PROGRAM SPECIALIST WHATCOM COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Program Specialist RANGE: 180.0
DEPARTMENT: Various FLSA: NE
REPORTS TO: See Supplemental Job Description EEO: 2
SUMMARY
Independently plans, designs, develops, implements and evaluates projects and programs in assigned
areas. Independently organizes, coordinates, recruits and facilitates the efforts of diverse individuals,
groups and agencies, within area of assignment. Oversees and analyzes service providers to assure
compliance with performance measures, guidelines and regulations. Coordinates the collection,
development and analysis of data and other information. Exercises independent judgment in analyzing
problems, issues and situations; develops and implements recommendations. Plans, conducts and
represents the County for assigned program areas at advisory board and other public meetings. Assists
management and other staff,as directed. Complies with legal standards and requirements. Works under
administrative direction.
Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform some or all of the following duties, and
those on the applicable supplemental job description, which are a representative sample of the level
of work appropriate to this position.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Independently plans, designs, develops, implements and evaluates assigned projects and programs in
assigned areas. Communicates changes and progress and completes projects on time and within approved
budget. Identifies problems and develops and implements alternative approaches to ensure resolution.
Assesses and assures compliance,interprets and applies regulations equitably,explains services,identifies
customer needs and maintains effective relationships. Initiates consultant, temporary staff or intern
selection and trains and oversees their work, as assigned.
Responds to inquiries, complaints, emergencies or requests for information from government
agencies/organizations, contractors,property owners,tribal representatives and diverse members of the
public related to matters within the scope of knowledge and authority or refers to proper information
source. Plans, conducts and attends County Council meetings and hearings, intergovernmental agency
meetings, advisory board meetings and other public meetings as departmental representative to answer
questions within scope of responsibility. Prepares and presents programs and program area reports to
agencies, boards and the public.
Develops and maintains community and agency contacts related to assigned areas and acts as a liaison
between contacts or the general public. Represents the County at community groups, government
agencies,educational institutions,task forces and advisory committees on program decisions,as directed.
Works with cities and other public and private entities on implementation measures including public
information and education programs and achieving program goals.
Independently designs, develops and implements actions/programs to provide educational and
involvement opportunities for citizens, elected officials and agencies/interest groups to facilitate
implementation of solutions that are based on an understanding of the issues and reflect, to the extent
possible, the desires of the community both now and in the future. Identifies potential audiences and
makes public presentations on implementation programs.
Assists in the planning and development of the budget for assigned programs.
Prepares complete reports on time with supporting conclusions and recommendations.
Records information and data accurately following procedures. Tracks activity,develops individualized
plans and submits documentation on time. Researches, retrieves, updates and analyzes complex
information and data. Assesses new program opportunities. Evaluates program effectiveness and
formulates recommendations anticipating possible ramifications and appropriately communicates
significance of findings.
Completes associated paperwork and processes to procure contract services. Locates, completes and
utilizes grants and alternative funding mechanisms in meeting program objectives. Performs site reviews
and evaluates providers. Monitors and ensures all requirements of grants and contracts are met.
Authorizes expenditure of funds, as assigned.
Prioritizes and plans work activities using resources effectively. Plans for additional resources and
integrates changes smoothly.
Provides staff support functions to citizen's advisory and other boards.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
Trains, monitors and works closely with volunteers, temporary and other staff, as assigned.
Assists with the creation or updating of policies,procedures,tasks,workflows and systems,as assigned.
Performs all duties of lower and similarly classified positions and other duties, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requires knowledge of.-
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of
responsibility as illustrated by example in this job description and the appropriate supplemental
job description.
Principles of planning,time management,project coordination,group dynamics,and program and
process evaluation.
Current practices and developments in assigned program areas.
Applicable local, state and federal laws,regulations and policies related to program areas.
Computer operation and a variety of office software including word processing, spreadsheet,
database and graphic applications.
Safety precautions, practices and procedures applicable to the area of assignment.
Requires the ability to:
Plan, coordinate, organize and schedule programs, processes and services. Prepare, research,
analyze, administer and change plans, policies and work programs as necessary. Coordinate,
oversee and review the work and performance of staff and consultants, as assigned.
Use tact, discretion, persuasion, diplomacy, respect and courtesy to gain the cooperation and
commitment of others and establish and maintain effective working relationships and rapport with
public officials, local, state, tribal and special purpose governments, department heads, co-
workers, employees, volunteers, community groups, task forces, advisory committees,
representatives of other agencies or entities and diverse members of the public.
Listen attentively and communicate effectively,both orally and in writing,with individuals and
groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including
facilitating groups and preparing and making technical and/or public presentations which can be
understood by non-technical listeners, and preparing and/or directing the preparation of
comprehensive written reports, materials and correspondence.
Fulfill the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public,intra-and inter-departmental
customer service.
Read, understand, interpret, analyze and apply appropriately the terminology, instructions,
policies,procedures, legal requirements and regulations pertinent to the area of assignment.
Organize,prioritize and coordinate work projects,plans and assignments. Be attentive to detail,
maintain a high degree of accuracy and recognize, resolve and correct discrepancies in data or
information. Work effectively in a multi-task environment. Take appropriate initiative. Apply
good judgement,creativity and logical thinking to obtain potential solutions to complex problems
within the scope of knowledge and authority or refer to the appropriate source. Develop ways to
improve and promote efficient work methods. Exhibit reliable attendance and punctuality.
Initiate,compile,compose and/or edit correspondence,records,narrative,statistical and financial
reports and other applicable documents and assure all pertinent information from appropriate
sources is included and accurate.
Proficiently operate office equipment standard to the area of assignment.
Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies,keeping technical
skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity.
Work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality on all matters.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of hire
and throughout employment.
Background check must meet County criteria.
Depending on area of assignment,may be required to obtain a First Aid/CPR Card within six months of
employment and maintain throughout employment.
Must pass job-related tests.
The statements contained herein reflect,as of the date signed,general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job,the level of
knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility,but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.
Individuals may perform other duties as assigned,including work in other functional areas,to cover absences or relief,to equalize peak work periods or
otherwise to balance the workload.At its sole discretion,Whatcom County may consider combinations of education,experience,certifications,and
training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Whatcom County provides equal employment opportunities(EEO)to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race,color,religion,
national origin,sex,age,marital status,sexual orientation,disability,military service,genetics,and any other legally protected class. Whatcom County
also complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
Employee Status: This is an FLSA non-exempt position and, as such, is paid hourly and is
entitled to overtime.
Signature Date
JDE Job Entry JDE Special Requirements
Job Code:P480 Reason for Change: Security:varies Medical Privacy:Y
Job Group:N/A Standard Language Driving:varies Physical Capacity:N
W/C Code: 1501 CDL:N Physical:varies
Group: 1000 BBP:N Polygraph:varies
Cash Handling:N Psychological:varies
Performance Evaluation Form:B5 Program S ecialist.Job.DW.050919