Job Description

Posting number: 202600139

Department: Sheriff - Jail

Job classification: SHERIFF'S PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Posting type: External - Open

Categories: Corrections, Program Management

Summary

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INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED ON NOVEMBER 20, 2026

Under general supervision, plans, organizes, coordinates, and administers education, vocational, and social service programs; conducts interviews and assessments for placement of program participants; evaluates projects and sites; plans, estimates, and secures supplies, equipment, and materials for projects; fosters cooperative working relationships with various public and private groups; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Sheriff’s Program Manager. May provide technical and functional direction to assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a fully competent classification responsible for assisting in developing, coordinating, modifying, and implementing programs and services for incarcerated persons and individuals assigned to the Day Reporting Center (DRC). Programs may include educational, vocational, work, rehabilitative, and social service referral programs.

Responsibilities include coordinating with other County departments, community-based organizations, and external agencies to identify and develop program opportunities; securing and coordinating program resources; interviewing participants and conducting assessments for appropriate program placement; monitoring participation and program requirements; ensuring compliance with applicable departmental and County policies and procedures; and maintaining records, statistics, and reports related to program activities and outcomes.

Examples of duties

(Illustrative Only)

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.

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and administers programs and services for incarcerated individuals and individuals assigned to the Day Reporting Center, including general educational development (GED), literacy, substance abuse counseling, parenting, family support, religious programming, psychological counseling, behavioral intervention, veterans’ outreach, vocational, and other programs.
• Assists in developing programs , evaluates program performance, and recommends and implements improvements and modifications upon approval.
• Interviews and assesses incarcerated persons and DRC participants to identify educational and social service needs, as well as vocational knowledge, skills, and abilities before assignment to programs; determines and recommends appropriate programs; provides training, orientation, and guidance and explains program rules and guidelines.
• Meets with other County departments, government agencies, schools, and non-profit agencies to evaluate work projects and sites for scope, cost, timeline, and safety; sets up project contracts and schedules projects; prepares invoices and tracks payments.
• Estimates costs, orders, and maintains inventory of supplies, tools, equipment, and materials.
• Trains participants in procedures and safety standards and practices; monitors work and program participation; inspects work in progress or upon completion; and provides appropriate direction and corrective guidance. Schedules and maintains appropriate training calendar
• Maintains progress reports of educational, vocational, work and rehabilitative programs
• Maintains appropriate documentation and financial records to report within programs and grants
• Documents and implements disciplinary action as necessary for inappropriate behavior; recommends and documents termination of individuals’ program participation as necessary.
• Ensures compliance with program, department, and County policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and complete program records; prepares clear and concise reports on program projects and activities.
• Monitors participant attendance, participation, progress, and program completion, and maintains related records and statistics.
• Facilitates County DRC and Behavioral Health substance abuse classes
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of coordinating and administering education, vocational, and social service programs.
• Practices of researching program issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective reports.
• Community resources available to incarcerated persons.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Business letter writing and report preparation techniques.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

Ability to:

• Coordinate, direct, and implement education, vocational, rehabilitative, and social service programs for incarcerated persons and DRC participants suited to meet the needs of the community, participants, and Sheriff’s Office. .
• Principles, practices, procedures, and terminology used in corrections work.
• Coordinate a variety of projects and programs simultaneously.
• Prepare written reports and correspondence.
• Train and instruct others in work procedures and program requirements.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, programs and techniques.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations and County policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and program documentation.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in sensitive or challenging situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be

High School graduation or equivalent. Two (2) years of office experience, to include record keeping and financial reporting. Counseling or assessment experience (in some or all of the following areas: vocational rehabilitation, education counseling, and/or drug and alcohol rehabilitation) and case management preferred. Experience working within field of adult or juvenile corrections is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.

Supplemental information

Technical Skills or Hard Skills needed to be successful in this position:

1. Program Development and Management – Designing, implementing, and evaluating educational, vocational, rehabilitative, or behavioral programs.
2. Case Management Systems – Proficiency with offender management databases, documentation, and record-keeping systems.
3. Policy and Regulatory Compliance – Knowledge of correctional standards, institutional policies, legal requirements, and accreditation guidelines.
4. Budget and Resource Management – Managing program budgets, tracking expenditures, and allocating staff and materials efficiently.
5. Data Analysis and Reporting – Collecting, analyzing, and reporting program outcomes to measure effectiveness and support decision-making.
6. Risk Assessment and Incident Management – Understanding security protocols, conducting risk assessments, and responding appropriately to incidents while maintaining program continuity.

Interpersonal Skills or Soft Skills to be successful in this position:

1. Leadership – Motivating and guiding multidisciplinary teams while promoting accountability and collaboration.
2. Communication – Clearly conveying information through written reports, presentations, and interactions with staff, participants, and external stakeholders.
3. Conflict Resolution – Effectively managing disputes, de-escalating tense situations, and fostering positive working relationships.
4. Problem-Solving – Identifying operational challenges and developing practical, evidence-based solutions.
5. Emotional Intelligence – Demonstrating empathy, professionalism, self-awareness, and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
6. Adaptability – Remaining effective in a fast-paced, highly structured environment with changing priorities, policies, and security needs.