PROGRAM ASSISTANT I - Grand Junction Regional Center (Western Slope)

State of Colorado•Grand Junction, CO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Assistant I provides administrative, technical, and operational support to the Residential Services Department at the Grand Junction Regional Center (GJRC). The role supports departmental leadership, coordinates administrative processes, maintains regulatory compliance, and assists with protecting individual rights to support efficient, high-quality services for people with developmental disabilities. GJRC is one of three Colorado Regional Centers serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have intensive needs. Its community-based services include residential, health, and mental health services, day programs, vocational and specialized habilitation, speech and occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation, and nutritional services. This is a 100% in-person position at the assigned work location. Regular hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, although some evenings and weekends may be required. The specific shift assignment is determined at hire based on program needs, and work arrangements may change. The employee may need to travel and drive a state vehicle to group homes, programs, administrative offices, and community locations.

Requirements

Four years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the assigned work, or a combination of related education and relevant experience totaling four years.
High school diploma or GED.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver's license or a non-restricted U.S. driver's license for positions within 30 miles of the Colorado state border. Out-of-state license holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver's license within 30 days of the employment start date.
Must complete applicable background checks and screenings, which may include fingerprint and records checks, reference checks, professional license verification, drug screening, and other checks based on job duties and contact with vulnerable persons.
TB test required; influenza and COVID vaccines required.
Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds to lift, carry, push, and pull.
Must be able to travel and drive a state car to various group homes, programs, administrative offices, and community locations as needed.
Must be able to adjust the schedule for training or other agency needs.

Nice To Haves

Professional administrative experience in an office environment, including coordinating daily operations, maintaining records, and supporting management.
Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to accurate, high-quality work.
Strong analytical skills, including collecting, researching, interpreting, and synthesizing complex or technical information, evaluating data, and preparing accurate reports.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, make sound decisions within established guidelines, and collaborate effectively with management and team members.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with individuals and groups at various organizational levels.
Experience with administrative and healthcare-related systems and procedures, including electronic health records, data management, document preparation, records management, meeting coordination, and timekeeping.
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional correspondence.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, electronic databases, email, and digital recordkeeping systems.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, including evaluating alternatives, identifying potential issues, and recommending effective courses of action.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including prioritizing competing assignments, meeting deadlines, maintaining tracking systems, and coordinating multiple projects.
Relevant years of state service experience.

Responsibilities

Manage departmental data, records, reports, and electronic health record systems while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
Monitor operating budgets, track expenditures, prepare financial reports, and maintain systems that support departmental accountability and quality assurance.
Coordinate the Human Rights Committee process, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, maintaining records, and documenting committee activities.
Manage and track informed consents and rights modifications; coordinate with guardians and external agencies; and ensure timely reviews and regulatory compliance.
Oversee daily Residential Services administrative operations, including correspondence, document preparation, records management, scheduling, and workflow coordination.
Develop and maintain office procedures, tracking systems, and administrative processes to improve efficiency and support timely completion of assignments.
Provide confidential administrative and technical support to Residential Services leadership, coordinate communications, manage sensitive information, and respond to departmental requests.
Assist with special projects, develop tracking and reporting systems, and support implementation of departmental procedures and operational priorities.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Employer-supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
Employee Wellness program
Work-life programs, including flexible schedules and training
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program