Program Supervisor

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Employment and Economic Assistance
HOURS: Full-Time
PREFERRED HIRING SALARY: $88,458 - $110,573/annually
FULL SALARY RANGE: $88,458 - $138,216/annually (Salary Grade 110)
LOCATION: Northern Service Center
UNION: HSSA
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 8/25/2025

What You'll Do
Program Training Supervisor oversees the daily operations of a dynamic training unit, providing direct supervision to eight Public Assistance Trainers, a Program Coordinator, and at times up to 25 new Financial Assistance Specialist trainees. This role ensures the effective delivery of training, smooth operation of Public Assistance programs, and quality service to County residents-particularly underserved communities. A Program Training Supervisor plays a key role in the hiring, onboarding, and development of both entry-level and advanced staff, supporting comprehensive and equitable service delivery. They also lead the planning, design, evaluation, and implementation of new and existing programs, processes, and initiatives within their unit and across the department.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• Bachelor's Degree AND two years related program experience in a Government Public Assistance Agency, Child Support Agency, or Employment Services Program Agency.

• A combination of education and experience to equal or exceed six years. Experience must be directly related to programs in a Government Public Assistance Agency, Child Support Agency, or Employment Services Program Agency.

• Experience as a Lead Worker, Program Trainer, Program Coordinator, Supervisor, or Manager.
• Direct work experience may have been gained in any combination of the program areas.
• Two years of the above-required program experience, occurring in the past five years, in Minnesota.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Champion Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion (DEI):
   Demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing equity, access and inclusion across the Department by integrating culturally responsive practices into training and supervision and supporting the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
2. Supervise and Support Staff Development:
   Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for Public Assistance Trainers, a Program Coordinator, and new Financial Assistance Specialist staff to ensure successful transitions from training to operational units and high-quality service delivery.
3. Manage Daily Unit Operations:
   Oversee day-to-day operations of the training unit, ensuring alignment with department goals and collaborating effectively with other internal teams and leadership.
4. Review and Oversee Training Programs:
   Monitor, review, and provide feedback on onboarding, refresher and ongoing training programs to ensure alignment with current policy, accuracy of content, and effectiveness in preparing staff to deliver high-quality, equitable services.
5. Interpret and Implement Policy:
   Analyze, interpret, and communicate federal, state, and county legislation, statues, rules, and regulations to ensure training content is current, accurate, and actionable.
6. Communicate and Promote Accountability for Performance Expectations:
   Ensure staff are informed of established job expectations and performance metrics; provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to help staff meet those standards. When necessary, address performance issues by developing and implementing learning plans to support accountability, growth and long-term success.
7. Lead Hiring and Onboarding Processes:
   Facilitate hiring and onboarding of new program staff, including orientation, coordinating onboarding tasks, developing training calendars and setting success milestones.
8. Lead and Participate in Special Projects:
   Manage or contribute to department-wide projects, pilot initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts that support innovation and quality service delivery.
9. Represent the Department:
   Serve as a departmental representative on internal and external committees, advisory boards, and workgroups related to training, public assistance, or service improvement.
10. Oversee Contracted Services:
    Manage relationships with contracted providers or consultants, monitor deliverables, and ensure services meet contract expectations and department standards.
11. Deliver Community and Staff Education:
    Prepare and present internal staff development workshops and community-facing educational programs that enhance understanding of public assistance programs and access.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, access and inclusion in training, supervision, and service delivery; promotes a respectful workplace that meets the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
• Strong knowledge of public assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, GA, MFIP, Medical Assistance), including eligibility rules, application processes, and service delivery expectations.
• Understanding of training principles, adult learning theory, and best practices in staff onboarding, skill development, and performance coaching.
• Knowledge of available community resources and wraparound services, and how they integrate with public assistance programming.
• Familiarity with the structure, functions, and relationships between County human services departments and state/federal governing bodies.
• Ability to review, evaluate, and provide feedback on training content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with current policies and procedures.
• Skilled in supporting trainers and new staff in understanding and applying complex policy in real-world situations.
• Ability to model, coach, and reinforce professional conduct, customer service, and trauma-informed practice within training environments.
• Capacity to identify performance gaps and provide constructive, ongoing feedback to staff during and after the training process.
• Ability to assess training outcomes and staff readiness; make informed recommendations regarding transition to trainee caseloads or further development needs.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, especially when navigating ambiguity or adapting training based on real-time needs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and motivate trainers and new staff while balancing job expectations with individual circumstances and learning needs.
• Skilled in developing and implementing performance improvement plans when training benchmarks or conduct expectations are not met.
• Proficient in using training platforms, learning management systems, virtual tools, and case management software to support learning and documentation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple training cohorts, timelines, and deliverables.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to facilitate learning, deliver presentations, document progress, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments to align training goals with operational needs.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, regulations, and policy changes into training processes and staff guidance.
• Skilled in managing conflict, navigating personnel issues, and maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive situations.
• Ability to lead or contribute to the planning and implementation of large-scale projects that impact training, onboarding, or service delivery models.
• Capacity to promote a supportive learning environment that recognizes different learning styles and supports staff through the transition into their roles.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex policy and program information typically encountered at a post-graduate level.

Location & Schedule

This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, MN. Work is typically performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.
• Excellent work-life balance.
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year).
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday.
• Pension with a generous employer contribution.
• Ability to work from home some of the time.

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions.
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications .
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration.
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring.