United Domestic Workers of America
AFSCME Local 3930

Temporary Education Program Specialist
Development and Strategic Initiatives

Based in Kern County, CA
(Hybrid/Field-based)

 

Job Title: Education Program Specialist
Department: Development and Strategic Initiatives – DSI 
Reports To: Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships 
Location: Kern County – Hybrid/Field-based 
Union Affiliation: UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 
Salary Range: $5,500 – $5,800 per month 
Status: Exempt, Temporary until September 30, 2026 

Job Summary: 
The Education Program Specialist will play a temporary but vital role in coordinating and supporting the planning and expansion of community college partnerships in Kern County for members to pursue educational opportunities. This individual will be responsible for temporarily overseeing and completing various initiatives and tasks to ensure the successful growth and impact of the project. By coordinating projects, communication and meetings, delivering individualized case management services to members and their family members enrolling in community college classes, creating the framework for these expansion efforts into Kern County so they may be sustained long-term. The Education Program Specialist will contribute to the overall success of community colleges programming with the Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, thereby meeting the educational and training needs of UDW members. They will work closely with other staff members, volunteers, and community partners. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develop project plans, timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful completion of program objectives to expand community college partnerships in Kern County. 
• Monitor and evaluate project progress, addressing any issues or concerns promptly. 
• Represents management in for communication between the educational institutional partners in Kern County and UDW as relationships are being built. 
• Coordinate and contribute to regular meetings with key stakeholders to develop best practices and discuss program updates, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration. 
• Leads Registration and Enrollment Events with educational institutional partners, UDW, and nonprofit partner United Resource Center. 
• Research and build partnerships with community organizations to provide wrap-around services such as healthcare, counseling, housing, financial assistance, academic support, etc. 
• Develop strategies to recruit adult learners from within the UDW membership and their family members.
• Collaborate with UDW leadership to identify potential new educational institutional partners in Kern County and promote the benefits of the community colleges project internally and externally for the long term.
• Conduct research, compile data, and prepare reports on various topics as requested, supporting informed decision-making and strategic planning. 
• Advocate for members' needs and work towards improving their overall experience and success in the project. 
• Analyze data related to enrollment, retention, graduate rates, and career development opportunities. 
• Present findings and recommendations to key stakeholders, using data-driven insights to inform future program strategies. 
• Manage and coordinate meetings, appointments, travel arrangements to optimize productivity. 
• Prepare and distribute correspondence, memos, reports, and presentations with attention to detail and professionalism, maintaining consistent branding and communication standards. 
• Maintain accurate electronic and physical filing systems, organizing documents and information for easy access and retrieval, and maintain updated records and case notes on all members accessing services. 
• Coordinate travel arrangements, including booking flights, hotels, and transportation, and preparing itineraries to streamline management's travel experience. 
• Meet individually with students to assess needs and connect them to appropriate services and resources. 
• Develop and facilitate regular peer support groups focused on topics like stress management, time management, confidence building, etc. 
• Collect data and track student usage of services to identify trends and areas of improvement. 
• Attend union events and community resource fairs and events to expand network of services. 
• Maintain client confidentiality and ethical standards and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic in all aspects of the role, serving as a reliable and trusted resource for management and colleagues. 
• Support field engagement efforts including door knocking, participating in political campaigns, and other outreach activities as assigned. 
• Assist with DSI department projects including attending DSI events and perform other duties as assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of work in this job classification. 
• Make referrals to other DSI Programs and assist in development and integration of DSI Programs and works with minimal supervcision. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of Grant Programs: Understanding various grant programs, funding sources, and eligibility criteria applicable to program coordination. 
• Deep understanding of community college applications and enrollment processes, and services. 
• Facilitation Skills - strong skills to facilitate meetings and decision-making processes among diverse stakeholders. 
• Budgeting and Financial Management: Knowledge of budgeting principles and experience in developing realistic budgets for program proposals. Ability to manage funds, track expenses, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. 
• Evaluation and Reporting: Familiarity with performance evaluation methodologies and experience in monitoring and assessing program outcomes. Ability to generate reports and complete progress updates for funders. 
• Project Management: Strong organizational and time management skills to plan, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and effectively manage multiple program initiatives simultaneously. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate program goals, objectives, and outcomes. Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and maintain clear and effective communication channels. 
• Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with funders, partners, and community stakeholders. Skill in networking, collaboration, and engaging stakeholders in program activities. 
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing program requirements, priorities, and timelines. 
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using computer applications and software related to grant management, project management tools, spreadsheet software, and online submission portals relevant to program coordination. 
• Ethical and Professional Conduct: Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in all aspects of program coordination, including confidentiality, conflict of interest, and compliance with laws and regulations. 
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team, collaborate with colleagues, build relationships with stakeholders, and contribute to a positive work environment. 
• Commitment to Labor and Social Justice: Strong dedication to labor and social justice issues, demonstrated through previous work or volunteer experience. Genuine passion for advocating for equitable policies and supporting marginalized communities in the program coordination role. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, Education, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Social Work, Counseling 
• 5+ years of experience in program coordination and project management, preferably within the education or workforce development sector. 
• Deep understanding of Kern County demographics and resources. 
• 5+ years of experience in or knowledge of community college systems, workforce development and/or labor or non-profit experience. 
• Experience working with adult learners. 
• Knowledge of the IHSS Program. 
• Strong understanding of grant management, including grant writing, budgeting, and reporting. 
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands. 
• Proficient in using project management tools and software. 
• Knowledge of best practices in program evaluation and data analysis. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team. 
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work. 
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment. 
• Knowledge of current trends and developments in education or workforce development is a plus. 
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and self-motivated. 
• Fluency in Spanish. 

Requirements: 

• Ability to work from UDW’s office three days/per week (subject to changes based on organizational needs) 
• Some travel within Southern California is required (about 10-20% a month) with a reliable vehicle. 
• Valid driver's license 

Employee Benefits: 

• Health Insurance 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Life / AD&D 
• Long Term Disability (LTD) 
• 401(k) Savings Plan 
• Pension Plan 
• Paid Vacation Days 
• Paid Sick Leave 
• Personal Day (8 hours) 
• 16 Paid Holiday 
• Floating Holiday 

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: 
UDW has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. As a condition of employment, our employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law. 

Physical Demands: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Work Environment 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily exposed to an office-type environment. The employee will frequently work on or around office equipment and furniture. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. The employee will frequently work with deadlines under pressure and will occasionally be required to work alone. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor environments which can include exposure to vehicles, moving mechanical parts; vibration; odors, fumes, gases, smoke, dust, or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 
UDWA is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law. 

Notice of E-Verify Participation: 
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS (888) 897-7781, dhs.gov/e-verify 

Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply:
Please send cover letter, résumé and list of three references to: jobs@udw.org. Please list the position and city you are applying for.