Salary: $27.39 – $33.29 Hourly
Location : Santa Clarita, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 2023-10
Department: Recreation and Community Services
Division: Recreation and Community Services
Opening Date: 10/19/2023
Closing Date: 11/2/2023 12:00 PM Pacific
Description/Duties & Responsibilities
The Recreation and Community Services department is seeking a highly motivated and self-driven candidate for a Program Specialist position in the School Programs area. Under the direction of the School Programs Supervisor, this position implements a preventative education program called Drug Free Youth in Santa Clarita Valley (DFY in SCV) at elementary, junior high, and high schools in the Santa Clarita Valley. Staff works with teen leaders and school administration at elementary, junior high, and high school campuses to develop, coordinate, and supervise on-campus events, community service projects, and educational workshops that promote a drug-free lifestyle. This position will assist with the coordination, oversight, and support of the day-to-day operations. This position is required to work flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develops DFY in SCV program curriculum for elementary, junior high, and/or high school; creates engaging, thought-provoking, and impactful preventative educational content; ensures content is grade appropriate and relevant
• Develops and coordinates multiple school programs, including, but not limited to, summits and assemblies for school-aged kids and teens, preventative education presentations, and parent education presentations
• Coordinates and facilitates DFY in SCV meetings with school administrators, outside agencies, and students; implements special events related to preventative programming by setting up and coordinating all logistics and activities
• Assists and supports individual campus events, such as community service projects, and drug awareness events; works closely with students and teacher advisors to build communication, develop marketing strategies, and student leadership skills
• Assist with planning and coordinating the Parent Resource Symposium, Parent Education Workshops, and the Youth in Government Program
• Collects, documents, and analyzes school program data, such as student participation, meeting attendance, and community service hours
• Establishes positive working relationships with City employees, teens, parents, school officials, law enforcement, and local organizations
• Supervises and leads a PTS employee; schedules work; tracks and reports hours worked; trains staff on program policies and processes; oversees performance; provides effective feedback
• Attends school events to increase awareness and promote participation
Education and Experience
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• One year of experience coordinating, overseeing, and/or supporting drug prevention, recreation, or community service programs
• Experience with presenting to large audiences and working with community-based organizations, school staff and personnel, and youth is highly desirable
• Experience creating and/or implementing strategies and practices for positive youth development is highly desirable
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver license
• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered
Knowledge and Abilities
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to lead, motivate, and empower students from elementary to high school; ability to lead, train, and provide feedback to part-time employees and volunteers
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to develop program materials, write memos, and prepare reports
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to provide clear instructions to others and make public presentations
• Strong social media skills, including proficient use of Instagram and Twitter
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly and effectively resolve problems relating to community services and/or recreation programs
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with City employees, teens, parents, law enforcement agencies, school officials, and community organizations
• Strong event planning and program development skills and the ability to develop and lead events and programs that are relevant and impactful to youth
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize daily workload, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, be flexible to changing priorities, and meet time-sensitive deadlines
• Strong data-management skills and the ability to track and monitor program data
• Strong work ethic and the ability to work autonomously and within a collaborative team
• Ability to be a positive role model to youth and demonstrate maturity, professionalism, and good judgment
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends
• Ability to lift, drag, and push equipment, files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds
Additional Information
An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.
All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, a post offer background check may include a drug screen, a pre-employment physical, and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.
As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.
Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees’ Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.
The City of Santa Clarita is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The City of Santa Clarita offers CalPERS Retirement contributions as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.
01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent? (proof will be required prior to offer.)
02
Are you available to work evenings and weekends for special events as needed?
03
Do you have at least one year of experience coordinating, overseeing, and/or supporting drug prevention, recreation, or community service programs or related experience? If so, please describe your experience.
04
Do you have experience creating and/or implementing strategies and practices for positive youth development? If so, please describe.
05
Describe your experience making public presentations. Explain the groups you presented to and the topics you spoke on.
06
Describe your experience with social media. Explain the programs you have used and what you have used them for.
07
What interests you most about this position?
Required Question