Program Aide (2026-2027)

Syracuse City School District; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A public school district is seeking a dedicated individual to support case management and community engagement efforts. The role primarily involves liaising with clients and agencies to facilitate access to social services. Ideal candidates will have an Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience in customer service or social/human services. This position requires a valid New York State driver's license and successful completion of a background check. Working hours will vary based on location.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree.
• Two years of experience in customer service or social/human services.
• Valid New York State driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Liaises with community and governmental agencies regarding training programs.
• Provides clients with information on available services.
• Assists clients in completing necessary forms.
• Assists clients in completing forms and gathering required information.
• Might conduct home visits to follow up on appointments or gather routine data.
• Assists clients with housing, employment, attendance, and transportation needs.
• Meets with employers and instructors to assess progress and refer issues to a counselor.
• May travel to meet clients or recruiters.
• Reviews client forms for completeness and files documents.

Skills

Working knowledge of community resources and organizations

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships

Ability to gather information

Ability to interpret agency programs and goals

Ability to read and write in English

English literacy

Documentation

Education

Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university

2 years customer service

Job description

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre‑K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

Location: May vary depending on availability

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under the direct supervision of a counseling supervisor, an employee of this class is responsible for performing non‑professional functions in support of case management and educational staff. This position performs a variety of miscellaneous tasks related to eligibility determination for various community and governmental programs. Duties involve responsibility for receiving and meeting with clients/students, community and governmental agencies and instructors for the purpose of gathering information and acting as a liaison. An employee in this class receives assignments from a counseling supervisor who also reviews the work. An employee of this class exercises no supervision. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Liaises with community and governmental agencies, school districts regarding available training programs.
• Provides information to individuals or groups concerning services offered by public and private agencies and explains supportive services the program can obtain for clients.
• Receives and recruits potential clients interested in the program, asks questions concerning personal history, education and experience.
• Assists clients in completing necessary forms and obtaining information.
• May make home visits to follow up on appointments or gather routine information.
• Assists clients in areas of housing, employment, school attendance, recreation, money management, day care and transportation.
• Meets with employers and skill instructors to ascertain the progress and interest of the client, referring client problems to a counselor.
• May travel to meet with or recruit potential clients.
• Reviews client forms for completeness and files forms and letters.
• May schedule appointments for clients with counselors, employers, or skill instructors.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Working knowledge of community resources and organizations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and courteous relationships with clients, agency staff and the general public.
• Ability to gather information.
• Ability to interpret agency programs, goals and eligibility requirements.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to read and write in English and prepare brief and accurate reports.
• Ability to complete simple forms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s Degree; or,

B) Two (2) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in a customer service role or in a position supporting social or human services programs in a public or private setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Possession of a valid New York State driver's license at time of appointment.

• This position will be hired provisionally. All candidates must meet the minimum qualifications on the Onondaga County Civil Service job description for this title. When the exam for this title is offered, the successful candidate must pass the exam and be reachable on the resulting eligibility list, in order to be retained.
• The successful candidate will be required to pass a fingerprint‑based background check, at the cost of $102.50 to the candidate.
• City Residents are encouraged to apply!

WORKING HOURS: Working hours will vary depending on location. This position is non‑exempt.

The Onondaga County Civil Service job description can be viewed by clicking here.