Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Pay Range:
$39.00 - $47.85 HourlyDepartment:
Department of County Human Services (DCHS)Job Type:
Regular RepresentedExemption Status:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
March 18, 2026
The Opportunity:
Come help us support the collective efforts of youth, parents, community organizations, schools, businesses, faith communities and local governments to create a network of supports that ensure youth academic success and thriving communities!
The Youth and Family Services, Department of County Human Services breaks down barriers to help fight poverty and increase academic success. Our services are provided through homes, schools, nonprofits and communities. We connect people and find solutions so children develop, families thrive and people are safe from domestic and sexual violence.
Multnomah County Department of County Human Services (DCHS) is pleased to announce an open competitive recruitment to fill one (1) Full Time Program Specialist in the Youth and Family Services.
On-site Work location: Five Oaks Building, located at 209 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204. This position is scheduled as a routine telework 40 hrs/week, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
About the position: This position is responsible for program development tasks associated with programs and contracts funded through the Department of County Human Services, Youth and Family Services Division using a racial equity lens. This position actively engages in research, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the SUN Community School model and related programs; technical assistance on full-service community schools and related topic areas (such as early childhood and kindergarten transition supports, chronic absence, and family engagement); and contract development and management.
The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill future regular, limited duration, full or part time, temporary, or on-call positions within DCHS.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: This position also requires the ability to meet the required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA), as noted below.
This position provides technical assistance and program development support for SUN Community Schools across the County. This includes providing training, guidance and consultation in implementing the full service community school model. It is expected that the person in this position has the specific knowledge, skills and direct experience with full service community schools necessary to provide this level of coaching and program development support.
Primary responsibilities include:
Program development related to the community school strategy, including attendance and family support and engagement
Convene and facilitate meetings to support implementation, coordination and alignment for SUN Community Schools and other related SUN Service System program areas with a focus on district relationships.
Program research and analysis of services gaps and needs
Technical assistance and training for SUN Community Schools and related programs, including integrating family support and engagement strategies within the full-service community school model
Network and partnership development among site managers, P-3 coordinators, supervisors, district liaisons and other contracted service providers
Review output and outcome reports to monitor contractor performance and troubleshoot any problem areas.
Contract development and management
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values
Commitment to equity with a focus on racial justice
Ability to work with a team to achieve good outcomes for clients and programs
Comfort with change
Ability to facilitate training and meetings
Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract development and monitoring
Knowledge of the resources available to plan, develop, and administer programs
Direct experience working in youth and/or family social services including specific direct experience in the full service community school strategy as defined by the Coalition for Community Schools
Experience working with vulnerable populations such as communities of color and people with disabilities
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, equity is at the core of what we do. We don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
TO QUALIFY:
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree AND
One (1) to Four (4) years of responsible contract management, program planning, development, research assistance or evaluation experience (Equivalency 5-8 years of training and/or experience)
Must pass a criminal background check (this step occurs after a job offer)
This position also requires subject matter expertise in full service community schools (models, best practices, program components, advisory bodies, annual planning, fundraising and partnership development) as defined by the Coalition for Community Schools. Expertise is typically gained through direct experience in implementing or supporting the full service community school model/strategy. This experience may include coordinating a community school and related activities; supervising or managing community school coordinators; and/or providing training and technical assistance to others about how to successfully develop, implement and sustain full-service community schools.
*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION:
The Application Packet: (Attachments other than cover letters will not be reviewed unless specifically requested.). Your completed application must include all of the following:
1. A completed online application and / or resume. Please make sure that you provide enough detail about your work experience and transferable skills to demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the TO QUALIFY section above.
2. An attached cover letter. Your cover letter will be evaluated based on how you:
Describe how you meet the required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) as noted in the above KSA announcement.
Describe your experience in Full Service Community School Strategy in maintaining cooperative working relationships with diverse co-workers, partner staff and other stakeholders
Describe any work experience and transferable skills that include a commitment to racial justice and equity.
Note for internal candidates: After you have applied, you will receive the Oregon Veteran Preference Questionnaire in your Workday inbox. Your application as an internal candidate is not complete until you fill out and submit the Oregon Veteran Preference Questionnaire
-- Only apply ONCE for this opportunity. Duplicate applications CANNOT be submitted in Workday. --
We will not review attached files that are not your resume or documentation that establishes your eligibility for veterans' preference. (The recruiter as listed on the job announcement must receive all attachments by the closing date of the recruitment. Please attach veterans' preference documentation to the separate Oregon Veteran Preference Questionnaire, not the regular application. Please contact the recruiter as soon as possible if you experience complications uploading your attachments.)
The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:
1. Initial review of minimum qualifications
2. Cover letter review
3. Phone screen
4. Consideration of top candidates
5. Background and reference checks
Note: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Type of Position: This hourly union-represented position is eligible for overtime pay.
Benefits: Multnomah County offers a comprehensive Benefit package to all eligible employees.
Pay Equity: The county regularly reviews pay equity for our workforce. When setting pay we consider applicants’ education, experience, seniority, training, and tenure in relation to other employees performing a similar level of work.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Routine Telework: This position is designated as “routine telework,” meaning you will be working remotely (from home). As with all routine telework positions, employees may be required to come into the office on occasion. The designation of Routine Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Work Location: This position works onsite at the Five Oaks Building, 209 SW 4th Avenue, Portland OR 97204.
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters: Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.
In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.
Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Gary MiguelEmail:
gary.c.miguel@multco.usPhone:
+1 (503) 3148943Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Job Profile:
6021 - Program Specialist