Program Specialist

SAN DIEGO WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP INC•San Diego, CA

12d•$31 - $44

About The Position

Under the direction of the Programs Manager, the Program Specialist will contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of program service and special initiatives. This includes both private and publicly funded programs, such as those under the Workforce Investment & Opportunity Act (WIOA). The role focuses on aligning SDWP programs with the goal to improve employment, training, and supportive services. The Program Specialist will collaborate internal partners, with industry partners, labor organizations, training providers, academic institutions, and community organizations to meet workforce development needs. They will ensure programs align with industry demands, fostering a competitive workforce for the County and City of San Diego. This individual largely functions autonomously and supports Workforce Partnership with the implementation of assigned training programs. Working hours vary based on the needs and availability of clients, which includes some nights and weekends as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or a closely related field.
Two to four (2-4) years’ direct service non-profit or government work related experience.
Strategic and operational planning, decision making and execution of programs.
Display knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations related to workforce development training programs funding.
Excellent attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational and proficient communication skills.
Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with solid judgment.
Ability to analyze data, research relevant trends to support program implementation, documentation and delivery.
Excellent computer proficiency, particularly with the Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in public administration, business administration or a related field.
Three to five (3-5) years non-profit workforce and economic development work experience.
Organizational Knowledge.
Excellence in leadership, team dynamics and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation, oversight and management of programmatic services and special initiatives ensuring they align with organizational goals and KPIs.
Serve as a key focal point to coordinate and manage workforce development related programs with excellent project management skills.
Assist in the establishment and/or maintenance of contractual oversight and relationships.
Ensure the completion of enrollment documentation, meet program compliance guidelines, facilitate employment placements, make appropriate community referrals, schedule trainings and information sessions, and conduct participant evaluations.
Serve as a point of contact for programs to assess individual needs, provide necessary supportive services, prepare and review program performance reports, participant activity and spending goals are met.
Implement evidence-based programming such as Individual Placement Service (IPS) and performance-based contracting, integrating principles into program development.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors to support programmatic services and support client needs.
Collaborate with interdepartmental team members to ensure team-based approach to meet program delivery with integrity and focused on client needs, ensuring the timely delivery of jobseeker support, career, and placement services.
Represent the organization’s fiduciary interests, managing systems and operations with financial integrity.
Ensure compliance with SDWP policies and procedures, overseeing the team’s understanding and implementation of relevant Operational Issuances.
Identify and address challenges that program participants may face, providing support to help them successfully engage in services and opportunities.
Provide career coaching to clients, communicating open opportunities, leading outreach and recruitment efforts, forming partnerships with community-based organizations, and supporting regular communication to relevant stakeholders.
As needed, work with funded Subrecipients to provide technical assistance in the development of the client-centric career training, and placement opportunities.
Prepare and present programs verbally or through written and/or graphic materials to a variety of groups including stakeholders, Workforce Partnership partners and community groups as required.
Collaborate with department management to create systems to measure, understand, and improve program performance, efficiency, quality and continuously improve programmatic processes of contracted activities and services.
Prepare accurate programmatic reports, progress summaries, and detailed implementation plans to achieve successful outcomes.
Conduct a collaborative, empathetic, client-centered approach to program and training design.
Enhance employer relationships and partnerships to benefit participants, conducting program oversight, provide training, facilitate workshops, provide individualized services, and/or conduct outreach activities.
Manage operational continuity resources and interdepartmental services, strategic execution implementation, and management of specialized services.
Perform other related duties as assigned.