Program Assistant - Community Outreach

City of West Sacramento; West Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 79,000; Part time

Job summary

City of West Sacramento Police Department seeks a Program Assistant to support the Community Outreach and Support Division. This part-time role averages about 24 hours per week and aims to build trust and deliver equitable, high‑quality service.

Responsibilities include planning events, assisting with communications, and providing administrative support to partnerships and programs, with preference for those with related public service experience.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public administration fundamentals, plus strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to interpret policies and provide clear information to diverse audiences.
• Experience gathering data, organizing materials, and supporting events.
• Familiarity with social media, outreach materials, and promotional campaigns.
• Capable of maintaining accurate records and handling administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and coordinating community engagement events.
• Support communications with social media and outreach materials.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for outreach programs.
• Help strengthen community relationships through education and engagement.
• Perform general clerical duties and assist public as needed.

Skills

Public administration knowledge

Communication skills

Data analysis

Computer literacy

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Associate or Bachelor's degree desirable

Tools

MS Office

Job description

As a Program Assistant with the West Sacramento Police Department, you can expect to work approximately 24 hours per week supporting the Community Outreach and Support Division's mission to build positive relationships, enhance public trust, and deliver equitable, high-quality service through community engagement, effective communication, and collaborative partnerships.

Duties of this position include:

• Assist with the planning, coordination, and delivery of community engagement events, including but not limited to: National Night Out, Youth Academy, Coffee with a Cop, Ice Cream Patrol, holiday events, and community meetings.
• Support communications by assisting with social media content, website updates, outreach materials, and promotional campaigns.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for Community Outreach and Support Division programs, events, partnerships, and internal Department initiatives.
• Help strengthen community relationships by supporting outreach efforts, public education, and engagement activities that promote the Department's mission and services.
• Perform general administrative and operational duties in support of the Community Outreach and Support Division, including other related duties as assigned.

Preference will be given to those with law enforcement, community outreach, and/or military experience.

DEFINITION:

The Program Assistant assists in the general operation of a program area within the department or division to which assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receives immediate direction from a Department Head or their designee. May exercise functional supervision over other extra help employees or volunteers.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This is an extra help position assigned to a department ot division within the City.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assist in administering, monitoring, and/or implementing a program, process, or functional area specific to the area of assignment.
• Possess technical knowledge related to the assigned program.
• Explain and interpret information.
• Exercise independent judgment in the disposition of routine matters.
• Perform a variety of clerical and/or administrative work as necessitated by the assignment.
• May greet the public and answer or direct them to appropriate office personnel.
• May provide functional supervision over assigned extra help employees or volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: Basic principles and techniques of public administration; proper English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation; research techniques, methods, and procedures.

Skill in: Interpreting and applying rules and policies to specific situations or programs; conducting basic analysis of program problems or situations; gathering statistics and analyzing data; communicating clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; utilizing computers to prepare and maintain accurate records, reports, flyers and other promotional materials; performing mathematic calculations; communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; exercising sound judgment within established guidelines; interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and guidelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. An Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in related field is desirable but not required.

Experience: One (1) year of experience involving public contact.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

Possession of a valid California driver license, depending upon assignment. Certain assignments may require specialized licenses and certifications.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work in an office and/or field environment. May be required to attend off-hour meetings. Incumbent may be exposed to weather conditions while performing some duties outdoors. Prior to placement at the worksite, the employee must positively pass a fingerprint check, and background investigation or drug screen depending upon assigned department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Mobility to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings. On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist and reach while performing office duties; duties may also require lifting of up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (binders, manuals, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone; must be able to sustain posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:

Employees work in an office and/or field environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may be exposed to inclement weather conditions if working in a field environment. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing department guidelines, policies and procedures.