Program Aide

CalHR • Markleeville (Alpine County), CA

8h • Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs routine, entry-level program support duties in both office and field settings in support of County health, human services, or social services programs. Incumbents assist with direct service delivery operations, including customer service, logistical support, transportation of materials, basic clerical functions, and support of community-based program activities. Assignments consist of structured, task-based functions performed in accordance with established procedures and do not involve eligibility determination, case management, counseling, or independent program decision-making. This classification is allocated to the Clerical level within the Program Support series. Incumbents exercise limited judgment within clearly defined procedures and are distinguished from higher-level classes by the absence of analytical responsibility, independent decision-making authority, and program administration duties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Program Aide is an entry-level, non-professional classification that provides operational and service-delivery support across program areas. Positions in this class perform routine, repetitive, and task-oriented duties within clearly defined procedures and guidelines. Although the role involves frequent public contact, incumbents exercise only limited decision-making authority and do not perform analytical, technical, or program administration work. This classification is distinguished from the Social Services Aide (SSA) by its focus on non-paraprofessional support and the absence of client case-related or service-plan activities. Program Aide focuses on tangible/logistical support, whereas the SSA typically assists with behavioral/service-plan support (e.g., supervising visits). It is further distinguished from the Eligibility Worker by not performing eligibility determinations, case management, or benefit authorization functions. Unlike the Office Assistant series, which is primarily focused on sedentary office support and administrative processes, the Program Aide is characterized by its operational and field-based nature. Assignments may require regular travel to community sites, physical coordination of program logistics, and the manual handling of materials, rather than a primary focus on clerical processing or general office administration.

Scope Limitation: Positions allocated to the Program Aide classification shall not perform duties involving eligibility determination, case management, service planning, counseling or client intervention, program authorization or approval, policy interpretation, or any analytical, technical, or administrative program functions. Incumbents in this classification are restricted to non-professional, task-based support activities and may not engage in work assigned to higher-level merit system classifications.

SUPERVISION
Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from supervisory or managerial staff.
Supervision Exercised: None. May provide incidental assistance or guidance to volunteers or program participants.

Requirements

• Six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience performing routine, structured, task-based support duties in a program, operational, service-delivery, community-based, warehouse, distribution, logistics, public-contact, or similar setting.
• Basic principles of customer service and effective public interaction techniques
• General community-based service programs and service delivery environments
• Safe handling of materials (e.g., basic food safety and storage practices)
• Safe work practices, including proper lifting techniques, equipment handling, and workplace safety standards
• Basic office practices and procedures, including filing systems, record keeping, and data entry
• General program support functions
• Standard confidentiality requirements related to handling participant or program information
• Basic vehicle operation and transportation safety practices, including adherence to traffic laws and departmental policies
• Follow oral and written instructions and adhere to established safety, confidentiality, and operational procedures
• Adapt to changing work locations, schedules, and program needs
• Work in a variety of environments, including indoor offices, outdoor locations, and community-based service sites
• Perform routine, repetitive tasks accurately, consistently, and in accordance with established procedures
• Identify routine versus complex inquiries and appropriately refer issues to professional staff
• Interact effectively with the public, including individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Maintain accurate records related to inventory, deliveries, and program activities
• Operate a motor vehicle safely and adhere to all traffic laws and departmental policies
• Perform physical tasks including lifting, carrying, loading, and unloading supplies and equipment in accordance with safety standards
• Use basic computer systems and office equipment

Nice To Haves

• A valid driver’s license may be required at the time of appointment and employees may also be required to drive their own car, provide proof of car insurance, and a DMV clearance.
• Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• The position may require pre-employment drug testing, physical examination, and fingerprinting for a background investigation.
• Government agencies accessing US government information, which includes federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent with the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information.
• A background check may be required if the position requires access to these types of records.
• Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification, and local law enforcement checks.
• State agencies must conduct an investigation during the time of hire and ensure a reinvestigation is conducted 10 years from the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance and information to program participants to support access to services in accordance with program procedures
• Transport, organize, and distribute program materials to ensure timely and efficient service delivery
• Maintain basic records, logs, and data entry to support program operations and tracking requirements
• Assist with setup and operation of service sites to ensure continuity of program activities
• Follow established safety, confidentiality, and operational procedures to ensure compliance with County, State, and Federal requirements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed