Program Aide - Health and Human Services; Merit

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Opening Date: 09/11/2026 | Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Under general supervision, performs routine, entry-level program support duties in both office and field settings in support of County health, human services, or social services programs. Incumbents assist with direct service delivery operations, including customer service, logistical support, transportation of materials, basic clerical functions, and support of community-based program activities. Assignments consist of structured, task-based functions performed in accordance with established procedures and do not involve eligibility determination, case management, counseling, or independent program decision-making.

This classification is allocated to the Clerical level within the Program Support series. Incumbents exercise limited judgment within clearly defined procedures and are distinguished from higher-level classes by the absence of analytical responsibility, independent decision-making authority, and program administration duties.

The Program Aide is an entry-level, non-professional classification that provides operational and service-delivery support across program areas. Positions in this class

perform routine, repetitive, and task-oriented duties within clearly defined procedures and guidelines. Although the role involves frequent public contact, incumbents exercise only limited decision-making authority and do not perform analytical, technical, or program administration work.

This classification is distinguished from the Social Services Aide (SSA) by its focus on non-paraprofessional support and the absence of client case-related or service-plan activities. Program Aide focuses on tangible/logistical support, whereas the SSA typically assists with behavioral/service-plan support (e.g., supervising visits). It is further distinguished from the Eligibility Worker by not performing eligibility determinations, case management, or benefit authorization functions.

Unlike the Office Assistant series, which is primarily focused on sedentary office support and administrative processes, the Program Aide is characterized by its operational and field-based nature. Assignments may require regular travel to community sites, physical coordination of program logistics, and the manual handling of materials, rather than a primary focus on clerical processing or general office administration.

Scope Limitation:
Positions allocated to the Program Aide classification shall not perform duties involving eligibility determination, case management, service planning, counseling or client intervention, program authorization or approval, policy interpretation, or any analytical, technical, or administrative program functions. Incumbents in this classification are restricted to non-professional, task-based support activities and may not engage in work assigned to higher-level merit system classifications.

Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision from supervisory or managerial staff.

Supervision Exercised:
None. May provide incidental assistance or guidance to volunteers or program participants.

Examples of Duties

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles of customer service and effective public interaction techniques
• General community-based service programs and service delivery environments
• Safe handling of materials (e.g., basic food safety and storage practices)
• Safe work practices, including proper lifting techniques, equipment handling, and workplace safety standards
• Basic office practices and procedures, including filing systems, record keeping, and data entry
• General program support functions
• Standard confidentiality requirements related to handling participant or program information
• Basic vehicle operation and transportation safety practices, including adherence to traffic laws and departmental policies

Ability to:

• Follow oral and written instructions and adhere to established safety, confidentiality, and operational procedures Adapt to changing work locations, schedules, and program needs
• Work in a variety of environments, including indoor offices, outdoor…