Program Specialist (Public Education Specialist 4)

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is seeking a Program Specialist to lead curriculum development and capacity-building efforts under the Transforming CalWORKs initiative. The role collaborates with SMEs and state/counties to create engaging training and web content for Welfare to Work programs.

The position emphasizes strong relationships with county Welfare to Work offices, instructors, and advisory committees to guide assessment, design, and delivery of workforce-relevant

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Deep knowledge of CalWORKs self-sufficiency programs or equivalent Human Services best practices.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and deliver workforce training solutions in partnership with SMEs.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, track plans and budgets, and ensure timely completion.
• Coordinate meetings, trainings, and workshops with diverse stakeholders.
• Support contract renewals and program sustainability through high client satisfaction.

Skills

Project management

Curriculum development

Training facilitation

MS Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s Degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Under the general direction of the Transforming CalWORKs Director, the Program Specialist leads key initiatives in product development to support Senate Bill 119, Transforming CalWORKs, through Welfare to Work training and capacity building efforts. This role is responsible for independently authoring and collaboratively developing high quality curricula, toolkits, resource materials, and web based content in partnership with subject matter experts (SMEs).

The Program Specialist builds and sustains strong collaborative relationships with county Welfare to Work offices, state agencies, instructors, and advisory committee members to guide the assessment, design, and delivery of workforce relevant and participant centered training solutions. Deep expertise in family finding, family support, and engagement practices is essential, as this role works closely with subject matter experts to strengthen and advance content that supports CalWORKs and Welfare to Work involved families in achieving stability, self sufficiency, and long term success.

This role partners with content area leaders to support practice model implementation by developing and monitoring work plans, managing project budgets, and ensuring high levels of client satisfaction to promote contract renewals and program sustainability.

Apply By Date: November 3, 2026

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
• In-depth experience and knowledge of CalWORKs self-sufficiency programs or equivalent Human Services best practices and principles, including systems serving children and families.
• Project management experience to oversee multiple, concurrent projects of a complex nature, to establish and adjust priorities, and to develop a course of action, monitor plans, ensure timely completion, review and evaluate results.
• Experience identifying and evaluating program needs to develop and implement new programs/services making necessary adjustments to ensure successful outcomes.
• Experience in facilitating meetings, workshops or trainings. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse constituency of child welfare professionals and allied professions and internal clients.
• Experience working independently, organizing own work, establishing priorities, developing a course of action, monitoring the plan, reviewing and evaluating results.
• Experience using MS Office Suite for Windows (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), databases and business tracking systems.
• Ability to design engaging and innovative learning experiences that capture the interest of participants and facilitate effective learning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in social work or psychology
• Experience with public assistance programs, student services, or workforce development.
• Experience in writing and developing curriculum content.
• Experience in persuasive report writing, articles and marketing materials.
• Experience in developing and monitoring large complex project budgets.
• Skill to assess client training and professional development needs.
• Ability to analyze policy and legislation proposed and implemented at federal, state and county levels of government; assess implications for child welfare.
• Knowledge of transfer of learning theories and practices.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Project Management
• 30% - Program Development, Analysis & Evaluation
• 25% - Meeting & Training Facilitation
• 10% - Marketing/Long-Range Planning

Department Overview

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the workforce development and lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on campus, including online professional courses and certificates, contract training for public and private organizations and state agencies, online graduate degrees in partnership with UC Davis colleges, international academic and cultural exchange programs, pre-college programs and more.

UC Davis CPE is a global leader in continuing education. With nearly 90,000 annual enrollments in professional, academic and enrichment courses and millions of enrollments in Massive Open Online Courses, CPE serves lifelong learners in the growing Sacramento region, all 50 states and more than 100 countries. CPE is the campus leader in online education, supporting schools and colleges across UC Davis in their efforts to make learning accessible. CPE employs approximately 270 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 700 instructors.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $79,400.00 - $144,000.00/yr. (Department budgeted salary range: $79,400 - $111,700/yr. Commensurate with experience.)
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: 22
• UC Job Title: PUBL EDUC SPEC 4
• UC Job Code: 004169
• Number of Positions: 1
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: No
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.