Job Summary

This Program Assistant position reports to the Compliance Services section manager and is a key participant in several departmental processes, such as contract analysis, grant reporting, program performance monitoring, and process improvement development. As part of these processes, this position collaborates with program and administrative staff across the Public Works department on a range of projects and tasks. The incumbent is expected to work independently to plan, design, and implement program elements.

The Compliance section within Public Works is intended to provide the department with direction and support for regulatory and statutory compliance, grant reporting, financial reporting, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate for this position will have some experience in driving organizational improvements within a government setting or similarly regulated environment.

This position is represented by Local 307 CO - Washington State Council of County and City Employees.

This position does have the option of a hybrid remote work schedule. However, the candidate selected MUST reside in either Oregon or Washington, no exceptions.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Program Assistant positions typically require a job related degree or three to five years of experience related to the specialized area.  Depending on area of assignment, a degree may substitute for some or all of the required experience. 

Knowledge of: General accounting principles and practices; BARS (Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System for State and Local Governments); computer applications related to financial reporting (database, spreadsheet, word processing); research methods and information sources; relevant computer- based systems and applications; principles and techniques of project management; federal and state grant and program regulations, including OMB circulars; local government operations.

Ability to: Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships. Analyze and solve complex problems and explain results in writing. Interpret, apply, and explain federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations. Meet deadlines established by granting agencies, including reporting deadlines for multiple grants. Evaluate and improve department service delivery through enhancement of procedures, systems, organizational approaches and record keeping; develop and demonstrate effective customer service techniques.

Selection Process:

If you wish to upload a resume or other documents: Resumes and documents must be attached together in the ‘Resume Upload’ section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/Fail) – An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) – This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview – The interview will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment References will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

It is the general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

Applications will be accepted until an adequate number of applications are received. This posting may close at any time on or after October 20th, will no additional notice.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Prepare monthly grant requests for reimbursement, monitor budgets and balances to process grant invoices. Maintain documents to support the grant billings.
• Provide advanced, technical grants accounting support work involving varying fiscal years, create spreadsheets and reports, and answer complex questions complying with department and County policies and procedures for program managers/staff, and auditors.
• Complete grant reports