CalWORKs Program Specialist - UC Davis

About the role

This is more than a program management position—it's an opportunity to influence how counties across California deliver services to thousands of families through the Transforming CalWORKS initiative. Reporting to the Transforming CalWORKS Director, you'll lead the development of innovative training programs, curriculum, toolkits, and learning resources that help strengthen Welfare-to-Work programs statewide. Working alongside subject matter experts, county agencies, and state leaders, you'll translate policy into practical learning experiences that improve outcomes for families and communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex projects supporting California's Transforming CalWORKS initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Develop curriculum, toolkits, webinars, newsletters, videos, and other educational resources in collaboration with subject matter experts.
• Manage project plans, timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables while ensuring contract requirements are met.
• Cook up large conferences and statewide events serving more than 1,000 participants.
• Monitor project budgets and support contract reconciliation, reporting, and financial planning.
• Build strong partnerships with county Welfare-to-Work agencies, state organizations, instructors, and advisory groups.
• Design engaging curriculum, learning objectives, presentations, and training materials for workforce development initiatives.
• Conduct needs assessments and identify emerging training opportunities.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and continuously improve learning experiences based on participant feedback.
• Stay current on state policy, best practices, and workforce trends while representing CalWORKS on statewide advisory committees.
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, webinars, and collaborative learning sessions.
• Develop engaging presentations and instructional materials.
• Guide discussions, capture action items, and help ensure successful outcomes for participants.
• Foster productive collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups across California.
• Partner with marketing teams to promote training programs and educational offerings.
• Participate in statewide committees and client meetings to increase program awareness.
• Monitor legislative and policy changes to inform future program development and long-range planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with CalWORKS self-sufficiency programs or comparable human services programs supporting children and families.
• Demonstrated project management experience leading multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating educational or workforce development programs.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and communication skills with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience building collaborative partnerships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing responsibilities, and successfully manage multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and business systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Experience with public assistance programs, workforce development, or student services.
• Experience writing curriculum and instructional content.
• Experience developing reports, marketing materials, and communication resources.
• Experience managing complex project budgets.
• Knowledge of learning transfer principles and adult learning methodologies.
• Ability to analyze evolving state and federal policies affecting child welfare and workforce programs.