1

Program Support Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Support Specialist

Hanford, CA · On-site

$3.4K - $3.6K/mo

Our "Mission" is to provide education, workplace training, job placement, and other support services to farm-working families and diverse program participants to empower them to achieve self ...

Be Seen First

Corporate Services Card Program Support Specialist Location: Torrance, CA What the Position Is About: You would be responsible for the day-to-day administration of several card programs for a credit ...

New

Sr. Billing and Program Support Specialist

Oakland, CA · Hybrid

$22 - $29.75/hr

As our Billing and Program Support Specialist, your work will directly impact our ability to deliver timely, effective, and uninterrupted mental health services to those who rely on us. Location ...

Sr. Billing and Program Support Specialist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

As our Billing and Program Support Specialist, your work will directly impact our ability to deliver timely, effective, and uninterrupted mental health services to those who rely on us. Location ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Program Support Specialist information

See California salary details

$26.6K

$67.1K

$119.9K

How much do program support specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for program support specialist in California is $67,122.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $84,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Program Support Specialist Do?

A program support specialist assists the program director with administrative tasks. As a program support specialist, your job duties may include typing up documents, sending emails, answering phones, and organizing paperwork. You find program support specialists in many different industries. There are no formal education requirements to become a program support specialist, but employers may prefer candidates with experience in clerical positions.

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

To thrive as a Program Support Specialist, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in administrative tasks, often supported by an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and database systems is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to multitask help someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for efficiently supporting programs, ensuring smooth operations, and enabling teams to meet their objectives.

What is the difference between Program Support Specialist vs Program Coordinator?

AspectProgram Support SpecialistProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically an associate's or bachelor's degree; certifications like CAP or PMP are commonUsually a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAP or PMP may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, government agencies, nonprofit organizationsOffice environments, community programs, nonprofit and government sectors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across government, nonprofit, and educational sectors for administrative support rolesCommonly found in similar sectors, focusing on program implementation and coordination
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare for administrative and support roles within programsPeople compare for roles involving program planning and management

The main difference is that Program Support Specialists focus on administrative and logistical support tasks, while Program Coordinators are more involved in planning, executing, and overseeing program activities. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are Program Support Specialists?

Program Support Specialists are professionals who provide administrative and operational support to programs within organizations. They assist with tasks such as scheduling, data entry, record-keeping, communication with stakeholders, and coordinating program activities. Their role is essential for ensuring that programs run smoothly and efficiently, often acting as a bridge between management, staff, and participants. Program Support Specialists may work in various sectors, including education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by Program Support Specialists and how can they be addressed?

Program Support Specialists often juggle multiple tasks and deadlines, such as coordinating schedules, managing documentation, and supporting communication across teams. A common challenge is balancing these responsibilities while ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. To address this, strong organizational skills, effective time management, and proactive communication are essential. Utilizing project management tools and regularly checking in with team members can also help streamline workflows and reduce the risk of overlooked tasks.
What are popular job titles related to Program Support Specialist jobs in California? For Program Support Specialist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Program Support Specialist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,122 per year, or $32.3 per hour.
Program Support Specialist

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

McKinley: Youth, Family, and Community are what we are all about! We offer a great working environment and benefits package! McKinley encourages growth so that you can Be your Best H.U.M.A.N.

At McKinley employees share a set of guiding principles: We embrace a culture that is Hopeful, Understanding, Moral, Awesome, Nurturing. - H.U.M.A.N.

The Company: McKinley is a highly respected welfare organization with a comprehensive array of programs and services – which touch nearly 1,800 lives annually – including short term residential treatment program (STRTP), Foster Care, Adoptions, Mental Health Services, and Special Education. McKinley has 5 locations throughout southern California with our main campus located in San Dimas. We embrace a culture that is H.U.M.A.N.- Hopeful, Understanding, Moral, Awesome, Nurturing. McKinley has created a Hopeful environment, in which we choose optimism in finding the motivation to achieve our greatest dreams. We are a team dedicated to Understanding individual needs and do so by listening and embracing each individual’s stories. We strongly embrace our agency’s Morals by treating everyone with kindness and respect. At McKinley, we acknowledge our team member’s and clients’ Awesome qualities by celebrating what makes each individual unique. We are dedicated to Nurturing a Trauma-Informed Integrated Care approach that has created a unique culture within the organization. We celebrate diversity by our commitment to cultivating an inclusive and affirming environment for all.

The Position: We are looking for a Program Support Specialist, who is willing to embrace McKinley’s mission and H.U.M.A.N values. The Program Support Specialist is responsible for serving as primary point of crisis intervention support and liaison with respect to program implementation and operational matters, and provides professional and programmatic guidance, consultation, and support to client constituencies as appropriate.

Compensation and Benefits:

The pay range we’re offering is $21.00- $25.00 hourly depending (Based) on experience.

Our people are the heart of our organization, which is why we offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being.

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Time Off
  • Sick Time
  • Paid Holidays
  • 403(b) retirement plan with company match up to 3%
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Credit Union Membership
  • Training Opportunities to Further Personal and Professional Growth

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
  • 1-2 years of prior Experience Working with Children and performing crisis intervention
  • Word Processing
  • Excellent Writing Skills
  • General Office Skills
  • Must pass pre-employment physical exam, TB and drug screening
  • Ability to commute to various sites on campus
  • Ability to physically restrain children
  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel
  • DOJ, FBI, Child Abuse Index
  • Insurability Under Corporate Automobile Insurance

Key Responsibilities:

  • Follow through on commitments made to children
  • Crisis intervention/behavior management to students who do not remain in the classroom or are causing significant disruption
  • Assist teaching teams with identifying and trouble-shooting problem areas
  • Participate with teams in developing behavior plans
  • Assist with classroom and campus coverage
  • Provide orientation to new students
  • Document incidents per agency policy
  • Assist with supervision of community day students
  • Supervise all transitions for Community and Residential students
  • Distribute Daily Logs to teachers
  • Monitor DVS behavior intervention program and report serious incidents to school districts per agency policy
  • Using personal cell phone for work related communication when agency radios and phones are not easily accessible
  • Supervise Instructional Assistants assigned to their buildings
  • All other related duties as assigned

Why Should You Apply?

  • Our Mission- work for an organization that makes a real difference in people’s lives
  • Competitive pay
  • Several benefit options
  • Employee tuition reimbursement
  • Great training for staff

Join McKinley to Be Your Best H.U.M.A.N.