Senior Community Program Specialist - Quality Improvement- FHS (Departmental Promotional)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The County of San Mateo’s Family Health Services (FHS) division is seeking a Senior Community Program Specialist to advance the division’s quality improvement goals and priorities. FHS serves primarily pregnant people, parenting families, and children, working toward improved health and brighter futures. The position applies scientific problem-solving methods and supports performance improvement through data development and analysis, project management, facilitation, and system-wide analysis. The role reports to the FHS Quality Improvement Manager and is based at 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, California. It is a full-time, regular position open only to eligible current County of San Mateo Health Department employees through a departmental promotional process. The specialist manages multiple projects and improvement efforts; supports program leaders and decision-makers in interpreting data, setting improvement goals, and implementing strategies responsive to community needs and equity priorities; and works with staff and community programs to identify barriers and improve services. The position includes direct and review of program staff work, program planning and evaluation, data collection and visualization, policy and workflow support, technical assistance, meeting facilitation, and preparation of reports and other written materials. A typical qualifying background is five years of experience in an organization providing social services, including responsibility for community service development such as planning, evaluating, monitoring, or coordinating projects. Any combination of education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may qualify. A master’s degree in public health or a related field is preferred. Applicants must meet the stated departmental promotional eligibility requirements: current County of San Mateo Health Department employment and at least six months (1,040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited-term position before the final filing date. The examination includes application screening and a panel interview; examinations take place in San Mateo County, California, at applicants’ expense.

Requirements

A typical qualifying background is five years of experience in an organization providing social services, including responsibility for community service development such as planning, evaluating, monitoring, or coordinating projects; an equivalent combination of education and experience may qualify.
Knowledge of basic supervisory principles and practices.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and administrative requirements of the assigned program.
Knowledge of contemporary social, political, and economic trends and issues related to community services.
Knowledge of social planning and program development related to community services.
Knowledge of specialized technical matters related to the assigned program area.
Knowledge of monitoring and evaluating systems for community services programs.
Knowledge of community and volunteer organizations, current social and community needs, community development, and community services planning.
Knowledge of methods for collecting and evaluating statistical data.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, as well as County and program policies and guidelines.
Knowledge of computer applications related to the work and office administration practices, records management, and standard office equipment.
Ability to plan, assign, direct, and review others’ work; train, coach, and instruct others.
Ability to prepare concise reports and recommendations and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to plan, organize, promote, and coordinate diverse community program activities and multiple facets of a program function.
Ability to make independent judgments and work independently.
Ability to interpret rules, regulations, and guidelines at all levels of government.
Ability to compile, analyze, and interpret data using statistical and research techniques.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other departments and diverse community groups.
Hands-on experience applying quality improvement methodologies, such as PDSA cycles and root cause analysis, in public health or human services settings (2–3 years stated in the ideal candidate profile).
Ability to analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, translate findings into actionable recommendations, and support data-driven planning.
Advanced user of Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Visio, Excel, Power BI, Power Automate, and other productivity platforms; experience in data visualization and digital collaboration.
Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in dynamic environments.
Ability to lead meetings and cross-functional discussions and communicate clearly in written and verbal formats.
Ability to build respectful partnerships with people and organizations from diverse backgrounds and demonstrate cultural humility and inclusive practices.
Understanding of public health programming for pregnant and parenting families, particularly in culturally diverse communities.
Ability to assess complex systems, identify root causes, design sustainable solutions, and balance strategic vision with operational detail.
Commitment to equity-focused outcomes and continuous improvement in services for maternal, child, and family health.
Eligibility for the departmental promotional process: current County of San Mateo Health Department employee with at least six months (1,040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited-term position before the final filing date.
Submit the online employment application and supplemental-question responses; a resume cannot substitute for either.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Public Health or a related field.
Experience with structured improvement systems, with LEAN preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct and review the work of program staff.
Plan, develop, and maintain plans for a program improvement effort or a major program function.
Develop and implement planning and research methods to identify service needs and priorities, including developing survey instruments for data collection.
Collect, analyze, and visualize data on specific programs.
Analyze regulatory changes, evaluate their effects on program operations, and support drafting policy and workflow changes as needed.
Assist in identifying and resolving quality assurance issues.
Coordinate with leadership and staff in community programs to identify problems and barriers and facilitate program improvement goals.
Coordinate and facilitate meetings or sessions for groups involved in program improvement efforts.
Evaluate projects, project goals, program goals, and client impact.
Develop reports using electronic health records or other data collection tools, and guide community program staff and leadership in using data to inform program decisions and outcomes.
Provide technical assistance and consultation to related community programs.
Hold meetings, provide information, identify service gaps, and determine client needs.
Prepare correspondence, periodic and special reports, informational publications, program documentation, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Perform related duties as assigned.