Labor Program Specialist - Statewide

at State of Maine, Bureau of Human Resources in Augusta, Maine, United States

Job Description

Labor Program Specialist – Statewide

Department of Labor – Bureau of Employment Services

Opening Date: March 29, 2023

Closing Date: April 12, 2023Job Class Code: 0787

Grade: 25 (ProfessionalTechnical)

Salary: $49,836 – $67,204

Location: Augusta, ME

Are you a detail-oriented person, interested in monitoring and evaluating workforce program performance and outcomes? Do you thrive on researching and applying program regulations, and teaching colleagues how to address issues identified during program reviews?If yes, then you are the candidate we are looking for!

Join this professional team in the review and oversight of employment and training programs, planning and implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities. This work involves researching and applying federal regulations pertaining to program delivery, required services, and accurate data tracking. It involves engaging with staff at all levels across multiple partner agencies, developing recommendations to enhance program effectiveness, and compiling reports that outline action steps required to address identified issues.

There is an opportunity for telework privileges after an orientation and training period. Moderate in-state and occasional out-of-state travel will be required.

The MDOL/Bureau of Employment Services believes our employees should reflect the diversity of the populations we serve, including racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity, and people with disabilities. We welcome and encourage all applicants with interest in this position who believe they meet minimum qualifications listed.

Primary responsibilities include:

+ Oversee the evaluation of employment and training programs on a statewide basis.

+ Research, analyze, and propose service delivery enhancements and strategies to improve program outcomes.

+ Monitor, review, and evaluate employment and training services to gauge program efficiency, effectiveness, and ensure consistent and high-quality delivery of programs within established guidelines and successful attainment of federal and state performance standards.

+ Conduct participant file reviews to ensure participant eligibility and performance outcomes are properly documented.

+ Initiate on-site monitoring events, including participant and staff interviews, review of programmatic and physical accessibility of the one-stop centers, and review of promotional materials used by program service providers.

+ Prepare monitoring reports using the principles outlined in the monitoring manual to clearly articulate the condition, cause, criteria, and corrective actions required to address identified concerns or findings.

+ Consult, collaborate, and confer with bureau management and system partners to develop strategies to better integrate program services and expand access to services for customers of Maine’s workforce development system.

Skills or knowledge required:

+ Knowledge of research and analysis principles and techniques.

+ Knowledge of report writing format / techniques.

+ Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, and policies.

+ Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally.

+ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

+ Ability to analyze, evaluate and interpret program performance data.

Minimum qualifications:

A Bachelors Degree in Business/Public Administration, Economics, Education, Human Resources, social or behavioral sciences, or related area and four (4) years experience in unemployment program services, employment services, economic analysis, research, business management, or training programs/services. Additional years of experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preference will be given to those applicants:

+ Facilitation and presentation skills.

+ High-level expertise in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel).

+ Experience using virtual platforms to conduct meetings (TEAMS, ZOOM etc.).

+ Knowledge of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Regulations.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Ginny Carroll, Division Director at virginia.a.carroll@maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the “Apply for this opening” button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

+ Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

+ Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

+ Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .

+ Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

+ Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

+ Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

+ Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

+ Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office .

+ Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

+ Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-manual/Employee-Rights-and-Respons