Program Aide

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre‑K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

Location: May vary depending on availability

Under the direct supervision of a counseling supervisor, an employee of this class is responsible for performing non‑professional functions in support of case management and educational staff. This position performs a variety of miscellaneous tasks related to eligibility determination for various community and governmental programs. Duties involve responsibility for receiving and meeting with clients/students, community and governmental agencies and instructors for the purpose of gathering information and acting as a liaison.

An employee in this class receives assignments from a counseling supervisor who also reviews the work. An employee of this class exercises no supervision. Does related work as required.

• Liaises with community and governmental agencies, school districts regarding available training programs.
• Provides information to individuals or groups concerning services offered by public and private agencies and explains supportive services the program can obtain for clients.
• Receives and recruits potential clients interested in the program, asks questions concerning personal history, education and experience.
• Assists clients in completing necessary forms and obtaining information.
• May make home visits to follow up on appointments or gather routine information.
• Assists clients in areas of housing, employment, school attendance, recreation, money management, day care and transportation.
• Meets with employers and skill instructors to ascertain the progress and interest of the client, referring client problems to a counselor.
• May travel to meet with or recruit potential clients.
• Reviews client forms for completeness and files forms and letters.
• May schedule appointments for clients with counselors, employers, or skill instructors.

• Working knowledge of community resources and organizations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and courteous relationships with clients, agency staff and the general public.
• Ability to gather information.
• Ability to interpret agency programs, goals and eligibility requirements.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to read and write in English and prepare brief and accurate reports.
• Ability to complete simple forms.

A) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s Degree; or,

B) Two (2) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in a customer service role or in a position supporting social or human services programs in a public or private setting.

Possession of a valid New York State driver's license at time of appointment.

• This position will be hired provisionally. All candidates must meet the minimum qualifications on the Onondaga County Civil Service job description for this title. When the exam for this title is offered, the successful candidate must pass the exam and be reachable on the resulting eligibility list, in order to be retained.
• The successful candidate will be required to pass a fingerprint‑based background check, at the cost of $102.50 to the candidate.
• City Residents are encouraged to apply!

WORKING HOURS: Working hours will vary depending on location. This position is non‑exempt.

The Onondaga County Civil Service job description can be viewed by clicking here.