The Workforce Development Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments is seeking a Programs Specialist. The responsibility of this position is to assist with the oversight and management of designated Workforce programs, including the Incumbent Worker Program, Rapid Response (RR), Employment Services (ES), Reemployment Services & Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL), Adult Education & Literacy (AEL), and other programs as implemented that promote the Workforce System. This is accomplished by serving as a point of contact for assigned contracts, managing assigned contracts, and providing technical assistance to Subrecipient(s). Other duties include assisting in management and oversight of special projects, initiatives and/or program development activities, such as Customized Training, Workforce Commission Initiatives (WCI), Teacher Externship, Metrix Learning and other assigned special programs and/or projects. Candidates must be able to perform liaison duties with Subrecipient(s) and required community partners to ensure consistency with local board, state and federal requirements. Candidates should understand the basic principles and practices of Workforce Development programs and systems.

Responsibilities, include but are not limited to:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement workforce program policies to ensure compliance with federal and state program rules and regulations, and best practices.
• Manage contracted programs and other projects/initiatives as assigned, through provision of verbal and written technical assistance, face-to-face meetings, conference calls and video conferencing to ensure contracted goals and objectives are achieved.
• Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) and/or designated liaison with local Subrecipient(s) and state and federal agency representatives regarding assigned programs and projects.
• Promote assigned programs and/or initiatives and the local workforce system by participating in or facilitating and maintaining information sharing among community stakeholders, partners and providers.
• Attend and represent Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT) in meetings, workgroups, committees, conferences and other representations related to assigned programs and areas of responsibility at the local, state, and federal levels as necessary.
• Participate in monthly, bi-monthly and/or quarterly meetings with Subrecipient(s) and local partners and/or regional groups as related to assigned programs.
• Respond to questions, concerns and/or complaints regarding assigned workforce program in accordance with local, federal and state guidelines and regulations and local program policies and procedures.
• Research and recommend strategies that will contribute to attainment of strategic and programmatic goals and continuous improvement.
• Present information and recommendations to Workforce Board Committees regarding assigned program and/initiatives as necessary.
• Contribute to contract and grant proposal development as needed.

Travel within the 14-county Workforce Development area and travel outside the region to attend meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars related to programs assigned.

Required Skills/Demonstrated ability to:

• Manage multiple federal/state contracts and/or grants;
• Identify and evaluate program and project elements;
• Interpret and apply state and federal laws, regulations and codes;
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining attention to detail;
• Communicate professionally and effectively verbally and in writing;
• Creatively problem solve and find solutions;
• Make decisions based upon facts and collaborative feedback from essential partners;
• Manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external staff.
• Gather, analyze and interpret data to present ideas, conclusions, and factual data in clear and concise written and verbal formats;
• Work in partnership with others, both internally and externally (team environment);
• Work independently under minimal supervision;
• Handle constantly changing deadlines and priorities;
• Work collaboratively with other agencies and partners to coordinate program activities and leverage resources;
• Establish and meet designated timelines;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook).

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Substantial work experience (minimum of 1 year) in project/program management, developing and researching, or other work directly related to program administration and/or workforce development.

Compensation: 

• FLSA: Exempt 
• Starting Salary: $58,839.00- $79,432.00 depending on skills, qualifications and experience. 

Officing:

• This position offers a hybrid work option.

Benefits: 
We offer a highly competitive package of many desirable benefits to our full-time employees including: 

• Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance 
  • We provide an outstanding package of health, dental, vision and life benefits for employees, with the monthly premium paid by NCTCOG 100%. Coverage available for their families and those monthly premiums are shared with NCTCOG. We provide employees with life insurance coverage that is employer paid with a benefit of 2 times the employee’s annual salary. 
• Paid Leave 
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and personal days are provided as part of the benefit plan, as well as specified holidays. This position also includes a phone allowance. 
• Retirement 
  • NCTCOG participates in a defined contribution plan as an alternative to Social Security. The defined contribution retirement plan provides retirement benefits for all eligible employees. NCTCOG contributes twelve percent (12%) of permanent full-time employees' gross salaries. Participating employees contribute six percent (6%) of gross salary. An employee becomes forty percent (40%) vested in NCTCOG's contributions after three full years of employment. An additional fifteen percent {15%) is vested for each additional year of employment. An employee becomes fully vested after seven years of employment. 
• Work/Life Balance Programs 
  • To help employees and their families meet personal and professional challenges, NCTCOG provides an employee assistance program, prepaid legal services, lunch and learn seminars, alternate work schedules, alternate commute programs, and an on-site gym. 
• Professional Development 
  • NCTCOG is committed to professional development and provides a wide range of training opportunities-both online and traditional classroom sessions. It covers applicable professional development expenses, professional memberships, and licenses, as well as tuition reimbursement 

 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: 
NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer/program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other classifications covered under federal, state, or local laws. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 
 
Background Check & Drug Testing: 
All selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks include national criminal background check, employment history, motor vehicle record check, social security verification, education verification, and other elements as needed. NCTCOG is committed to a safe and drug free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping NCTCOG safe and drug free. In order to receive an offer of employment from NCTCOG, selected candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background check and drug screening. 
 
E-Verify: 
The North Central Texas Council of Governments participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.