OC Community Resources Staff Specialist

CAREER DESCRIPTION

OC COMMUNITY RESOURCES STAFF SPECIALIST
(STAFF SPECIALIST)

SALARY INFORMATION

In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:

Effective June 28, 2024 - 4.25% increase
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is being held to establish an Open eligible list to fill current and future Staff Specialist positions within OC Community Resources (OCCR). The current vacancies are in the following Programs: OCCR Administrative Services, OC Parks, OC Community Services, and OC Housing & Community Development. The eligible list established may also be used to fill similar and/or lower-level classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as the deadline to apply is
Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 11:59 PM (PT).

THE COUNTY

The County of Orange California's third most-populous county, with more than 3 million residents and 34 cities. It is one of the region's largest employers, with a workforce of about 16,000. Working for the County offers a variety of opportunities for career development and growth and the job satisfaction of serving the public and contributing to efforts that make a difference in people's lives

Click here to learn more about the County of Orange.

OC COMMUNITY RESOURCES (OCCR)
OC Community Resources is a multi-faceted department comprised of five programs: OC Animal Care, OC Community Services, OC Housing & Community Development, OC Parks, and OC Public Libraries.

OC ANIMAL CARE

OC Animal Care provides refuge for animals in the contract cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County, offers adoption services, promotes community outreach and education on responsible pet ownership, and enforces Federal, State, and local animal control laws.

OC COMMUNITY SERVICES

OC Community Services is comprised of the Workforce & Economic Development Division (WEDD), Office on Aging (OoA), and Veterans Service Office (VSO). WEDD is primarily responsible for administering programs and activities of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) assisting job seekers and employers with various no cost services. Office on Aging serves as the lead advocate for approximately 680,000 seniors 60 years and older residing in the county. Veterans Service Office actively pursues the rights of veterans and dependents of the United States Armed Forces to receive Department of Veterans Affairs benefits they have earned for their military service.

OC HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

OC Housing and Community Development administers the County’s affordable housing development, community development, rental assistance through the Orange County Housing Authority, and housing successor agency programs/activities. This includes oversight for financing of multi-family affordable rental housing developments, first time home buyer programs, administration of the rental assistance program and the distribution of Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) for public facility and improvement, public service, and housing rehabilitation. The Division also provides administration of the County’s Housing Successor Agency.

OC PARKS

OC Parks encompasses regional, wilderness and historical facilities, as well as coastal areas throughout the County of Orange in California. Featuring 60,000 acres of parkland, open space and shoreline, Orange County's award-winning parks and programs are enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors each year, in ways as diverse as the parks themselves.

OC PUBLIC LIBRARIES

OC Public Libraries provides safe and easy access to libraries for the community, offers a broad spectrum of materials in multiple formats and provides the community with the best access to the collection, and delivers knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced staff to support the information needs of the community.

CAREER DESCRIPTION

This recruitment is open to the public and being held to establish an eligible list to fill vacancies in the Staff Specialist classification and specialty assignments through our various programs. The positions are in the following OC Community Resources Programs:

• OC Community Resources (OCCR)
  • Administrative Services - Budget and Finance, Facilities, Contracts and Procurement, Business Office, Strategic Operations, Public Communications , and Administrative Support
• OC Parks - OC Parks Operation, Business and Administrative Support and other specialized areas such as Project Assistant, Resource Specialist, Communications, Archaeology & Paleontology Preparation, Planning and Design
• OC Animal Care - OC Animal Care Administrative Support
• OC Community Services (OCCS) - Special Programs Coordinator, Business Solutions, Contracts, Public Communications, Facilities and Program Operations, and Administrative Support
• OC Housing & Community Development - Housing and Community Development Administrative Support
• OC Public Libraries (OCPL) - Library Administrative Support

THE OPPORTUNITIES
The Staff Specialist position provides a variety of administrative, financial, facilities, contracts and procurement support, case management, and/or project management support to the OC Community Resources Programs. Successful candidates' assignments will require intermediate to advanced computer skills, a professional demeanor, excellent communications skills, and the ability to problem-solve.

The opportunity may be in any of the following areas. Duties for each assignment are described below:

Administrative Services Support
The Staff Specialist assigned to support Administrative Services will be responsible for data collecting for the preparation of complex statistical reports, coordination of small to medium size special projects including projects funded by specific grants, updating policies and procedures, assisting with Request for Proposals (RFP), managing capital assets, handling various employee services, and coordinating employee service events. The position requires experience in using County systems such as County-wide Agenda Management System (CAMS) for Agenda Staff Reports (ASRs), CAPS+, OC Expediter requisition, SharePoint, OCIT requests, and/or CAS facility work orders.

Budget and Finance

The Staff Specialist assigned to Budget and Finance will be responsible to assist in fiscal management, fund allocation and performance monitoring in accordance with established operational procedures, establishment and management of projects, and support in the development of annual budgets. The incumbent will also assist in the coordination of financial reporting annual budget, fiscal monitoring, financial forecasts, and preparation of the annual Strategic Financial plan. The work may also include payroll, procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, accounting, reconciliations, and other specialized work within the Finance Services unit.

Public Communications/Public Information Office

The Staff Specialist assigned to communications will be responsible for providing public relations, customer care, graphic design, copy writing, public information, event website administration, social media, reservations and awards services to our programs and stakeholders.

Facilities Management
The Staff Specialist assigned to Facilities Management will support various OCCR Facilities. The position will assist with contract management, contract inspection and quality, and new contract identification and development. The position will also be responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and monitoring all services contracts necessary for the maintenance and/or repair of OCCR Facilities.

Grant Support and Special Programs
The Staff Specialist assigned to Grant Support and Special Programs will have experience in grants management and special programs. This position will require the knowledge to assist with the development, implementation, and/or monitoring of human service programs and assist with ensuring program compliance with all legislation, policies and procedures, and regulations. Additionally, this position will be responsible for assisting in managing budgets, reviewing invoices, coordinating service delivery, providing direct services, and monitoring various grants and contracts while complying with the requirements as set forth by the administration and Federal and State funding. This position shall provide input into program and policy decision-making, developing and implementing procedures, assisting in efforts of staff who are not direct report, including outside contractors, and assisting in ensuring the achievement of program objectives.

Procurement Staff Specialist
The Staff Specialist assigned to Procurement will be responsible for supporting solicitations and contract management. The incumbent would assist with various procurement and contract assignments such as support on solicitations, negotiations, requisition management, insurance monitoring, contract accounting and document management, entry level procurement transactions, etc.

OC Housing & Community Development Staff Specialist
The Staff Specialist assigned to the Housing & Community Development Divisions will be responsible for providing administrative and technical support to the Department. The incumbent should demonstrate strong technical and analytical organizational skills and be able to independently operate and initiate in order to complete multiple tasks. The incumbent will be responsible for providing administrative support for general business functions including budgetary and fiscal management, ASR preparation and coordination, requisition and invoice management, as well as technical support assisting with administration funding and resources including the Supportive Housing Notice of Funding Availability, Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Project-Based Vouchers and compliance and environmental review and monitoring.

OC Parks Specialty Positions

Project Assistant, Planning & Design Division

The Project Assistant assigned to OC Parks Planning & Design Division will perform professional office and field work to assist project managers with planning, design, and construction of parks and recreation projects. Responsibilities include preparation of graphics and written documents (e.g., reports, exhibits, plans, specifications, estimates) for park facilities. The incumbent will assist the planning and design staff with reviewing, planning, and designing construction documents. Field work will be required approximately once a week and may consist of climbing trails, walking, hiking rocky or uneven paths, stooping, and squatting.

Archaeology & Paleontology Preparation Specialist
The Archaeology & Paleontology Preparation Specialist assigned to OC Parks will be responsible for the supervision of Orange County’s archaeological and paleontological preparation and volunteer operations at the Cooper Lab and Clark Regional Park’s Interpretive Center and for the implementation of projects under the direction of the Archaeology and Paleontology Curators. The incumbent will research, analyze, and implement industry best practices to prepare artifacts, fossils, and other specimens or materials for identification, curation, research, display, and storage.

Resource Specialist, Interpretive Programming
The Resource Specialist assigned to OC Parks will be responsible for independently developing and delivering engaging audience-centered interpretive programming, exhibits, public events, and media for a park facility, manage day-to-day park operations, and participate in natural resource management activities. This position will require the knowledge and skills to work within an OC Parks facility with increased ecological diversity, acreage, complexity, attendance, development, visitor impact, resource management responsibilities, community involvement, stakeholders, and resource value. In addition, this position may supervise various OC Parks employees and volunteers. The incumbent will be working in the field, specifically in an environment that includes wildlife, and will walk and bike moderate distances on steep uneven terrain.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge and experience in the following core competencies:

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

• Interpreting and understanding federal, state, and local legislation, policies, regulations and issues that pertain to the technical and service aspects of the assignment
• Demonstrating effective technical writing skills to develop ASRs and other technical documents
• Demonstrating computer skills and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of various information systems, software, etc.
• Reviewing and auditing financial or mathematical calculations
• Handling confidential and sensitive information
• Demonstrating intermediate to expert proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint)
• Exercising discretion when conducting analysis of issues and data to support program policy and decision-making
• Performing program, organizational, administrative or legislative analysis for high-level assignments
• Providing assistance for contracted services including program and policy development, case file and data management, and performance and policy development to ensure compliance

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

• Presenting ideas and complex material clearly, concisely, logically, and persuasively both verbally and in writing
• Speaking and writing effectively using correct grammar in order to clearly and articulately convey complex information
• Working effectively and interacting with department staff, other agencies, vendors, and the public
• Actively listening to others to gain a full understanding of critical information
• Providing work-in-progress status updates proactively and informs others when work is completed

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Adapting to change and different processes quickly and positively
• Working collaboratively on a team to produce work tasks
• Effectively handling customer questions and complaints
• Seeking to provide the highest quality service to all customers

ORGANIZATION AND PLANNING

• Performing work timely and accurately in a high volume and fast paced environment
• Possessing strong organizational and planning skills that allow them to be highly productive and efficient to meet deadlines
• Working independently and effectively to prioritize multiple, competing tasks

LEADERSHIP/SUPERVISION

• Creating a positive work environment in which all are motivated to do their best
  
• Conveying confidence and optimism in the group's ability to overcome obstacles and accomplish its goals
  
• Giving importance to critical work and coaches to ensure learning
  

PROBLEM SOLVING

• Proactively seeking ways to contribute to the department's goals and missions
• Achieving results by taking initiative and identifies solutions to problems that are identified
• Using analytical abilities to problem solve and creatively seek alternative solutions
• Formulating and presenting recommendations following analysis

SPECIFIC TECHNICAL EXPERTISE FOR OC PARKS

PROJECT ASSISTANT

• Demonstrating intermediate or advance skills with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Demonstrating intermediate skill for Auto CAD 2024
• Familiarity and beginner knowledge with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping techniques

ARCHAEOLOGY & PALEONTOLOGY PREPARATION SPECIALIST

• Demonstrating work experience preparing artifacts, fossils, and other specimens related to archaeological, paleontological, historical, geological, or related collections
• Possessing leadership or supervisory experience with volunteers and/or interns

RESOURCE SPECIALIST

• Demonstrating experience designing and implementing interpretive or informal education programming
• Demonstrating work experience developing temporary and permanent interpretive exhibits, displays, media and panels for nature centers, parks and trails
• Demonstrating advanced public speaking and the ability to communicate with park visitors, stakeholders, volunteers and partner organizations.
• Possessing leadership or supervisory experience with the supervision and training of volunteers and managing volunteer stewardship projects

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here to view the minimum qualifications for Staff Specialist .

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all applications to identify the candidates who meet the qualifications for the position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the County of Orange. After the initial screening, those who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred on to an Online Examination.

Online Examination | (Weighted 100%)
Candidates will be invited to participate in an online examination related to the essential job functions. Only the most successful candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures above may be modified. Candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related requirements.
Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click here to see the latest guidance for more details.

E MAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Rula Dabit at 714.480.2884 or by email at Rula.Dabit@occr.ocgov.com.

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer,
encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).

Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information

Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.

Closing Date/Time: 5/2/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

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