Project Specialist – Administrative

The mission of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is to improve the well-being of vulnerable individuals and communities, advance social and economic justice, and eradicate pressing societal problems in complex and culturally diverse urban environments throughout Southern California, the nation, and the world. Our mission is achieved by providing students with experiential, practice, and competency-based learning, and culturally responsive training that is informed by evidence and best practices.

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Office of Community & Clinical Programs Office is seeking to hire a Project Specialist – Administrative to join its dynamic administrative team at the University Park Campus. Practicum Education provides Master of Social Work graduate students a real-life experience through their practicum internship. This position will report to the Program Administrator and will hold a critical role in providing high level support to students, community partners, and practicum faculty and staff. Candidate will be directly involved in the daily activities of the department. Must be a fast learner, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent critical thinking skills, detail oriented and have the ability to work in a very fast paced, high demand, and constant changing environment. Have experience in providing excellent customer service to various stakeholders and different levels of management. In addition, have a strong work ethic and advanced technological and analytical skills.

This is a 3-year, fixed-term, hybrid position.

Essential Jobs and Responsibilities Include:

• Assists in the administration and coordination of a variety of research and/or administrative projects and provides quality control.  Assists in developing and implementing project goals and strategies.  Assists with short and long term planning and design of project direction and objectives.   Provides assistance to management with administrative functions such as planning, organizing, coordinating, scheduling and implementing project activities to meet objectives.  Participates in writing of reports or other documentation of project status and/or administrative activities or project results.  Oversees administrative project personnel as assigned.
• Assists in the planning of data collection.   Recommends methods and procedures or data acquisition, management and quality control.  Recommends statistical techniques for data analysis as needed.  Generates graphs, charts, or tables to present analysis results and provides interpretation.  Prepares reports, correspondence, other materials and analysis according to project schedules or on an ad hoc basis, or instructs others to do so.
• Coordinates publication production and/or dissemination in order to meet deadlines.
• Researches, gathers, organizes and summarizes data for project and/or administrative reports and/or activities.  Analyzes data, presents results and makes recommendations on presentations of project and/or administrative reports.
• Evaluates effectiveness of project direction, schedules, activities, etc.
• Recommends and implements project activities and/or modifications of project activities and/or schedules as necessary to ensure achievement of project goals and objectives.
• Conducts quality assurance reviews of assigned projects.  Instructs project personnel on quality assurance procedures and answers questions regarding data collection, management and analysis methods.  Monitors problem areas and submits regular reports with recommendations.  Takes necessary steps to address issues and resolve problems.
• Assists in developing and updating department policies and procedures and/or project procedures and coordinating implementation.  Communicates and/or documents.  Develops forms, flow charts and system requirements.
• Participates in development and administration of project or department budgets.
• Provides pertinent data and projections for use in developing project or department budgets.  Authorizes expenditures within established limits.  Tracks and monitors budget activity and analyzes variances.  Produces interim financial reports.
• Interfaces with faculty and/or staff and external contacts necessary to complete project assignments or for information exchange.  Resolves problems or questions referred by project staff or administrators.
• Provides leadership, guidance and supervision to staff, student workers, volunteers and/or graduate assistants.  Leads others in the planning and delivery of project activities.  Trains project or administrative personnel and assesses proficiency or readiness of trainees.
• Develops and maintains electronic databases and/or other records for reporting purposes.  Enters and/or verifies database transactions as necessary.  Provides technical support and design enhancements.
• Arranges and attends meetings, seminars, symposia and other events related to project efforts.  Makes presentations, as needed.  Establishes and maintains an active network of professional contacts.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.  The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
• Tracks and manages student placement process from start to completion. This is a year-round process that involves effective communication and planning with faculty and leadership. Strong communication, systems management, and efficiency required.
• Develops forms, templates, and other workflows in placement management system (InPlace).
• Maintains quality assurance through regular reports and data analysis. Assists in placement cycle adjustments each semester.
• Provides technical and administrative support as it relates to the placement cycle. Includes reaching out to community partners, tracking student placement forms, and managing student databases.
• Additional projects as needed.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 2 years, combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
• Directly related project or administrative experience.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Master’s Degree
• 3 years

Compensation: The hourly rate range for this position is $29.44-$30.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Required Application Materials and Additional Information

• Resume and cover letter required specifying how they meet the specific requirements of the position (may be uploaded as one). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
• USC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy - Please visit https://policy.usc.edu/covid-19-vaccination-program/   to review USC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Policy
• Flu Immunization Requirement for On-site Faculty and Staff: https://we-are.usc.edu/2020/09/30/9-30-flu-immunization-requirement-for-on-site-faculty-and-staff/

We look forward to reviewing your application!

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Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Skills: Directly related project or administrative experience. Preferred Education: Master's degree Preferred Experience: 3 years