share knowledge, and develop collaborative relationships.

Collaborate in the design and implementation of a network of community based organizations and schools that will oversee and provide services and experiences for program participants.

Represent area of assignment, participate on, and provide staff support to a variety of committees, task forces, and boards; develop agendas and write speaking points; prepare and present presentation materials, staff reports, and other documents as appropriate and necessary; respond to and resolve inquiries and complaints.

Serve as contact and respond to requests for information from staff, other agencies, and the general public regarding project or program area of assignment; participate in community outreach and education activities; prepare presentations and related material.

Maintain records concerning grant/program activities; process incoming and outgoing documents; prepare and track various documents; prepare reports and briefings on project status, progress, changes, and related items related to scope, schedule, and budget.

Assist in training and providing work direction to student workers and assigned staff.

Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Services and activities of the functions, programs, and operations of the assigned project or program area.

Basic principles and practices of program administration and review.

General principles, practices, and procedures of business administration and public administration.

Technical knowledge of business/industry principles and practices for the area of responsibility.

Methods and techniques used in the performance of duties and responsibilities specific to the area of assignment.

Basic project and contract management principles and practices.

Information and research resources available related to areas of assignment.

Work organization and office management principles and practices.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Processes, procedures, and practices of budget preparation and administration.

Principles, practices, and procedures of business letter writing.

Principles and procedures used in complex, inter-related record keeping.

Principles and practices used to establish and maintain files and information retrieval systems.

Principles, practices, and procedures of complex fiscal, statistical, and administrative research and report preparation.

Statistical procedures and mathematical concepts.

Principles and techniques used in public relations.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Principles and practices of providing training, work direction, and guidance to lower-level office staff and student workers.

English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Oral and written communication skills.

District organization, operations, policies, and objectives.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

Understand the organization and operation of the assigned program area as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.

Understand, interpret, and apply administrative and office policies and procedures as well as pertinent laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Participate in coordinating the services and activities of the assigned project, program, or program area.

Understand the nature of partnerships and identify mutual interests.

Use technical concepts and basic project management tools and techniques to effectively coordinate a project or program area and solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.

Develop recommendations for problematic areas and implement and monitor changes.

Participate in the development and administration of policies and procedures.

Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets.

Provide specialized information and assistance to students, staff, and the general public.

Perform a full range of complex and responsible program support as well as administrative duties involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.

Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.

Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.

Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.

Research, compile, assemble, analyze, and interpret data from diverse sources.

Prepare a variety of clear and concise administrative and financial reports.

Independently compose and prepare correspondence and memoranda.

Maintain complex and varied files and records.

Implement and maintain filing systems.

Type or enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

Use correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Plan and organize work to meet schedules and changing deadlines.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.

Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a public administration, business administration, or related field.

Experience:

Two years increasingly responsible professional experience related to program area of assignment.

License or Certificate:

A valid California driver’s license and proof of insurability may be required for some positions to drive a District or personal vehicle to attend meetings or pick up/deliver documents or other materials.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Working Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting, typically at a desk or computer terminal; subject to noise from office equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person and on the telephone with students, academic and classified staff, and others.

Physical Demands:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and may occasionally travel to other offices or locations to attend meetings or to pick up or deliver materials. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Range 130 of CSEA Salary Schedule

Employment in this position is contingent upon funding by Program: Perkins funds

Work schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM . Schedule and shift are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Required Documents: Resume and Cover Letter

Applications missing the required documents will not be considered.

Hours Per Week: 25 (62.5% of Full-Time)

Months: 12

Closing Date/Time: Tue, 10 Feb 2026

• 

• South Orange County Community College District

• 949.582.4850

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