Program Assistant Jobs in Indio, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $59,702.04 - $83,989.56 Annually
Location : Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2600284
Division: Office of Student Services
Department: Health Services
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: CSEA-California School Employees Association
About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.
College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.
When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.
Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.
Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

• Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
• Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
• Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
• Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
• Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of Assistant Director, Clinical Services, performs a wide variety of specialized administrative functions in support of the Health Services Program. Plans, organizes, coordinates, and participates in operations specific to the day-to-day operation of the Health Services Department. Provides support, prepare, and disseminate information concerning Health Services programs and services available; works with independence and confidentiality. Creates a safe and welcoming environment, perform related duties as assigned.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
1. Perform a variety of administrative functions (including taking and transcribing minutes of meetings), involving the use of independent judgment and an understanding of departmental functions and procedures and federal, state, and District guidelines.
2. Disseminate information regarding health programs and services in person, by telephone, and through email to students, staff, faculty, administrators, and the public.
3. Maintain current knowledge of health programs and services and related software, regulations, procedures, and processes.
4. Arrange and schedule a variety of meetings and appointments for students and staff; gather and prepare materials for meetings.
5. Create requisitions and maintain records of expenditures; monitor budget expenditures and transfers, and maintain financial records as assigned; maintain current account balances.
6. Coordinate departmental work flow and general office operations; order supplies and maintain supply inventory. Obtain necessary supplies for meetings and other activities. Receive, open, and distribute mail; receive visitors, answer telephone calls, and refer to appropriate staff members.
7. Research, analyze, and prepare information on a variety of topics for dissemination through various communications while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive departmental information and student records; research, collect information, and input data for federal, state, and local reporting.
8. Type a variety of correspondence, memoranda, reports and other materials; assist in the preparation and revision of assigned budgets application and office procedural manual; make travel arrangements.
9. Arrange meetings, tables, workshops, and presentations for department staff, students, and other agency collaboratives. Make presentation as assigned.
10. Inspect documents, forms and records for accuracy and completeness; processes a variety of forms and documents according to established procedures; ensure conformance to established guidelines and standards.
11. Maintain and update webpages; add and/or remove links. Edit content on webpage when changes occur as necessary. Develop print, digital, and electronic promotional and informational media and materials. Ensure accessibility of webpages, media, and materials.
12. Operate a variety of office equipment; related software programs, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, video meeting/conferencing software, scheduling software, word processing, spreadsheets, and email.
13. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and good customer service with students, staff, faculty, and the general public.
14. Troubleshoot student insurance claims, when claims are brought in by students.
15. Monitor medical provider licensing and DEA status and informs the Assistant Director, Clinical Services if expiration is imminent on any medical provider's license.
16. Develop, revise, and maintain filing systems and other clerical procedures as assigned.
17. Organize reception/office area efficiently and for accessibility to assure students' needs are met.
18. Participate in training related to responsibilities, including, but not limited to, professional development activities, conferences, workshops, trainings, and webinars.
19. Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to Graduation from high school and (3) years of increasingly responsible secretarial/ administrative experience in a medical office including public contact serving a diverse clientele.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of:
• Mission, requirements, goals, and objectives of the Health Services Programs and available institutional and community resources;
• Applicable state and federal laws and regulations; District policies and procedures;
• HIPAA and FERPA; confidentiality requirements when working with personal and sensitive student and staff information;
• Working with diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff;
• Principles, practices, and procedures of writing and report preparation;
• Professional etiquette when communicating in person, by phone, or email;
• Budgetary, accounting, and record keeping methods and procedures;
• Data collection and basic research principles and practices;
• File maintenance and information retrieval systems;
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such Microsoft office Suite including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, scheduling, email, and video meeting/conferencing; financial and student databases;
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy;
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Ability to:
• Perform and coordinate office, secretarial and clerical work involving independent judgment and requiring accuracy and speed;
• Interact with individuals from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds;
• Understand and interpret rules and written directions and apply to specific situations; • Compose correspondence independently;
• Perform duties effectively and in a timely manner with many demands and constant interruptions;
• Operate a variety of office machines and equipment including computer and applicable software including Microsoft Office Suites, video meeting/conferencing software, student and financial databases;
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others;
• Meet schedules and time lines; plan and organize work; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information; work independently with little direction;
• Gather data and prepare comprehensive reports;
• Communicate policies, guidelines, regulations, and laws to staff, students, and public;
• Maintain confidentiality of student records; maintain complex and varied files and records;
• Lift 25 pounds; bend at the waist, kneel, or crouch to file materials, sit or stand for extended periods of time.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Classified Bargaining Unit Position
Classified Staff Salary Range 10
Retirement System: (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
WORKING CONDIDTIONS
Environment Office environment. Constant interruptions. May require evening and weekend responsibilities.
SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

• This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
• Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
• The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

• Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
• Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
• Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.

OPTIONAL UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:

• College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:

• List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
• Employment is contingent on residence in California.

• Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
• All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.

• Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.

• Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
• All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
• Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
• For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// or call (760) 773-2529.

• FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.

TIMELINES:

• For consideration, please apply by September 11, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on October 26, 2026.
• Final Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on November 05 2026.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
DISTRICT RIGHTS: