Under the general direction of the Transforming CalWORKs Director, the Program Specialist leads key initiatives in product development to support Senate Bill 119, Transforming CalWORKs, through Welfare to Work 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 Welfare to Work 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 and Welfare to Work involved 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: June 30, 2026QualificationsMinimum 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 CalWORKs self-sufficiency programs or equivalent Human Services best practices and principles, including systems serving children and families.
- 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 OverviewUC 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 /yr.
- Salary Frequency: Annual
- Salary Grade: 22
- UC Job Title: PUBL EDUC SPEC 4
- UC Job Code: 004169
- Number of Positions: 5
- 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)
BenefitsOutstanding 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 .
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
- Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
- Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
- Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands - Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands - Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands - Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work EnvironmentUC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position - This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
