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Program Specialist I/II

Kern County
Bakersfield, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/20/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/18/2026
Position Information

Salary

Level I: $2,013.56 - $2,406.39, paid Biweekly

Level II: $2,116.53 - $2,529.45, paid Biweekly

Examination Schedule

  • Written Exam: qualified candidates will be notified at least five days prior to the examination
  • Oral Exam: qualified candidates will be notified at least five days prior to the examination

Examinations

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.

The Human Resources Division may limit the number advancing to the oral exam to approximately the top 24 based upon the final earned results of the written test.

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%.

Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards

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.

Additional Requirements

Some positions may require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

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 venegasmichelle@kerncounty.com

Full Job Descriptions for: Program Specialist I

Full Job Description for: Program Specialist II

About Kern County

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us:

Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Additional Information

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made with the Kern County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services department. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Salary : $2,014 - $2,406

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