PRIMARY PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

The Program Specialist is responsible for supporting the Program Manager or designee with services associated with outreach and engagement, program support, data collection and report generation, and determining eligibility of online prospects applying for the U.S. Forest Service Job Corps program. The U.S. Forest Service Job Corps program provides exiting students with transitional support and placement services leading to quality full-time jobs, military enlistment, or enrollment in higher education or Job Corps advanced training.

The Program Specialist will collect data and information to prepare reports, identify and engage with organizations working with at-risk youth ages 16-24 to establish relationships and develop processes for referrals, review online prospects daily and engage with applicants to determine eligibility and desire to attend a Job Corps program. Eligible applicants will be assigned to the respective Outreach and Admissions Counselors (OAs), for assignment. The Program Specialist will demonstrate an on-going commitment to establishing relationships leading to the preparation of young people for the workforce by modeling, mentoring, and monitoring excellence in workplace relations and ethics; information management; communications; multicultural awareness; personal growth and development; career and personal planning; interpersonal skills and independent living.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works cooperatively with various individuals and organizations to attract and enroll eligible at-risk youth.
• Conducts initial screening to determine baseline eligibility of applicants for the Job Corps Program in accordance with the Job Corps Policy and Requirements Handbook (PRH). Denies applicant enrollment if ineligible.
• Works closely with community agencies, employment services, high schools, trade and technical schools and other agencies to inform organizations about the Job Corps program and the benefits associated with participation for at-risk youth.
• Develops partnerships with community agencies and local businesses to develop and maintain referral linkages for prospective enrollments and post training placement opportunities.
• Provides additional assistance during times of surge to facilitate completion of applicant folders to facilitate arrivals at Centers.
• Attends required staff training sessions.
• Pulls data from disparate sources to provide information to Program Manager or designee on arrivals, background checks and other data sets necessary for daily operations.
• Assists in compiling information for regular recurring and ad hoc reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the Region’s mission.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL

• Associate degree in Human Resources, Social Science, Business, Communications, or closely related field and two years related experience.
• High school degree and five years’ experience in a related field.
• Knowledge of Civilian Conservation Centers and Job Corps services and data-based applications is a plus.
• Sound knowledge of marketing and engagement techniques, program support functions, reporting and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in resolution of complex issues and ability to adapt to changing requirements. Flexibility is required to respond to a sometimes ever-changing environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills required (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Overnight business travel is not anticipated but may be required.

PHYSICIAL DEMANDS

• Sitting for long periods of time
• Frequent alpha/numeric keyboarding
• Oral communication over the phone and in person
• Ability to view computer monitor