Lead Program Specialist

San Diego Workforce Partnership · San Diego, CA · 3 wk ago

On-siteConsulting$37.32–$54.65/hrFull-time

About the Role

The Lead Program Specialist works closely with the Program Manager to manage and support workforce development programming for participants in public assistance programs. This role involves implementing public assistance and workforce development services, including recruiting eligible participants, completing enrollment procedures, providing career counseling, offering job search support, facilitating placements in both subsidized and non-subsidized employment, conducting job development activities, and coordinating access to childcare assistance and other financial resources.

Strong collaboration with governmental agencies, community partners, and interdepartmental teams is required to execute agreements and compile program performance reports. The Lead Program Specialist is expected to exceed performance goals and foster continuous improvement in customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

Lead direct and supportive initiatives to meet program goals, including participant referrals, enrollments, subsidized wage placements, timely data entry, and customer satisfaction.
Meet with the Program Manager weekly to report on progress toward goals and program activities.
Assist with fiduciary representation of the organization, prioritizing and safeguarding its best interests, reputation, and integrity.
Ensure compliance with workforce development policies and procedures, conducting monthly file reviews for program compliance.
Collaborate with the Program Manager to develop program-specific Operations Issuances and Informational Issuances.
Expedite strategic planning and continuous improvement of programmatic and intervention services.
Review team effectiveness and workflow(s) with the Program Manager to improve service efficiency.
Coordinate with workforce development team members in person and virtually using various communications systems and portals.
Facilitate training, technical assistance, and partnership meetings.
Research and provide staff updates on Expanded Subsidized Employment, CalFresh Employment & Training, Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and other relevant legislation.
Represent the Workforce Partnership at federal, state, local, and other grant audits.
Provide technical assistance and recommend process improvements for system designs.
Provide administrative support for the execution of accurate subsidized employment, On the Job Training, and wage invoices.
Create and maintain reports on web-based dashboards such as CalJOBS, Salesforce, and specialized county dashboards.
Utilize a personalized and service-oriented approach to case management, ensuring responsiveness to client needs.
Work closely with internal teams to ensure cohesive and efficient program operations.
Monitor performance within budget, ensuring all spending goals are met appropriately.
Identify creative ways to be cost-effective and streamline operations to maximize resource use.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social services, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
Three to five years of experience in program coordination, workforce development, or case management.
Three to five years of experience supporting public assistance, case management, and program implementation.
Minimum two years of prior work experience with federal, state, or local workforce initiatives (e.g., WIOA programs).
Experience working with populations facing systemic barriers to employment.
Grant and contract management experience, including compliance and reporting.
Ability to develop and deliver employment or training programs.
Strong writing, verbal, and presentation skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset and a proven track record of taking initiative and delivering results.
Ability to build effective relationships with teammates and partner organizations.
Computer proficiency, particularly with the Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in public administration, social services, or a related field.
Knowledge of Social Security Benefits, County, and State Employment Services.
Knowledge of trauma-informed program design.
Administrative support and oversight of service agreements experience.

Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO) and PTO sell-back program.
Generous employer-paid benefits (platinum plans).
Company-paid learning and professional development program.
Pension plan and 457 retirement plan.
Additional employee wellness programs.

Pay

Compensation for this position ranges from $37.32 to $54.65 per hour. The final base salary will be determined based on factors such as education, knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration for internal pay equity. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical to allow for future salary growth.