Program Specialist VI - Workforce Program Specialist
General Description
Program Specialist VI serves as a member of the Business Support & Planning (BSP) unit within the Operations Division and performs advanced consultative services and technical assistance work related to agency workforce development initiatives. This position coordinates agency-wide workforce projects and initiatives such as employee recognition and engagement, the New Employee Experience Program, and the Manager Peer Learning Program.
Work involves researching, planning, implementing, and evaluating agency programs, processes, key initiatives, and special projects; coordinating, convening, and collaborating committees, teams, and workgroups to develop and implement program goals; providing recommendations, data analysis, and briefings for agency staff; assisting with training and development programs and activities; responding to customer inquiries and escalating complex issues to subject matter experts for resolution; other duties as assigned.
Essential Job Functions
- Research, plan, implement, and evaluate agency-wide programs, processes, key initiatives, and special projects on behalf of DSHS. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, as appropriate, to accomplish program goals and objectives. Coordinates, convenes, and may facilitate meetings, workgroups, and committees related to workforce development programs, projects, and initiatives. Develops process maps, guidance documents, and communication materials to ensure statewide consistency (45%)
- Provides project management support for BSP workforce initiatives including New Employee Experience Program, Manager Peer Learning Program and other strategic projects. Provides recommendations, technical assistance, consultation, data analysis, and prepares reports and presentations for agency staff. Supports change management and communication strategies as assigned. (30%)
- Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of practices in agency programs, research best practices of current strategies, and recommends effective techniques and/or action plans to improve agency-wide programs. (20%)
- Other duties as assigned include actively participating in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response/recovery or Continuity of Operations activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of human resources policies, procedures, information systems, and state and federal laws regulations; workforce development strategies; change management processes; process improvement methodologies; data analysis techniques.
Skill in project management methodologies and tools; working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and diverse groups; preparing concise, organized reports, analyses, and recommendations; identifying problems and implementing solutions; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data; using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.), developing/managing SharePoint sites, using digital collaboration tools (e.g., Mural), and using data visualization or project tracking tools.
Ability to establish, define, and set priorities supporting BSP and agency goals and objectives; balance change continuity, adjust and respond to changing job priorities, and make timely and effective decisions; establish effective working relationships and negotiate and collaborate with individuals and groups internally and externally; communicate effectively and efficiently, orally and in writing, with staff of all levels.
Any required skills set required/deal breakers:
Skill Set:
- Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)
- Workforce/HR support experience (required)
- Analyzing workforce data and using Excel (required)
- Project Management (required)
- SharePoint, Mural, Teams, etc. (preferred)
Dealbreakers: Must be willing to be hybrid; fully remote will not be considered