Job Posting: Program Specialist

Department of Social Services

JC-409564
-
Program Specialist
ASSOCIATE GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAM ANALYST

$5,684.00 - $7,114.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 5/1/2024

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the Staff Services Manager (SSM) I in the Community Nutrition Programs Unit (CNPU) 1 of the Family Engagement & Empowerment Division (FEED)/Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFP) Branch, and working cooperatively with program units and supervisors throughout the California Department of Social Services, the Staff Services Analyst or Associate Governmental Program Analyst provide analytical support, exceptional customer service, and assists with all nutrition program management and FEED/CACFP Branch program and policy issues. Responsibilities will include maintaining a caseload of sponsoring institutions and providing them with the resources and tools needed for compliance with federal and state regulations; on-boarding new program operators; reviewing state and federal laws, regulations, and policies; stakeholder outreach; and prepare and edit official policy memos.

Benefits: The state offers comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, long-term care and disability insurance, as well as paid leave. Please see the Benefits section below for more details.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!

Telework / Remote Work Information: This position has been designated as eligible for telework. The position may require in-person attendance when requested.

Need help understanding the examination and hiring process? Do you have a question about CDSS?  We'd love to hear from you!  Please contact us at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. Please include the job classification and job control number in the subject line.

**This is a re-advertisement, if you've previously applied, you do not have to re-apply**

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This work location is very convenient!  The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-409564
Position #(s):
800-291-5393-700
Working Title:
Program Specialist
Classification:
ASSOCIATE GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAM ANALYST
$5,684.00 - $7,114.00 A
STAFF SERVICES ANALYST
$3,640.00 - $4,561.00 A
$3,941.00 - $4,933.00 B
$4,726.00 - $5,916.00 C
# of Positions:
2
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals?  Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment?  The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) serves, aids and protects needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility and foster independence.  CDSS employees are our most important resource in serving California’s needy and vulnerable children and families.  


The mission of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is to serve, aid, and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a state and federally funded Child Nutrition Program (CNP) designed to provide nutritious meals and snacks served to infants, children, and adults. CACFP providers are reimbursed for meals and snacks that are served. The goal of the program is to enhance participants health and well-being. There are five components to the CACFP: (1) Child Care, (2) Adult Day Care, (3) Emergency Shelter, (4) At-risk After School Care and (5) Family Day Care Homes.

Under the general direction of the Staff Services Manager (SSM) II, the Community Nutrition Programs Units (CNPU) in the CACFP Branch provide leadership in serving as direct liaisons with sponsors implementing CACFP, supporting the implementation of the program and bringing on new sponsors.

CDSS Culture

 

CDSS’ goal is to foster a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion within our Department, that actively invites the contribution and participation of all people, and is representative of the varied identities and different perspectives in California. In our role as public administrators, our charge is to ensure that our programs and our workplaces provide all Californians the opportunity to thrive.   

Special Requirements

Please Note:  A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position.

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Resumes and/or cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ. Application packets without an SOQ, or with an SOQ that does not follow the required format, will be regarded as incomplete and will not be reviewed for further consideration in the hiring process. The SOQ should not be more than two pages, using Arial, 12-point font size. Please answer the following prompt:


A school district served supper for their summer school students for the month of June and July and would like to claim those meals under CACFP. You have explained to the school district that the At-risk afterschool program meals may only be claimed for months during regular school, refer to  Reference for At-risk guidance and At-risk handbook. You have provided correct and accurate guidance stating that summer month meals may not be claimed under CACFP according to the regulations. Since the guidance means that the sponsor will not be paid for the meals service, they have responded with an emotionally charged email feeling you were incorrect. Please provide your response that will calm the sponsor and reduce the possibility that it will be elevated to management or the Legislature.

You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.


If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.

Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.

 

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 5/1/2024

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification& Pay Unit
P.O.Box 944243
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Social Services
Classification& Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications -

    (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Strong computer skills (MS Excel, MS Word, PDF)
  • Legislative analysis experience
  • Procurement and contract review experience
  • Background providing high level customer service
  • Experience creating and conducting trainings
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively with others (internal and external)

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team!  The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

 

Transportation Reimbursement of 75% is available to eligible employees, reimbursement is not to exceed $100, and employee must provide proof of transportation pass payment.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Jeannine Cook
(916) 212-3686
jeannine.cook@dss.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with the California Department of Social Services must apply and compete through the State recruitment process.  Applicants who successfully pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list used to recruit for positions.

To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:

CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search

If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination, except when your list eligibility expires. For questions regarding the examination process and/or career opportunities with the California Department of Social Services, please contact the Examination Unit at examinations@dss.ca.gov.

Applicant Survey

Please let us know how you learned about this career opportunity by taking the brief survey that follows:  Recruitment Survey

Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job