PROGRAM SPECIALIST, WORKFORCE SERVICES

Partner4Work Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Flexible work schedule

Generous paid time off

401(K) match

Healthcare

Dental and vision insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Job summary

Partner4Work Pittsburgh is seeking a Program Specialist of Workforce Services to advance an effective workforce development system, helping individuals facing barriers to employment succeed and thrive. The role focuses on developing and managing targeted workforce initiatives and requires capable problem-solving and collaboration with stakeholders.

This full-time role offers a hybrid work model, a starting salary around $47,000, and benefits including healthcare, PTO, and a 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or extensive knowledge in education, administration, communication, or public policy.
• 2–4 years of related experience in strategic project management or policy work.
• Experience with government-funded programs (WIOA/TANF) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage targeted workforce initiatives.
• Navigate complex problems and make informed decisions.
• Travel locally to provider sites as needed.
• Meet regularly with staff and manage data and contracts.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Office software

Job description

Partner4Work values diversity and is committed to building a team that reflects the rich variety of people and perspectives in our region. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing fair and inclusive employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, culture, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

About Us

As the leader of Pittsburgh/Allegheny County's public workforce system, Partner4Work works to ensure that the current and future needs of businesses and job seekers are met. Through innovative initiatives and programs spanning every facet of the workforce, Partner4Work bridges the gap between people looking for work and companies in need of talent. For our own workforce, we seek out individuals who exemplify our core values by being:

• - Committed to excellence and measurable impact
• - Drivers of continuous and purposeful innovation and improvement
• - Inclusive of other’s perspectives and talents
• - Leaders of utmost integrity
• - Passionate and enthusiastic about the systems level work behind workforce development

About this Position

The Program Specialist of Workforce Services plays a pivotal role in the implementation of an effective workforce development system that will ensure that individuals facing barriers to long-term and successful employment can succeed and thrive. The person in this role should be a dynamic individual who can develop and manage targeted workforce initiatives, navigate complex problem-solving scenarios, and make informed decisions while seeking continuous growth.

FLSA status: Full time, non-exempt

Hiring range starts at: $47,000/year

Benefits include:

• Hybrid work model
• flexible work schedule
• generous paid time off
• 401(K) match
• healthcare
• dental and vision insurance
• health savings account and life insurance

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Contract Management

• Ensures provider staff are operating in accordance with the policies and procedures required by P4W in their contracts.
• Serves as the liaison between providers and Partner4Work including reviewing invoices, verifying reports, and ensuring providers meet compliance requirements.
• Works closely with providers to monitor progress on contracts and ensure milestones and outcomes are met.
• Identifies and addresses data discrepancies and anomalies, collaborating with their supervisor/manager to resolve issues.
• Collaborates with manager/supervisor to identify and address data discrepancies and anomalies to resolve issues.
• Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs), highlighting areas requiring attention and improvement.
• Provides technical assistance to providers to strengthen their programs and enhance their ability to meet outcomes.

Relationship/Information Management

• Meet regularly with the staff associated with assigned contracted providers.
• Resolves day-to-day problems as they arise. Ability to apply existing policies or explore new solutions with input as needed from supervisor.
• Update/manage the contact database for year-round providers and other special projects as they occur.
• Create informational resources for providers and partners.
• Travel locally to provider sites as needed.

Support coordination of youth payroll processes during program operation, including:

• Collaborate with HR on I9 retrieval
• Assisting with time and attendance tracking
• Coordinating with providers on timesheet submission and accuracy
• Responding to payroll-related inquiries from providers and youth
• Work in partnership with fiscal/HR staff to ensure timely and accurate payment processing.
• Help identify and resolve discrepancies in reported hours or participant information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills

• Motivated self-starter with excellent project management skills and strong follow-up skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute new ideas in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to develop relationships and effectively collaborate.
• Excellent communication skills including oral and written presentations.
• Ability to utilize various types of software.
• Contributes to the development of a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Represents Partner4Work at convenings, forums and conferences to communicate the P4W strategy and program objectives.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or extensive knowledge in a field related to education, administration, communication, training development, accounting, or public policy.
• 2 to 4 years of related experience and at least 2 years of applicable strategic project management or policy work experience is preferred.
• Experience working in a related field, preferably focused on administration of activities similar to WIOA employment and training programs or other government funded programs preferred.
• Experience with administering WIOA/TANF funds or other government funded programs preferred.
• A combination of education and experience will also be considered.

ADA Requirements

This position is primarily office-based. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Regular activities: sitting, typing, writing, speaking, and hearing.
• Occasional activities: standing, walking, bending, and lifting items up to 10 pounds.