Southern Area Consortium of Human Services (SACHS) and Leaders in Action (LIA) Program Consultant

Overview

The starting salary range for this position is $75.00-$80.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 

WHO WE ARE

Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work, was established in 1996 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people work to ensure the world is a healthier place. Our services integrate culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices into our daily work to promote healing and healthy relationships. Providing approximately 50,000 learning experiences to health and human service and justice system professionals annually, the Academy provides a variety of workforce development solutions in Southern California and beyond. With five programs, three divisions and over 100 staff, the Academy’s mission is to provide exceptional learning and development experiences for the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities. 

When you join the Academy team you can expect to contribute to an inclusive and innovative environment where the sharing of ideas, perspectives, and experiences is welcomed and encouraged. In applying for a position at the Academy, we invite you to consider our Core Values and our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The Academy is committed to the recruitment of individuals who represent the full diversity of our community. We recognize that experience and skills related to the position may have been acquired via life experiences, work, and/or education and training. We are interested in learning more about your unique experiences and how they might contribute to our mission. We invest in people to create an innovative work environment that promotes well-being and a culture that builds on and fosters the strengths of its staff and their intersectional identities.

WHAT OUR TEAM DOES WITHIN THE ACADEMY

Southern Area Consortium of Human Services (SACHS), a county/university partnership, is a forum for county directors to explore and exchange ideas and information on issues facing public human services and to develop strategies for addressing these issues while maintaining a holistic, person-centered approach, and a social equity lens. SACHS engages in strategy discussions, fiscal planning, research, policy development, executive development, and succession planning (via Leaders in Action) to improve the quality, accountability, and responsiveness of human services in the Southern California region.  

Leaders in Action (LIA) is a leadership development program that originated out of an interest from Southern Area Consortium of Human Services (SACHS) directors for an executive talent pipeline to fill executive positions. LIA incorporates evidence-based approaches to succession planning and executive development in a way that is tailored to the needs of the SACHS counties. The program’s ultimate goal is to create a critical mass of highly competent executives in the Southern California region ready for tomorrow’s county leadership opportunities and challenges.

There are no Academy staff who exclusively support SACHS or LIA, therefore there are no personnel to be managed by this position. There are three Academy staff who have a portion of their time dedicated to providing planning, coordination, and/or research support to SACHS and/or LIA programs.

Responsibilities

YOUR ROLE IN REVOLUTIONIZING THE WAY PEOPLE WORK

The SACHS/LIA Program Consultant is responsible for planning and implementation of SACHS and LIA programs, maintaining partnerships with the SACHS Directors, and ensuring all services are delivered in alignment with the scope of work. 

THE WORK YOU WILL DO 

Under the general direction of the Academy Executive Director, you will be responsible for the operationalization of the SACHS and LIA programs, including program planning, implementation, resource development, evaluation, and community and stakeholder interface. This position collaborates with various Academy staff who provide program coordination and administrative support, research, and evaluation to the SACHS and LIA programs.

For full details on the work the Southern Area Consortium of Human Services (SACHS) and Leaders in Action (LIA) Program Consultant will complete, please review the job description for specific duties you will be expected to perform.

HOW WE ACCOMPLISH OUR WORK

This is a part-time position, requiring approximately 24 hours per week, based on contract funding subject to annual renewal and requires you to live in California.  The position is subject to intermittent overnight travel and work shifts outside normal business hours.  This position is based in California and is fully remote and requires occasional travel within the Southern California region to attend SACHS quarterly (2 day) meetings and LIA training blocks (3-4) consecutive days per month in January through May). 

Note: some duties may include working with and/or exposure to sensitive/traumatic topics or material dealing with child abuse, abuse of older adults and adults with disabilities, and/or issues and scenarios related to mental health, substance use, or racism.

The Academy is a project of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, which is grant-funded and serves as an auxiliary to the University. The Academy is based near, but not on campus, and does not have direct responsibilities for working with or teaching college students.

The Academy is currently working to update employee classifications. This position may be subject to a future classification change, however, this does not change the role, responsibilities, or compensation of the position.

Qualifications 

THE SKILLS NEEDED

You will thrive in the position if you possess the following skills:

• Expertise in Systems and Policies: Advanced understanding of Health and Human Services (HHS) systems, policies, and procedures.
• Leadership and Training Proficiency: Strong foundation in adult learning principles, coaching, leadership development, and curriculum design.
• Communication and Interpersonal Excellence: Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including diplomacy, active listening, and relationship-building across diverse audiences.
• Project and Priority Management: Proven ability to manage, monitor, and assess multiple projects and shifting priorities with flexibility and adaptability.
• Collaborative Leadership: Inclusive and collaborative leadership style, fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, colleagues, and learners while demonstrating cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Independent and Team-Oriented Work: Capacity to work autonomously with minimal guidance while engaging effectively in team settings.
• Technology and Systems Adaptability: Ability to quickly learn and use technology systems, such as Google Suite, virtual meeting platforms, and project management tools.
• Organizational and Detail Orientation: Strong organizational skills with a commitment to meeting deadlines and producing high-quality, detail-oriented work.
• Executive Presence and Initiative: Self-starter with a sense of ownership, accountability, and passion for achieving results.

TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH OUR HIRING PROCESS

• You must apply through the SDSURF Career Page. 
• Read the job application carefully. For more info, see the full Job Description.
• Make sure your application is complete, including a resume and cover letter describing your fit to the position. 

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• NONE

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters in public health and human services or a related field.
• Six (6) years of experience in health and human service, public administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years experience in health and human services executive leadership.
• Three (3) years of experience providing training and/or coaching.
• (A master’s degree may be substituted for years of experience, up to two years)
• Two (2) years experience developing, implementing, and evaluating training programs. 
• Experience using multiple training modalities, including virtual training.
• Two (2) years experience working with Diversity, Inclusion, or Equity programs or initiatives.

SDSURF Additional Information

• The starting salary range for this position is $75.00-$80.00/hr depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 
• This position is open until filled.
• While the position is slated to begin in April, if a candidate is selected prior to April, and is available a few hours per month, the orientation to the Leaders in Action program can begin in March so as to allow additional time for shadowing/consultation with existing LIA Program Consultant. 
• To receive full consideration, a cover letter describing your fit to the position and resume must be included with your application. 
• The Special Consultant classification is a temp casual classification, meaning this position does not qualify for benefits other than state-mandated benefits. After 1,000 hours of work in a plan year, this position is eligible to receive employer retirement benefits (up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution).  
• To view the benefits package offered to Academy employees, please see this link.
• Candidate must reside in California and live in a commutable distance from SDSU 
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with SDSU Research Foundation.
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer.
• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.