Program Specialist

Overview

Under general supervision, is responsible for performing advanced professional workforce services across multiple programs within the Workforce Services Division. Responsible for specific program areas including: SNAP Employment & Training (E&T), RESEA (Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment), H-2A Housing Inspection, Wagner-Peyser (AJC Workforce Services) to support statewide workforce initiatives through direct service delivery, program administration, outreach, compliance, and partnership coordination. Positions require flexibility, mobility, and engagement in both virtual and in-person environments.

Education and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in human services, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent work experience. A minimum of 2 years of experience in a role involving direct public engagement, customer service, or workforce development.

Substitution of Experience for

Education:

Experience in a customer service-related field such as social service, community development, and retail customer service may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Necessary Special

Qualifications:

Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license.

SNAP Employment & Training (E&T)

• Conduct participant intake and assessments to develop individualized employment plans and verify eligibility and provide case management services.
• Connect participants to training, education, and support services; build partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and workforce partners.
• Support performance outcomes such as Measurable Skills Gains, credential attainment, employment and retention outcomes; maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

RESEA Moderator

• Conduct eligibility assessments for unemployment claimants by guiding participants through RESEA program requirements and service plans. Provide referrals to workforce and training resources and explain program policies and compliance expectations.
• Document services and outcomes in case management systems and collaborate with UI staff, AJC teams, and leadership. Support reporting, scheduling, and continuous improvement efforts.

H-2A Housing Inspector

• Travel statewide to inspect agricultural worker housing and ensure compliance with federal and state safety and health standards.
• Inspect facilities including water, sanitation, electrical systems, and living conditions; document findings through reports, notes, and photographs. Work with employers to resolve deficiencies and achieve compliance. Conduct follow-up inspections and respond to complaints. Support program administration and regulatory coordination.

Wagner-Peyser Workforce Services

• Deliver labor exchange services including job matching and placement, career counseling and coaching, resume and interview preparation.
• Provide services across American Job Center tiers (hub, comprehensive, affiliate, and outreach sites). Conduct outreach in rural and underserved communities by supporting employer engagement, recruitment, and workforce solutions.
• Utilize systems such as Jobs4TN (Virtual One Stop), Zendesk, and Microsoft Teams. Contribute to performance metrics including employment, retention, and engagement and ensure compliance with WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, and Equal Opportunity.

Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Collaborates
• Tech Savvy
• Communicates Effectively
• Drives Results

Knowledges

• Law and Government
• Personnel and Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Customer and Personal Service
• Administration and Management

Skills

• Active Learning and Listening
• Service Orientation
• Complex Problem Solving
• Coordination
• Critical Thinking

Abilities

• Written Comprehension
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Information Ordering

Tools & Equipment

• Personal Desk/Laptop
• Cellular Phone
• Printer
• Portable Monitor
• Portable Scanner

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require meeting the following minimum driver qualifications: a valid driver's license and, in the past five years, no driving- under-the-influence (DUI) violations, reckless driving, license suspensions for moving violations, or more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

• Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.