Demo

Program Specialist

United Planning Organization
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 11/19/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/18/2026
 
The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962.  Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington:  A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website.  Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services. 

 

POSITION:                                      Program Specialist, (FGP)

OFFICE/DIVISION:                       Foster Grandparents Program

BULLETIN No:                               4092025

HOURLY RATE RANGE:             $25.6411- $28.2052 per hour

                                                        (Commensurate with experience)

                                                                     

OPENING DATE:                                  September 26, 2025

 

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: 

The Program Specialist for the AmeriCorps Foster Grandparent Program provides critical support to program operations by assisting staff with a wide range of administrative, technical, and research-related duties. This position is responsible for maintaining and monitoring compliance information, supporting data collection and analysis, and contributing to the preparation of accurate reports and professional correspondence. The Program Specialist ensures that program activities align with federal, state, and organizational guidelines while fostering efficiency and accountability. Through strong organizational, research, and communication skills, the Program Specialist enhances program effectiveness and contributes to the overall success of the Foster Grandparent Program’s mission to engage older adults in meaningful community service.

 

MAJOR DUTIES:

Assist program staff with administrative and technical duties to ensure smooth daily operations. Conduct research and compile data to support program planning, monitoring, and evaluation.  Prepare accurate and timely reports, correspondence, and other program-related documentation. Assist Program Coordinator with site visits, meetings, and orientations to collect data, complete reports and monitor progress Maintain confidential records, files, and databases with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Support the development and implementation of program policies, procedures, and training materials. Assist in monitoring program activities to ensure alignment with grant requirements and compliance standards. Provide technical assistance to staff, volunteers, and community partners as needed. Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders to support program objectives and reporting requirements, internally and in alignment with funding sources. Perform other duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the Foster Grandparent Program. Coordinate annual document requests and document collection from program volunteers and volunteer worksites. Responsible for the accurate and timely entry of FGP related data into program database. Coordinate annual document requests and documentation collection from program volunteers and volunteer work sites. Assist program staff with administrative and technical duties to ensure smooth daily operations. Sends reminder notices related to recertification background checks and assist in recertification appointments. Assist in the identification of In-Service trainers and special projects. Develops and implements the tracking of Foster Grandparent Criminal Backgrounds checks required by CNCS, OSSE, DCHR Schedules Site Managers meetings, assists in development of meetings materials and attendance. Interfaces with Foster Grandparents and Site Managers regarding background check compliance and recertifications. Sends reminder notices related to recertification background checks and assist in recertification appointments. Assist with the orientation, training and ongoing support of Foster Grandparent volunteers. Responsible for recording new volunteer inquiries, tracking volunteer enrollment documents, required and initial volunteer management database entries. Coordinate, implement and actively participate in outreach, special events and recruitment activities to ensure the Foster Grandparent Program maintains strong community visibility and is effectively positioned to attract, retain and engage prospective volunteers.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED and 3 years of experience in an administrative or clerical position. Excellent skills using Microsoft Office Suite. Excel spreadsheet functions, public speaking, classroom training, remote meeting platforms and time management and data management software usage. Previous experience in an administrative office setting, with responsibilities for scheduling, processing telephone inquiries and program correspondence. Possess effective organizational and professional communication skills, both written and verbal. Must work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socioeconomic, and cultural background.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Associate’s degree or better in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field. Grant management, Not-for-Profit Fiscal Management, Data Management; ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally; must be proficient in Excel, computer literacy including MS Office and data management systems and five years of experience in an administrative or clerical position.  Proven excellent communication, reception, office equipment and information technology skills.  

 

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, and pre-employment drug screening as applicable for the position.

 

 

POSITION ELIGIBLE

FOR TELEWORK:           X YES   o NO (based on duties & program requirements)

 

ESSENTIAL POSITIONo YES          NO 

 

 

Competitive Benefits:

  • Health/Kaiser, 70/30 split
  • Dental/MetLife, all employees paid
  • Vision/VSP, all employees paid
  • 401k, Safe Harbor Match-5.5% given as a benefit, will match 1% of staff contribution 
  • Sick Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
  • Vacation Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
  • 2 Personal Days
  • Paid Holidays

 

 

 

This position IS IN the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

 

 

To be considered for this position:

 

Submit your cover letter and resume to the Career Center Online.

 UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000

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