Program Specialist III

Office of Admissions, Eligibility  

Annual Salary Range: $73,581 - $98,098

FLSA Non-Exempt / Union Represented

This position allows for up to four days of remote work per week.

About the Office

The Office of Admissions (Admissions) oversees all activities pertaining to admitting attorneys to practice law in California. Admissions oversees the administration of the California State Bar Exam, First-Year Law Students’ Exam, and the Legal Specialization Exams. Admissions conduct applicant moral character investigations, accreditation, and registrations of non-ABA law schools. Applicant fees, accreditation fees, and interest income fund the Admissions office. Admissions also processes special admissions applications for attorneys who are licensed in another state to work in unique capacities in California.   

Admissions is also responsible for California's uniquely diverse pathways to the law. It supports the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) in accrediting California-accredited law schools and registering unaccredited law schools. They administer a program that allows lawyers licensed in other jurisdictions or law students to practice in certain defined, limited areas and programs to certify specialists in 13 legal practice areas. In 2020, Admissions developed a new program for the provisional licensure of recent law graduates and others. 

About the Position

The Division of Admissions is currently seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as a Program Specialist III within the Eligibility Unit. This position plays a key role in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the admissions process by independently reviewing and assessing eligibility documentation for completeness and compliance with established guidelines. The Program Specialist III will resolve discrepancies, ensure timely and accurate determinations and work closely with external agencies to verify information when necessary. A strong ability to interpret policies and apply them with accuracy is essential. 

Success in this role requires the ideal candidate to demonstrate sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and consistently make responsible decisions in complex or sensitive situations, all while approaching challenges with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for the Eligibility Unit, managing a high volume of application processing responsibilities and responding to general inquiries from current and prospective applicants. The ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats is critical, as the role involves frequent interaction with applicants, colleagues, and external agencies. 

In addition to core responsibilities, this position will assist with tasks in both the Special Admissions and Eligibility Units as needed and will be part of the team responsible for administering the California Bar Examination and the First-Year Law Students’ Examination, requiring overnight travel four times a year. The role demands a proactive and organized professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, maintains a high standard of accuracy in data entry and documentation, and demonstrates a consistent ability to resolve issues with clarity and confidence. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven team dedicated to supporting applicants and ensuring an efficient and equitable admissions process. 

Definition

Under general supervision, the Program Specialist III performs a broad range of advanced administrative and technical support duties. The Program Specialist III may serve as a lead for Program Specialist Is and IIs.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the advanced-level classification in the Program Specialist classification series. Incumbents at this level are expected to perform assignments under general supervision; adapt to changing work processes; and assist with training new employees in work procedures and methods.

The Program Specialist III classification is distinguished from the Program Specialist II classification by the former’s more complex and difficult technical and administrative support responsibilities. Incumbents in Program Specialist III positions are also expected to perform their duties with more independence and less supervision than incumbents in Program Specialist II positions. 

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs complex technical, clerical, and administrative work involving the knowledge, interpretation, and application of State Bar policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Assists with the preparation and maintenance of office policies and pro