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Program Assistant Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

Hope Services

Assistant Program Manager

San Jose, CA

$7.0K - $7.5K/mo

Assists in the development of service designs and makes recommendations for new programs and services. 3. Acts as a resource for behavioral health, program development, and community resources; acts ...

Hope Services

Assistant Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$7.0K - $7.5K/mo

Assists in the development of service designs and makes recommendations for new programs and services. 3. Acts as a resource for behavioral health, program development, and community resources; acts ...

Hope Services

Assistant Program Manager

San Jose, CA

$7.0K - $7.5K/mo

Assists in the development of service designs and makes recommendations for new programs and services. 3. Acts as a resource for behavioral health, program development, and community resources; acts ...

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All JobsProgram JobsProgram Assistant JobsProgram Assistant Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Program Assistant information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$24.8K

$52.8K

$72.7K

How much do program assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for program assistant in Santa Cruz, CA is $52,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $54,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Program Assistant might face when supporting multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Assistants often juggle multiple responsibilities across various projects, which can make prioritization and time management challenging. Balancing competing deadlines, handling last-minute changes, and coordinating with diverse team members require strong organizational skills and adaptability. Successful Program Assistants proactively communicate with supervisors and colleagues, use digital tools to track tasks, and remain flexible to shifting priorities. Developing these habits helps ensure projects run smoothly and supports overall team effectiveness.

What Does a Program Assistant Do?

A program assistant provides administrative support for a program office, such as an academic department or a unit of a non-profit. As a program assistant, your job duties may include scheduling travel, coordinating logistical issues for executives or other team members, filing, and performing other clerical tasks as needed. To become a program assistant, you typically need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and administrative work experience. Some employers may also require a college degree. Additional qualifications include strong multi-tasking, organizational, and communication skills, along with computer proficiency.

What does a Program Assistant do?

A Program Assistant provides administrative and organizational support to program managers and teams within an organization. Their responsibilities often include scheduling meetings, maintaining records, coordinating events, handling correspondence, and assisting with project logistics. Program Assistants play a vital role in ensuring that programs run smoothly by managing day-to-day tasks and supporting communication among team members. They may also help with data entry, preparing reports, and liaising with clients or participants. The specific duties can vary depending on the organization and the type of program they support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in administrative tasks, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and scheduling systems is commonly required. Excellent communication, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively support program operations and interact with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure smooth program administration, efficient workflow, and high-quality support for team goals.
More about Program Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Program Assistant jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Program Assistant job openings:
Program Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Assistant job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,793 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Program Assistant II (On call)

Program Assistant II (On call)

Community Bridges

Watsonville, CA • On-site

$21.67/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Community Bridges, Inc. rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Our family of ten programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Under the general supervision of the Activities Coordinator and/or RN Supervisor, provides assistance in the daily activity program provided at Elderday for the frail elderly and younger functionally impaired adults; other duties as assigned.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Basic Needs Assistance and Assessment:
  • Addresses participants by name interacting with them on an individual basis with respect and utilizing appropriate communication techniques.
  • Assists participants with toileting and other personal care, including bathing, ambulation and transferring, and documenting these activities.
  • Assists with serving meals, monitoring and documenting functions and intake levels.
  • Reports each participant's progress and changes to the PT/OT and or RN.
  • Develops, insofar as possible, an individual rapport with each program participant; notes visible changes in physical or emotional health of the participants and communicates this information to the appropriate staff person.
  • Assists participants with activities of daily living such as eating, walking, and attending to personal needs.
  • Charts daily activities for participants.
  • Participates in the maintenance of a safe, orderly and clean day care center.

Enrichment Activities:
  • Assists in providing a comprehensive program of activities designed to promote optimum health, independence and self-care, among all participants.
  • Assists in daily activities by setting up and operating equipment; leading groups and conducting exercise and other activities and completing documentation as required.
  • Works with volunteers assigned to assist with specific activities.
  • Assists activity staff to develop new or to modify current activities; assist in planning of parties and special celebrations; obtains materials and supplies as directed.

Professional Conduct:
  • Provides quality customer service to participants and staff with an attitude of leadership, helpfulness, dignity and respect.
  • Upholds and follows established policies on confidentiality, program integrity, computer security, and conflict of interest.
  • Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other agency staff members and others in regular contact with the program.
  • Communicates effectively and respectfully with those people with physical and mental disabilities and with people from different backgrounds and lifestyles; demonstrates a knowledge of and sensitivity to their needs.
  • Assists and supports program staff in general program work as needed and requested.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

Job descriptions are intended to be illustrative only; they are not designed to be restrictive or to define each and every assigned duty and responsibility. In an organization of this nature, each employee is expected to perform such duties as necessary to fulfill the stated goals of the agency.
We screen all applicants, require background checks on final candidates consistent with funding regulation requirements and are a Drug-Free Work Place.
UNION:
The program assistant II position is represented by the SEIU bargaining unit.
OTHER JOB DETAILS:
  • This is a FLSA non-exempt position.
  • This position is eligible for a $.20/hr differential for on-call employees and plus a $.40/hr bilingual differential after passing a test administered by the HR department.
  • On-site attendance during scheduled work hours is required of this position.

JOB STANDARDS:
Knowledge of:
    • Techniques involved in dealing with the physical, mental, and emotional health of frail older adults and people with physical disabilities and dementia
    • Activities that will promote health, independence, and self-care of each participant.

Ability to:
    • Identify basic human care needs within the Adult Day Health Center setting, assist participants with personal hygiene needs, communicate with participants, their families and other staff members;
    • Establish a helping relationship with Elderday participants;
    • Follow oral and written directions;
    • Personally lead activities, singing, exercise and crafts;
    • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Agency staff members and volunteers;

    • Standing, walk, sit, and reach; and
    • Stand for long periods of time and sufficient strength to lift.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
    • Must have a High School diploma
    • Demonstrated experience in dealing with and relating to frail elderly and/or mentally and physically handicapped persons
    • Must hold a current CPR certification and First Aid
    • Some routine lifting and reaching requirements; must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
    • Must pass criminal background check and maintain a clean record.
    • Must test for TB and clear before first date of employment.
    • Fluent bilingual Spanish/ English required.
    • Must receive an annual influenza vaccination or be willing to wear a protective facemask during government regulated influenza season.

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