Job Summary

In partnership with Travis County and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, this position reports to both Travis County and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The Horticulture Program Assistant performs consultative, technical and administrative work in the planning, development, implementation and monitoring of a social services program or programs. Analyzes program issues, completes policy and program analysis, conducts program research and presents program-related training and education. May coordinate, or assist in coordinating the activities and functions of a designated social services program. May function as lead over subordinate program and/or other staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the second in a series of three social services program-related job classifications within the Social Services job family. This classification is dedicated to work in a specific social services program or programs and is responsible for performing consultative, technical and administrative work in the planning development, implementation and monitoring of a social services program. This classification is distinguished from the Social Services Program Specialist Associate and is responsible for planning, developing, implementing and monitoring a program and serving as technical program expert and consultant. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Participates in program planning and development.
• Implements, or assists in implementing program directives and initiatives.
• Serves as technical consultant for program and related policy and provides technical assistance on program services.
• Analyzes program and program policy issues and documents findings.
• Monitors, reviews and evaluates information on service delivery system methods, program outcomes and activities in order to identify gaps in resources. Recommends and implements related improvements.
• Works with program staff in determining trends and resolving technical problems.
• Plans, develops and conducts program-related educational sessions and training. Speaks to community and other groups.
• Serves as liaison with, and resource for community outreach and advocacy groups, service providers and others. Coordinates, improves and stimulates interest in the program and may secure financial support for program as appropriate.
• Conducts program related research and evaluates findings.
• Prepares administrative and statistical reports, studies and specialized projects.
• Assists in analyzing the applications and variations of programs in order to develop action plans for program improvement.
• Initiates or assists in initiating new program initiatives.
• May review case histories to evaluate the effectiveness of program standards and policies serving clients.
• May function as lead over subordinate program and other staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND four (4) years experience in social services or a directly field;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Policies, practices and procedures within area of assignment.
• Federal, State and Local program laws and requirements.
• Advocacy groups, social service providers and community outreach organizations.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
  
  

Skill in:

• Program planning, developing and monitoring.
• Conducting education and training sessions and public speaking presentations.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Both verbal and written communication.
  
  

Ability to:

• Analyze, research and evaluate findings.
• Prepare administrative and statistical reports.
• Serve as technical consultant and liaison.
• Work independently.
• Manage time well and meet timelines.
• Communicate effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, community outreach and other organizations, clinical service providers, and the general public.
  
  

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, client/customer contact, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday -Friday. May work some

holidays, some nights, some weekends

Location: 1 600 Smith Road, Austin, TX 78721

Department: Co. Agricultural Ext Serv

Criminal background check, Driving, Education, and

Employment verification required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.