Salary:
Level I: $1,859.12 - $2,221.82, paid Biweekly
Level II: $1,954.20 - $2,335.45, paid Biweekly
EXAMINATION SCHEDULE:

• Written Exam: will be conducted on May 21, 2024
• Oral Exam: qualified candidates will be notified of the oral examination date 5 days prior to the examination

Written Exam (Weight 50%): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of basic socioeconomic principles; individual and group behavior principles; community resources; public relations principles; interviewing techniques; applicable local, state, and federal guidelines, regulations, laws, and programs; case management principles.
Oral Exam (Weight 50%): Will be conducted for the purpose of appraising training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the position.

If the number of applicants successful on the written exam is insufficient to merit an oral exam, the written exam shall be weighted at 100%.

Level I:High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent and two (2) years of education, training and/or experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skill to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Level II: High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent, and three (3) years of education, training and/or experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skill to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Both Levels: Qualifying related work experience may include, verifying documents to determine eligibility for benefits, social services and/or employment; conducting needs assessments; making referrals for services; interviewing clients, and providing program information to the public.
Volunteer experience may be qualifying if confirmed in writing from a recognized organization.
Applicants must submit a bilingual (English/Spanish) certificate before the final filing deadline. Applicants who wish to be considered for bilingual employment must submit a bilingual certificate issued by the Kern County Human Resources Division or its authorized agent, Bakersfield College.
Access the following website for information about where to obtain a qualifying certificate: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/academics/career-education/bilingual-testing.html. Employees who occupy positions designated as bilingual are paid dependent upon the required level of proficiency.
Please ensure applicable materials are attached to your application. If you are unable to attach application materials to your application, you may deliver a copy to the Human Resources Division at 1115 Truxtun Ave. First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or email HR@kerncounty.com.
Full Job Descriptions for: Program Specialist I
Full Job Description for: Program Specialist II

Health Insurance: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).
Retirement Program: Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.
Deferred Compensation: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.
Social Security Administration:
Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:

• The County of Kern withholds 6.2% for Social Security (FICA1) and 1.45% for Medicare (FICA2) from employee's payroll warrants
• The County matches the employee's 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare

Employee Assistance Program: EAP is available to help you take control of your life!
Voluntary Benefits: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.
Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)