Program Specialist (PUBL EDUC SPEC 4)

The California Title IV-E Education Program provides financial support and specialized education for social work students who intend to begin or continue a career in public child welfare services. Under the general direction of the Title IV-E Site Director, in partnership with the Project Policy Analyst 4 and the Northern Academy, the Program Specialist supports a variety of IV-E student and alumni support projects and serves as Title IV-E's lead on social work alumni coaching model development, oversight and leadership.

The goal of the alumni coaching program is to improve retention of Title IV-E program graduates within the child welfare system. Serve as a subject matter expert in Child Welfare Services, coaching, and social worker retention for Title IV-E-funded child welfare social work education. Provide project oversight; program and curriculum development; and consultation, coaching and technical assistance to other coaches supporting IV-E alumni.

Represent Title IV-E in a variety of communications, meetings, collaborations and partnerships with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), schools, and other stakeholders.

Lead statewide committees and curriculum development projects related to child welfare social work education subject areas, including coaching. Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to manage the overall curriculum development process and ensure program quality; develop curricula independently as needed. Develop educational materials with input from a wide variety of stakeholders.

Develop and implement work plans for projects including planning, implementation, curriculum development, conferences, convenings, learning collaboratives and other training and coaching related to contract deliverables, ensuring projects are delivered on-time, within scope and budget, and meet contract obligations.

Support coach/instructor hiring, development and observation. Cultivate, develop and enhance relationships with a variety of stakeholders to deliver innovative workforce development services that meet their needs.

Apply By Date: May 13, 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 social work, psychology and/or equivalent experience/training with in-depth experience and knowledge of Child Welfare Services practices and principles.
• Experience in Public Child Welfare.
• Experience coaching individuals and teams, with in-depth knowledge of coaching best practices and principles.
• Experience developing curriculum for a child welfare training audience and delivering workshops or trainings.
• Project management experience to work independently and oversee multiple, concurrent projects/deliverables 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 driving project deliverables while influencing without authority.
• Experience leading teams and facilitating workgroups, committees, meetings, and trainings, including leading others in planning and implementation efforts, consensus building, and conflict resolution.
• Experience leveraging technical solutions for remote project management. Comfortable using technology, such as Zoom for webinars, events, and focus groups, Microsoft 365, Box, Google Suite, Qualtrics, Airtable, Smartsheet or other project management tools and databases and business tracking systems.
• Excellent written communication skills including editing and proofreading skills to quickly and accurately produce correspondence, reports, curriculum and training materials. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with SMEs and other stakeholders, as well as with a diverse constituency of child welfare professionals and allied professions and internal clients.

Preferred Qualifications

• International Coaching Federation (ICF) credential.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), or equivalent license.
• Master's degree in social work, psychology or equivalent experience/training.
• Previous Title IV-E stipend program recipient in an MSW program.
• Education or training in coaching skills; International Coaching Federation credential a plus.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft PowerPoint or other presentation platforms to develop engaging slide decks tailored to various audiences and aligning with modern content delivery best practices.
• Skill to assess client training, coaching 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 adult learning and transfer of learning theories and practice.
• Facilitation skills in planning and implementation processes and ability to lead others in planning and implementation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• 30% - Project Management
• 30% - Project Development and Delivery
• 30% - Trainer Development
• 10% - Evaluation and Assessment

Department Overview

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on the campus, with programs spanning pre-college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international academic and cultural exchange, and training services for corporate and agency partners. As a global leader in continuing education, CPE serves learners regionally, nationally and globally, and posts more than 55K enrollments annually making it the third largest UC Extension by enrollment. Beyond its community-facing role, CPE serves as the internal hub for online education in support of other academic units on the campus. CPE employs approximately 180 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 1,700 instructors.

Human Services, a department within UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, provides continuing education and professional development programs for the human services workforce throughout California. Within UC Davis Human Services, the California Title IV-E Education Program provides specialized professional education and monetary support to undergraduate and graduate students who intend to pursue or continue a social work career in the field of public child welfare. In partnership with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), UC Davis Human Services has responsibility for administering this program for the 10 schools of social work in the Northern, Bay Area and Central regions of the state.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $77,100.00 - $139,900.00/year
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: 22
• UC Job Title: PUBL EDUC SPEC 4
• UC Job Code: 004169
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• 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)

Benefits

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 rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work occasional varied lunch hours.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks