Program Specialist - Workforce Empowerment Initiative

Triton College; River Grove (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Triton College is seeking a Program Specialist for the Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI). This grant-funded position supports recruitment, onboarding, enrollment, retention, and completion of WEI participants across college and community partners.

You will assist students with navigating college processes, addressing barriers, and accessing campus and community resources, while engaging and following up to promote persistence and completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 2–3 years’ experience in a community college or community engagement setting.
• Knowledge of retention strategies and awareness of educational environments.
• Excellent communication, presentation, organization, and attention to detail; ability to work in a team.
• Solid technology skills and ability to manage short- and long-term projects with grant reporting.
• Experience building relationships with external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-campus and virtual WEI information sessions.
• Develop a community resource guide for WEI staff.
• Interface with WEI applicants and explain program steps.
• Initial contact and screening of WEI online applicants.
• Implement intervention activities to improve student retention.
• Assist WEI students with barriers and connect to on-campus/community resources.
• Provide targeted intervention strategies at key educational milestones.
• Organize supply orders to ensure classroom readiness each semester.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Technology skills

Project management

Grant reporting

External partnerships

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Welcome to the Triton College Employment Portal

Program Specialist - Workforce Empowerment Initiative

Note: This is a grant funded position and employment is subject to continued grant funding

The Program Specialist works with prospective and current Workforce Empowerment Initiative ( WEI ) participants, college departments, and community partners to support student recruitment, onboarding, enrollment, retention, and completion. The position assists students in navigating college processes, addressing barriers to success, and accessing appropriate campus and community resources. The Program Specialist provides ongoing student engagement and follow-up to promote persistence and successful program completion.

Additional Information

1. Rate of pay of $25.00 per hour; maximum 28 hours per week.
2. Official transcripts required prior to employment (if applicable).
3. Recommended hire will be subject to pre‑employment screening.
4. Triton College is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Two to Three years’ experience working in a community college and/or community engagement setting.
• Knowledge: Demonstrates knowledge of retention strategies. Knowledge of community organizations and the educational environment.
• Skills:
  • Must have excellent communication and presentation skills, organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to thrive in a team environment.
  • Solid technology skills essential.
  • Ability to manage short‑term and long‑term projects and grant reporting.
  • Experience fostering relationships with external partners.

Responsibilities

1. Lead on campus and virtual WEI community information sessions.
2. Develops a community resource guide for WEI staff to refer to when student intervention strategies are necessary.
3. Interacts with current and potential WEI applicants providing information about the WEI programs and how to apply.
4. Make initial contact and screen candidates who complete the WEI online application.
5. Responsible for implementing intervention activities to ensure student retention.
6. Assist current WEI students with perceived barriers and connecting the participant to the proper on‑campus/community resources.
7. Provides intervention strategies at critical points of the student’s educational path.
8. Organize supply orders to ensure student and classroom supplies are available each semester.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Equality and Diversity Statement

Triton College reaffirms its commitment not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, age or any other basis which is protected by law in offering benefits, services, as well as educational and employment opportunities.