Program Specialist

Program Specialist:

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County's need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

Job Description:

HOC's Resident Services Department strives to enhance the lives of HOC customers by coordinating and implementing a vast array of high-quality programs, services, and resources. Through collaborative partnerships with Montgomery County, the federal government, and various community-based organizations, Resident Services is able to offer comprehensive service coordination, impactful resident programs, and robust supportive housing services to individuals and families who reside in HOC owned-managed properties or receive HOC housing subsidies, as well as applicants on HOC's waitlist.

The Program Specialist (Youth Programs) supports the HOC Academy youth enrichment services (YES) by assisting with program planning and implementation.

Note: This is a hybrid position. Employees are eligible to work remotely two days per week once the six-month probation period has been successfully completed.

Job Duties Include:

• Assist in program planning to include providing administrative support to educational and recreational programs that empower youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Utilize Yardi, Assessforce, and other platforms to enter and track customer participation data.
• Perform community engagement and outreach initiatives to expand interest and participation in programs.
• Implement in-person and virtual activities and workshops, fostering educational and workforce opportunities.
• Assist in the day - to - day operations of programming, including afterschool initiatives, summer programs, and large educational events like the annual Back to School STEM Fair, Holiday Store, and other community engagement activities.
• Assist in the monitoring of program budgets in compliance with grant requirements.
• Complete program reports highlighting progress toward program metrics.
• Requires travel to HOC properties, offices, and other program locations as needed. The selected candidate must be able to perform outreach activities and engage with community members at various locations.
• Reliable transportation is required. Mileage reimbursement is available.
• May be required to operate agency vehicles to transport customers to/from activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:

• At least five years' experience in supporting youth programs, implementation, and/or oversight with a focus on youth programming required; with at least three years' experience working with youth and families from low - to moderate-income households and relevant stakeholders required.
• Experience in designing or implementing STEM/STEAM curriculums preferred.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Program Management, Education, Social Work, Sociology, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
• Relevant certifications in project management (e.g. PMP, CAPM) or nonprofit management is a plus.

Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must have a good driving record, a valid driver's license, and the ability to drive a 15-passenger van.

Knowledge, Skill,s and Abilities:

• Passion for empowering individuals and shaping future leaders through education and skill-building initiatives.
• Knowledge of STEM/STEAM education trends and best practices.
• Knowledge of trends and applicable local, state, and federal laws guiding youth programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently, meet competing deadlines and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to relate well to people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Must have intermediate to advanced computer skills including Microsoft and Google applications. Experience using Yardi, Assessforce, and other databases is a plus.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish is strongly preferred.

* Grade 20 - Min: $60,399 / Mid: $79,543 / Max: $98,687 | Salary determined by departmental budget - Offer commensurate with experience.

HOC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. HOC promotes a drug-free workplace.

HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records in determining suitability for employment. Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.