What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contingent - Project Lead- Summer Youth Employment Program position at Howard County?
Howard County Government is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Project Lead to support and provide oversight for the Howard County Summer Youth Employment Program. This temporary position is responsible for coordinating daily program operations; supporting youth and employer recruitment and selection; matching youth to approved worksites; tracking participants throughout the full program lifecycle; and ensuring timely and accurate documentation, payroll coordination, and reporting.
The Project Lead works in collaboration with the Youth Workforce Consultant and may provide supervision of program staff to ensure successful implementation of the Summer Youth Employment Program.
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Provides leadership and oversight of administrative and program operations in support of a youth workforce development initiative. Work includes leading and coordinating program activities; overseeing program records and documentation; directing recruitment and placement efforts; ensuring compliance with program requirements; and guiding reporting and data tracking functions. The position requires strong organizational leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Provide operational oversight and administrative coordination for the Summer Youth Employment Program.
- Assist with program start-up activities, including development of timelines, tracking tools, and required documentation.
- Coordinate youth recruitment, application review, and selection in accordance with established eligibility criteria.
- Lead and coordinate employer recruitment and selection efforts in collaboration with program staff and business services partners.
- Assist with matching selected youth to approved employers and worksites based on program guidelines, youth interests, and employer needs.
- Schedule and conduct youth interviews, orientations, and employer engagement activities.
- Coordinate the review, tracking, and maintenance of youth and employer records throughout the full program cycle, from application through completion.
- Maintain accurate records using spreadsheets, databases, and other tracking systems.
- Monitor compliance with program policies, procedures, deadlines, and documentation requirements.
- Prepare reports, summaries, and status updates for the Youth Workforce Consultant.
- Communicate professionally with youth participants, employers, staff, and internal stakeholders.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position has supervisory responsibilities and provides guidance and direction to temporary staff, interns, or program participants as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Experience working in workforce development or youth employment programs.
- Experience coordinating or supporting a summer youth employment program or similar initiative.
- Experience working with employers, worksites, or business partners.
- Experience working with youth programs, workforce development initiatives, or similar community-based programs.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Familiarity with applicant tracking, eligibility verification, youth placement, and payroll coordination.
- Prior experience working within a local government or public-sector environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This is a temporary, seasonal position aligned with the Summer Youth Employment Program cycle.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program guidelines, policies, and procedures. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural documents. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from youth participants, employers, and staff.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, track numerical data accurately, reconcile time and attendance records, and interpret data for reporting purposes.
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply sound judgment in interpreting policies and procedures. Ability to prioritize tasks, identify issues, and implement practical solutions within established guidelines.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
None required. Valid driver’s license may be required depending on assignment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.