What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Specialist (PUBL EDUC SPEC 4) position at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education?
Under the general direction of the Transforming CalWORKs Director, the Program Specialist leads key initiatives in product development to support CalWORKs training and capacity building efforts. This role is responsible for independently authoring and collaboratively developing high quality curricula, toolkits, resource materials, and web based content in partnership with subject matter experts (SMEs).
The Program Specialist builds and sustains strong collaborative relationships with county CalWORKs offices, state agencies, instructors, and advisory committee members to guide the assessment, design, and delivery of workforce relevant and participant centered training solutions. Deep expertise in family finding, family support, and engagement practices is essential, as this role works closely with subject matter experts to strengthen and advance content that supports CalWORKs families in achieving stability, self sufficiency, and long term success.
This role partners with content area leaders to support practice model implementation by developing and monitoring work plans, managing project budgets, and ensuring high levels of client satisfaction to promote contract renewals and program sustainability.
Apply By Date: April 29, 2026
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
- Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
- In-depth experience and knowledge of Child Welfare best practices and principles, including systems serving children and families involved in the child welfare system (e.g., public assistant programs, students services, or workforce development).
- Project management experience to oversee multiple, concurrent projects of a complex nature, to establish and adjust priorities, and to develop a course of action, monitor plans, ensure timely completion, review and evaluate results.
- Experience identifying and evaluating program needs to develop and implement new programs/services making necessary adjustments to ensure successful outcomes.
- Experience in facilitating meetings, workshops or trainings. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse constituency of child welfare professionals and allied professions and internal clients.
- Experience working independently, organizing own work, establishing priorities, developing a course of action, monitoring the plan, reviewing and evaluating results.
- Experience using MS Office Suite for Windows (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), databases and business tracking systems.
- Ability to design engaging and innovative learning experiences that capture the interest of participants and facilitate effective learning.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in social work or psychology
- Experience with public assistance programs, student services, or workforce development.
- Experience in writing and developing curriculum content.
- Experience in persuasive report writing, articles and marketing materials.
- Experience in developing and monitoring large complex project budgets.
- Skill to assess client training and professional development needs.
- Ability to analyze policy and legislation proposed and implemented at federal, state and county levels of government; assess implications for child welfare.
- Knowledge of transfer of learning theories and practices.
Key Responsibilities
- 35% - Project Management
- 30% - Program Development, Analysis & Evaluation
- 25% - Meeting & Training Facilitation
- 10% - Marketing/Long-Range Planning
Department Overview
UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on the campus, with programs spanning pre-college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international academic and cultural exchange, and training services for corporate and agency partners. As a global leader in continuing education, CPE serves learners regionally, nationally and globally, and posts more than 55K enrollments annually making it the third largest UC Extension by enrollment. Beyond its community-facing role, CPE serves as the internal hub for online education in support of other academic units on the campus. CPE employs approximately 180 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 1,700 instructors.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $77,100.00 - $139,900.00/year
- Salary Frequency: Annual
- Salary Grade: 22
- UC Job Title: PUBL EDUC SPEC 4
- UC Job Code: 004169
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
- Location: Davis, CA
- Union Representation: No
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
Salary : $77,100 - $139,900