Project Specialist - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Job Summary

This position will be assigned to the Alternative Education department: Under direction, participate in organizing and implementing assigned projects and programs for the County Office of Education. May exercise technical and functional supervision over assigned lower-level staff. This is a 10-month position in which the employee will report from August to May while school is in session.

There may be an opportunity to work in the summer. Travel across the county to different sites will be a requirement of this position. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT: The Project Specialist – College and Career will coordinate and expand systemwide career pathway opportunities, employer partnerships, and dual enrollment access for all Alternative Education students.

This role will work in close collaboration with the College and Career Team Lead, site administrators, counselors, and regional partners to design, implement, and monitor pathways that reflect local labor market sectors and support postsecondary success. The position will also directly support students through work readiness instruction, work experience placement, dual enrollment advising, and career exploration services.

Requirements

/ Qualifications Please read the complete job description.

Education

Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social service or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is desirable. Experience: Two years of experience in the implementation of state or federally funded programs. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance.

Application Procedures: Applicants must submit a completed application and are encouraged to attach a résumé to the application material. Qualified applicants will be invited to a written examination (50%). Those passing the written examination will be invited to an oral examination covering the knowledge and skills required (50%).

An eligibility list will be established and the top ranking candidates will be interviewed for final consideration and appointment. The eligibility list established will remain in effect for a period of six (6) months unless it no longer exists due to an insufficient number of available candidates. If an applicant needs reasonable accommodation, we must be informed prior to the administration of the test.

As part of the selection process, three professional references including previous employers will be contacted. Applicants will be invited to a bilingual proficiency exam and must pass the Oral section to receive the 2.5% Bilingual Stipend. If selected, fingerprinting is required with a copy of your social security card and a valid form of ID.

As part of your onboarding, you will be registered on our online platform to complete the required paperwork which include a negative (tuberculosis) PPD skin test clearance (valid within the last four years). You can have the test done through the Santa Cruz Health Department, Doctors on Duty Clinic or by calling a physician or a clinic of your choice.

You will also need to complete the mandatory trainings and new hire orientation prior to your start date. Due to SB848, all Local Educational Agencies (LEA) you list under the Mandatory Employment Disclosure Employment History will be contacted. Comments and Other Information Benefits: Employees assigned to this schedule are entitled to receive vision, dental and medical coverage for the employee and their dependents.

Employees have a choice between various medical plans. Each plan may have an employee premium contribution amount for which the employee can utilize a tax sheltered Section 125 Plan. The COE contribution is prorated based on FTE. Retirement benefits are accrued through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS members are required to pay their portion of the retirement plan.

The employee also receives long-term disability insurance and life insurance. For more information please review the Classified Summary of the Benefits Administration Page on the Santa Cruz County Office of Education website or read it on the link to the right under Links Related to this Job. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides an Associate Degree stipend of $375, a Bachelor’s Degree stipend of $750, a Master's Degree stipend of $1,500, a Doctorate Degree (no Master's) of $1,500 or a Doctorate Degree (with Master's) of an additional $400 per year for eligible employees.

Degree stipend is prorated based upon full time equivalent.