DEFINITION

Under direction of an appropriate manager, the CalWORKs Specialist will be responsible for the CalWORKs Work-Study Program and the expansion of the program to create additional work and job development opportunities for students. The CalWORKs Specialist will assist in the planning and implementation of various program aspects including orientations, workshops, activities, developing community resource and referral information and student tracking and documenting. This position will maintain current knowledge of State, County and College policies, procedures, regulations and requirements in order to assist students and maintain program compliance. Along with the CalWORKs staff, the CalWORKs Specialist will assist in the daily operations of the CalWORKs program and support CalWORKs cash-aid recipient students in transitioning to college and throughout their academic career.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY):

Assist in the planning, organizing and implementation of program practices, procedures and activities.
Maintain current knowledge of CalWORKs, GAIN, child care and County related polices, practices and guidelines through training and communication with County personnel. Provide and explain technical information about CalWORKs to students and the campus community. Assist students in navigating the county system and problem-solving, when necessary.
Utilize computer skills to develop electronic communications such as hard copy and e-newsletters, presentations, surveys, evaluations and marketing materials to facilitate student recruitment; assist in the updating and maintenance of current website information
Lead the CalWORKs work-study program, including identifying and locating prospective job openings, on and off-campus, for PCC CalWORKs students and maintaining an ongoing list.
Assist students in identifying work-study positions related to their educational or career goal, supervise placement of students in jobs, and maintain communication with students throughout their work assignment and address issues, as needed.
Maintain accurate records and file notes in accordance with CalWORKs state, federal and financial aid guidelines and prepares reports, as needed.
Conducts CalWORKs program and work-study orientations and informational sessions regarding program services, job development, personal development and employment.
Initiate and assist in researching, developing, delivering and or collaboration of relevant workshops and training programs that support student development, job skills development and success.
Meet with students individually and in groups to orient them to the program or work-study, assist with resume development, job applications; identify proper resource referrals and/or address any other relevant needs/concerns of the student.
Provide orientations and ongoing communication with employers to ensure supervisors are providing a quality work experience for students.
Develop and update a CalWORKs referral/resource network and directory of community and campuses resources that meet the needs of this specific student population.
Track and maintain detailed records of student participation, eligibility and progress electronically in Banner, on spreadsheets and in file case notes.
Establish and maintain a close effective working relationship with PCC staff, faculty, Counselors, and other appropriate campus personnel.
Participate in CalWORKs meetings, trainings and conferences.
At the request of a supervisor, shall perform a variety of unscheduled duties normally and traditionally performed by a CalWORKs specialist.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Office practices, supplies and equipment
General experiences and challenges facing CalWORKs participants and similar populations, such as low-income or students with children
General case management
The roles of community college programs and resources
LA County DPSS services, CalWORKs, welfare, and other low-income programs
CalWORKs requirements and policies, desired
Microsoft office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint

ABILITY TO:

Plan and organize a variety of work with varying deadlines.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Present in front of groups of students and colleagues
Learn, interpret, and apply laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
Plan and implement an effective conflict resolution and problem-solving programs.
Revise or develop and analyze information related to assigned activities.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Perform complex work involving independent judgment, speed, and accuracy; knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and usage for composition of letters.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Operate a computer and assigned office equipment.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, staff, and community.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, human resources or a related field, AND
Two (2) years of experience working in one of the following areas: job development, student services, educational or public service programs assisting low-income and diverse populations.
Four additional years of experience may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Previous CalWORKS related work experience
Familiarity with career development and hiring practices
Experience as a job developer or employment specialist
Knowledge of other software and online tools (i.e. Prezi, Smore, Google Docs, etc.) to assist in increasing the ways we communicate with students and the campus community is desired

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Will require occasional travel.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employee may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

LEVEL OFSUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: One year.

Pasadena City College Logo

Pasadena City College
1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 585-7361 direct ⋅ (626) 525-7924 fax