Lead Program Specialist

SAN DIEGO WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP INC•San Diego, CA

7d•$37 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, the Lead Program Specialist works closely with the Program Manager to manage and support workforce development programming for participants in public assistance programs. The Lead Program Specialist is responsible for 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. This role requires strong collaboration with governmental agencies and community partners serving shared participants, as well as close coordination with interdepartmental teams 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social services or related field or equivalent work experience.
Three to five (3-5) years’ experience in program coordination, workforce development, or case management.
Three to five (3-5) years’ experience supporting public assistance, case management, and program implementation.
Minimum two years prior work experience with federal, state, or local workforce initiatives (e.g., WIOA programs).
Displayed 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 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, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in public administration, social services or 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.

Responsibilities

Lead direct and highly supportive initiatives that support management.
Meet with Program Manager weekly and report on progress towards goals and program activities including participant referrals, enrollments, subsidized wage placements, timely data entry, customer satisfaction and other funder committed targets and performance.
Assist with fiduciary representation of the organization and its systems and operations.
Entrusted responsibility of prioritizing and safeguarding the best interests and assets of the organization, its reputation, and its integrity.
Ensure compliance with workforce development policy and procedures, conducting monthly file reviews to ensure 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 Program Manager to improve service efficiency.
Coordinate with workforce development team members in person and virtually utilize various communications systems, and portals.
Coordinate and facilitate training, technical assistance, and partnership meetings.
Research and provide staff updates on Expanded Subsidized Employment, CalFresh Employment & Training, Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act, and other federal, state, and local legislation.
Represent the Workforce Partnership at federal, state, local and other grant audits.
Provide technical assistance and recommend process improvement of 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 program operations are cohesive and efficient.
Monitor performance within budget, ensuring all spending goals are met appropriately.
Identify creative ways to be cost-effective and streamline operations to maximize the use of resources.
Perform other related duties as assigned.