The Office of Workforce and Community Initiatives (OWCI) is seeking a candidate to fill a Program Specialist position with the Community Engagement Unit. This position will oversee the East Central region of the state and would include working in Jefferson, Franklin, Gasconade, Washington, Crawford, Dent, and Phelps Counties. The base will be dependent on the applicant selected and office capacity. All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available. Some travel is required and may require overnight stays. Remote work is not eligible in this position. · Coordinating services across Departments, Divisions, and other agencies to assist employment and training participants to become self-sufficient while providing OWCI benefits and resources. · Evaluate Workforce Development program trends and coordinate with training and program staff to develop new initiatives. · Attend community meetings within assigned region. · Participate in workgroups, taskforces, and committees to provide knowledge and expertise on DSS services. · Organize and/or lead workgroup meetings. · Create and deliver presentations to different size groups on DSS programs and resources. · Create and manage partnerships with city, county and state officials, outside agencies, and other stakeholders. · Engage with employers, non-profits, local educational agencies, Department of Corrections, and service providers regarding their workforce needs to identify barriers and solutions to those barriers. · Draft detailed reports regularly on activities, events and/or conferences. · Exercise significant independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities with general administrative direction. · Perform other related work as assigned. Two or more years of experience in a professional or technical job classification with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System; and possession of a high school diploma or proof of high school equivalency. OR A Bachelors’ degree from an accredited college or university; and, Four or more years of professional or technical experience providing social services, or conducting investigations or audits of social service providers, recipients, and/or applicants. Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant. Desired Skills: · Ability to communicate and interpret complex ideas, plans, procedures and programs. · Ability to produce objective and timely reports. · Excellent problem-solving and time management skills. · Excellent oral and written communication skills. · Possess the ability to work with a wide variety of agencies and people. · Ability to work independently. · Possess the ability to adjust to an ever-changing environment and achieve. Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay). Recruitment Area: Accepting applications from all qualified applicants. The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here. FSD.Personnel@dss.mo.gov