PROGRAM ASSISTANT (SIDE-BY-SIDE)

Under general supervision, provides program administrative support for various County programs specific to the area of assignment; provides information about program services; processes applications and program documents and maintains records and reports of program activities; conducts outreach programs and activities; coordinates and verifies eligibility for various program activities; may prepare and/or teach program classes; prepares and reproduces required outreach and educational materials.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Assists the general public both in-person and over the telephone; responds to program inquiries; explains and interprets program requirements, policies and procedures; makes necessary referrals.
• Provides information and referral assistance to program participants; may make home visits to new referrals and clients.
• Obtains and processes program documents and maintains records of activities and client files; reviews and enters program data; enrolls clients, answers questions on eligibility requirements, and schedules appointments and activities; designs, updates, and maintains various documents for program use; records specific program transactions, which may include processing billings, issuing checks, and handling cash.
• Reviews a variety of specialized documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with programmatic requirements.
• Plans, coordinates, schedules, and participates in program activities; maintains program files; monitors activities and records for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinates and schedules outreach and promotional activities, program events, and meetings; develops displays and presentations.
• Assists in community education; presents and/or coordinates educational or recreational activities; prepares materials; documents activities; compiles statistics of program participation and may produce reports.
• May assist in recruiting, training, and directing volunteers to assist in program activities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, operations, terminology, and forms of the specific program area assigned.
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain departmental and program policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of community human service resource and referral practices.
• Knowledge of the social, physical, and mental needs of the program client base.
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to specific programs and activities.
• Basic keyboard skills.
• Excellent proofreading skills.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and tact in telephone interactions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to make minor decisions in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to conduct educational and/or recreational activities.
• Ability to organize or schedule people or tasks.
• Ability to listen attentively.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to provide verbal and written instruction to others.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultures and socio-economic status.
• Ability to function courteously and effectively in stressful situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with providers, children, the elderly, other County employees and the general public using patience and tact.
• Ability to file and maintain accurate and complete office and program records.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Training and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education, and
• One year of related work experience, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.

Specific Program Assignment Requirements:

• For designated positions, the appointing authority in conjunction with Human Resources may require additional knowledge, skills, and abilities pertaining to one of the following areas:

Adult/Community Education
Criminal Justice/Victim Services
Supplemental Food Programs*
Senior Services
Congregate Meals**
Community Outreach/Education
Social Work/Human Services

• May be required to pass food safety class titled ServSafe

**CPR/AED and First Aide training is required within six months of hire.