Program Specialist (0079030T, 0079031T)

University of Hawaii System; Dihlabeng Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A public university is seeking a Program Specialist to coordinate the METS program aimed at increasing postsecondary access for students. The role requires a baccalaureate degree in a relevant field and involves planning activities, recruiting students, and providing educational support services. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills, a problem-solving mindset, and the ability to maintain effective working relationships. This is a full-time temporary position located at Waianae/Nanakuli High School.

Qualifications

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate METS program to increase postsecondary access.
• Identify and register eligible students.
• Plan college awareness activities.

Skills

Student support knowledge

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Knowledge of educational resources

Education

Baccalaureate degree in Psychology, Education or related field

Job description

Description

Title: Program Specialist

Position Number: 0079030T, 0079031T

Hiring Unit: OFC OF VP FOR STUDENT SUCCESS, SEED, FEDERAL & STATE GRANT PROGRAMS

Location: UH at Manoa

Date Posted: 01/08/2026

Closing Date: 01/23/2026

Band: A

Salary: salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision of the Manoa Educational Talent Search (METS) Program Director, serve as coordinator for the METS program at Waianae/Nanakuli High School to increase postsecondary access for potential students with priority to first-generation and low-income high school students.
• Identify, recruit and register eligible and potential full-time students enrolled at Waianae/Nanakuli High School into the TRiO METS program and complete application, verify eligibility requirements and needs assessment.
• Work with METS Program Director, support staff and school administration in planning college awareness activities, including college fairs, campus visits, cultural activities, career planning, and college bound workshops for students and their parents.
• Contact, maintain and develop relationships fostering open communication with METS student(s) and parent(s)/legal guardians. Provide access to TRiO METS programs including college and academic preparation and financial aid-scholarship opportunities.
• Provide assistance to METS student(s) to meet postsecondary interest and goals, including advice and direction on college related admissions and acceptance, including assistance with completing financial aid, scholarship, and college applications.
• Identify students interested in pursuing postsecondary education and assist with a graduation/recovery plan including grade level promotions, postsecondary admissions and financial aid and scholarship applications.
• Prepare as needed written reports of completed METS activities, workshops, field trips with roster of attendees, progress, outcomes and student evaluations/surveys.
• Identify opportunities to partner with and support UHM based programs to facilitate program objectives.
• Plan, organize and facilitate meetings within the community, schools, and to ensure opportunity for METS students/parents participation in the program goals and expectations are met. This may be scheduled on nights and weekends.
• Travel to and located at Waianae/Nanakuli High School during regular school hours to support recruitment of eligible and potential students. Provide educational support services, educational/college activities and conduct and facilitate meetings and presentations.
• Attend staff and program meetings, work-related personnel development training sessions, conferences, and workshops.
• Contact, maintain & develop electronic portfolio records using BLUMEN software program for each METS student with current contacts, future college/career interests and goals including student academic performance, attendance and all activities and assessments.
• Develop fliers, brochures, newsletters and other METS services materials as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Functions

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Psychology, Education or related field and 0 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for student support services; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
• Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in student support services demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with student support services.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of student support services.
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
• Knowledge of student support needs and challenges across a broad range of student populations.
• Knowledge of secondary and postsecondary school resources in Hawai`i.
• Ability to travel to and from co-location sites in a timely manner by means of personal vehicle with valid driver's license or comparable means of transportation to perform duties such as conducting meetings or presentations.
• Must be able to pass background check and fingerprinting requirements for the Hawaii Department of Education.
• Ability to work outside of normal working hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as directed.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing and through public presentations online or in-person.
• Ability to plan and implement activities and events for students and their parents.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work assignments.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience and knowledge about the needs and current issues facing Waianae Coast communities.
• Experience developing and nurturing high-trust relationships and partnerships with Pacific Islander community groups and organizations.
• Experience advocating for traditionally underrepresented and underserved student groups.
• Knowledge of TRIO and similar federally funded programs and college readiness opportunities.

To Apply

Click on the “APPLY” button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents. Applicant must submit the following:

• Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications;
• Current resume / curriculum vitae;
• Names and contact information (including telephone number and email addresses) of at least three (3) professional references;
• Copies of official undergraduate and graduate (as applicable) transcripts indicating degree conferred date with confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth) redacted. However, original official transcripts are required upon hire. Transcripts issued outside the United States of America require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from an agency having membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc., verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. Incomplete, late or unreadable applications will not be considered. Academic record/grade summaries will not be accepted. Diplomas and copies will not be accepted.

Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

Inquiries: Jennifer Pagala-Barnett; [e-mail]; 808-956-4642.

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/