Program Assistant

Under general supervision, provides program administrative support for various County programs specific to the area of assignment; provides information about program services; processes applications and program documents and maintains records and reports of program activities; conducts outreach programs and activities; coordinates and verifies eligibility for various program activities; may prepare and/or teach program classes; prepares and reproduces required outreach and educational materials. 

1. Assists the general public both in-person and over the telephone; responds to program inquiries; explains and interprets program requirements, policies and procedures; makes necessary referrals.
2. Provides information and referral assistance to program participants; may make home visits to new referrals and clients.
3. Obtains and processes program documents and maintains records of activities and client files;  reviews and enters program data; enrolls clients, answers questions on eligibility requirements, and schedules appointments and activities; designs, updates, and maintains various documents for program use; records specific program transactions, which may include processing billings, issuing checks, and handling cash.
4. Reviews a variety of specialized documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with programmatic requirements.
5. Plans, coordinates, schedules, and participates in program activities; maintains program files; monitors activities and records for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
6. Coordinates and schedules outreach and promotional activities, program events, and meetings; develops displays and presentations.
7. Assists in community education; presents and/or coordinates educational or recreational activities; prepares materials; documents activities; compiles statistics of program participation and produces reports.
8. May assist in recruiting, training, and directing volunteers to assist in program activities.
9. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, operations, terminology, and forms of the specific program area assigned. 
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain departmental and program policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of community human service resource and referral practices.
• Knowledge of the social, physical, and mental needs of the program client base.
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to specific programs and activities.
• Basic keyboard skills.
• Excellent proofreading skills.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and tact in telephone interactions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to make minor decisions in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to conduct educational and/or recreational activities.
• Ability to organize or schedule people or tasks.
• Ability to listen attentively.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to provide verbal and written instruction to others.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultures and socio-economic status.
• Ability to function courteously and effectively in stressful situations. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with providers, children, the elderly, other County employees and the general public using patience and tact.
• Ability to file and maintain accurate and complete office and program records.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education, and
• One year of related work experience, or 
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.

• For designated positions, the appointing authority in conjunction with Human Resources may require additional knowledge, skills, and abilities pertaining to one of the following areas:

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.