Project Manager, Youth Empowerment & Ambassador Program at Orange County Department of Education
About the Employer
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County’s most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE’s vision is that “Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success.” Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations.
Job Summary
Job Summary
The Student Services Division of the Orange County Department of Education is dedicated to fostering the well-being and academic success of all students through comprehensive, equitable, and student-centered support. We coordinate and oversee a range of critical programs, including behavioral, mental, and physical health services, child welfare and attendance, student discipline, and specialized support for students experiencing homelessness or in foster care. Our team is committed to upholding educational laws and best practices while employing data-driven strategies and innovative solutions to continuously enhance our services. Join the Orange County Department of Education as a Project Manager supporting student-centered programs! In this dynamic role, you'll assist with coordinating specialized services, collaborate with school districts and community partners, and help implement impactful goals and action plans that support student success. If you’re an organized leader with experience in program management and a passion for student services, we encourage you to apply. This position is grant-funded through June 2027
Requirements / Qualifications
This position is grant-funded through June 2027 Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in education, mental health, counseling, psychology social work, or a related field. • Master’s degree and a valid CA license to practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker is preferred. • Three (3) years of experience in program management or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
There are supplemental questions in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. Why are you interested in working with foster youth? Please share what draws you to this work and how you envision supporting this population. 2. This role requires close collaboration with school districts (LEAs), child welfare agencies, social services, and community-based organizations. Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships are essential—particularly with school staff, caregivers, foster parents, and professionals who support foster youth. Describe a time you led a cross-agency initiative—what challenges did you face, and how did you address them? Share an example of how you built trust with diverse stakeholders in a youth-serving context. What strategies did you use? 3. A core aspect of this position is empowering foster youth to develop leadership skills and participate meaningfully on a youth advisory council. What are some barriers or challenges you can anticipate in developing a foster youth ambassador program and how might you address them? This position is grant-funded through June 2027
Requirements / Qualifications
This position is grant-funded through June 2027 Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in education, mental health, counseling, psychology social work, or a related field. • Master’s degree and a valid CA license to practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker is preferred. • Three (3) years of experience in program management or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
There are supplemental questions in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. Why are you interested in working with foster youth? Please share what draws you to this work and how you envision supporting this population. 2. This role requires close collaboration with school districts (LEAs), child welfare agencies, social services, and community-based organizations. Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships are essential—particularly with school staff, caregivers, foster parents, and professionals who support foster youth. Describe a time you led a cross-agency initiative—what challenges did you face, and how did you address them? Share an example of how you built trust with diverse stakeholders in a youth-serving context. What strategies did you use? 3. A core aspect of this position is empowering foster youth to develop leadership skills and participate meaningfully on a youth advisory council. What are some barriers or challenges you can anticipate in developing a foster youth ambassador program and how might you address them? This position is grant-funded through June 2027
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application.
Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application.
Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Application Deadline
6/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Date Posted
5/22/2025
Contact
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$8,230.00 - $10,029.00 Monthly
$8,230.00 - $10,029.00 Monthly
Add'l Salary Info
Classified Management, Range 21 - Placement based on education and years of experience.
Length of Work Year
210
Employment Type
Full Time
Benefits
We provide a safe, caring, courteous, and professional environment that fosters collaborative work and individual development for employees. OCDE offers generous, comprehensive, tax-free insurance benefits options to full-time members of the staff. Benefits may be prorated for employees working fewer than 12 months per year or less than full-time. Benefits packages include medical, dental, and vision care insurance for employees and their eligible dependents, and life insurance for employees.