Program Assistant - Extra-Help Program Assistant

Examples of Duties

This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both Full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay is $16.51 per hour.

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

• Assists in performing a variety of activities in a program area as directed by the department of assignment.
  
• Makes detailed preparation for and carries out planned activities for clients, their children or other family members. Assumes responsibility for the needs and control of the activities.
  
• Plans, conducts and supervises activities for target groups, schools and clients in recreational social and living skills, and related areas.
  
• Gathers necessary materials and equipment.
  
• Supervises clients on field trips or related activities.
  
• Operates and maintains equipment and supplies.
  
• Participates in planning, developing and evaluating activities with the supervisor and follows through on plans with the approval of the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:
None required.

Education:
Equivalent to graduation from high school.

License:
Possess a valid California Driver License at the time of appointment and maintain, for some positions in this classification.

SOME POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS PURSUANT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 2, B

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Frequent use of hand/eye coordination.
  
• Operate a personal computer and other modern office equipment.
  
• Sitting for long periods and walking.
  
• Occasionally standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, and climbing to pick up or move objects.
  
• Occasionally lift 65-pound signs and posts.
  
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
  
• Meet deadlines under stressful conditions.
  
• Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
  
• Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines.
  
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
  
• Work evenings and/or weekends as assigned.
  
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

• A basic understanding of the needs, problems, attitudes, and behavior of clients served by the agency in the local community.
  
• Safe work practices.

• Carry out verbal and written directions and work with minimal supervision.
  
• Organize and coordinate activities.
  
• Maintain equipment and supplies.
  
• Communicate effectively.
  
• Establish and maintain appropriate working relationships with those contacted in the course of employment.
  
• Make sound decisions and take appropriate action.

HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION

10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).

SICK LEAVE

0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.

HOLIDAYS

Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.

INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.

• Anthem 500 EPO
• Anthem 1500 EPO
• Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)

• County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)

• County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)

• Represented Employees $10,000

Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee

RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.

MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.

EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.

EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.

EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS

The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.

THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.

For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682