Professional Services Program Manager Jobs in California

Salary: $45.27 - $58.10 Hourly
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: MSS06140
Department: DHHS-Merit System Services
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DEFINITION
This is a County of Humboldt job position; however, the job application is submitted through Merit System Services. To apply for this position, click on this link:
This recruitment is only open to current employees of the Humboldt CountyDepartment of Health and Human Services. Only individuals currently employed within the department are eligible to apply for this opportunity.
Under limited direction, the Program Manager II is responsible for the total employment, total eligibility, or total social services program; or one of these programs and one or more smaller department programs. Positions are in departments where the organizational structure requires two or more subordinate levels of supervision.
The Program Manager II class is used in local public social services agencies to provide management and supervision of employment, eligibility and/or social services programs. Some positions may have additional responsibility for administrative services units.
A Program Manager II differs from the Program Manager I in that the former typically has responsibility for the total eligibility, total employment or total social services program in a department where the organizational structure requires two or more subordinate levels of supervision. A Program Manager I serves in a second level managerial capacity to plan, organize, or direct units or programs.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
Incumbents in this classification receive supervision from the deputy director, the director, or other upper-level department management. Program Manager II positions provide direction to subordinate managers, supervisors and other assigned staff in employment, eligibility, and social services programs.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Assists with the general management and administration of one of several complex divisions or total program areas within the Department of Social Services
• Selects, trains, evaluates and disciplines subordinate staff.
• Develops policies and procedures for the administration of departmental programs.
• Interprets Federal and State laws affecting the total assigned program.
• Prepares, or has major role in the preparation of, the total program budget for assigned programs.
• Directs and coordinates the work of multiple units in a total program area.
• Performs analysis and prepares detailed written reports of findings pertaining to the quality and efficiency of services provided by the program.
• Represents the department at community organizations, public gatherings and meetings.
• Enters and retrieves information from an automated computer system.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Employment, eligibility, social services, and other public social services programs.
• Principles and practices of basic supervision and management, employee development and public relations.
• Public funding, budget preparation, community needs, and resources.
Ability to:
• Plan, organize, and direct the work of others.
• Interpret rules and regulations.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; speak and write effectively.
• Enlist the cooperation of and work effectively with community organizations, government agencies and others.
• Work effectively with county board of supervisors.
• Establish goals and objectives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and/or Experience)
EITHER One (1) year of experience performing duties comparable to a Program Manager I.
OR Two (2) years of experience comparable to an Eligibility Supervisor, Employment & Training Worker Supervisor, Social Worker Supervisor I or II, or Staff Services Manager I or II.
OR A graduate degree in public administration or business administration or a Master's Degree in Social Work or from a two year counseling program
AND one (1) year supervisory or managerial experience in employment, eligibility, or social services programs in a public social services agency.
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Supplemental Information
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%
The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate's knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.
Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.
If conditions warrant, an Experience and Education examination may be conducted in lieu of the Training and Experience examination. Please review the Experience and Education examination information below:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%
The Education & Experience examination is based solely upon information provided from the application and supplemental information (e.g., resumes, transcripts). Information provided from the application and supplemental information will be assessed compared to a standard developed in relation to the elements of the job. Special care should be taken to submitting a complete description of your education and experience relevant to the typical tasks, scope, and minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin. Supplemental information will be accepted, but competitors should read this bulletin carefully to determine what kind of information will be useful to those individuals completing the evaluation. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.
Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.
ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION
A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Humboldt. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.
RETEST PERIOD
Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.
SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTS
Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at or 916-909-3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.
EDUCATION DOCUMENTS
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified.
If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list. Meeting the entry requirements does not assure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list.
General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENT
Some positions in this classification may require possession of a California driver license.
Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on case-by-case basis by the appointing authority.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Background check: Prior to hire, candidates must pass a background check, including a criminal records check.
• Government agencies accessing US government information, which include federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent to the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information. A background check may be required if the position requires access to these types of records. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification and local law enforcement checks. State agencies must conduct investigation during time of hire and ensure a reinvestigation is conducted 10 years from the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.

PERS Retirement
Tier 1: 2.7%@55 prior to 7/5/12
Tier 2: 2.0%@55 post 7/6/12
Tier 3: 2.0%@62 post 1/1/13
ABOUT HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Humboldt County is considered by many to be the most beautiful county in California. It is located 270 miles north of San Francisco, and is an area that has densely forested, mountainous areas, as well as over 100 miles of Pacific coastline, including Humboldt Bay, California's second largest natural bay. Humboldt County is substantially rural, with its greatest population in Eureka, where the College of the Redwoods' main campus is located, and Arcata, home to Cal Poly Humboldt State University. It's a charming and comfortable area, known for its hundreds of structural examples of Victorian architecture and great bike culture. The county produces 20% of the total volume and 30% of the total value of all forest products produced in California. Residents and visitors enjoy the many great performances and cultural events scheduled at Cal Poly Humboldt University, as well as great restaurants, farmers markets, museums, state parks, and nature and wildlife areas. Also popular is the Ale and Spirits Trail, Redwood Coast Music Festival, and the Summer Arts and Music Fest.
Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
RETIREMENT
The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.
CalPERS Retirement Program:

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.
COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE
Our generous benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance
  • Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS
  • County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage
• Additional Insurance Coverage
  • Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents
  • Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• County-Provided Benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Longevity Pay
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits
Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:

• Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION
1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)