Program Associate, (Hybrid)

The Program Associate will support the Youth Career Connections program to assist in student career exploration and determining goals, in alignment with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation. They will provide support to the Manager, Youth Career Connections, and Career Coaches, to achieve the goals of the collaboration with the school-based counseling team on developing a program delivery plan. The Program Associate will provide supportive services and resources as needed.

The success of the Program Associate will depend upon their ability to meet performance goals aligned with career counseling programming.

Position Details:

Program Associate reports to the Manager, Youth Career Connections, and works closely with the Career Coaches and EPG staff across the organization. This role is non-exempt without a supervisory function. The salary range is $48,000 - 53,675 annually. Benefits include health, life, and dental insurance, internet allowance, paid time off, and 401(k), profit sharing.

Essential Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Support the YCC Leadership Team—including Coordinators, Managers, and Directors—with administrative, operational, and event planning needs.
• Track purchasing activities, monitor supplies and inventory, and ensure all expenses align with program budgets and procurement guidelines.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing program events such as field trips, career and resource fairs, workshops, and special projects.
• Make reservations and coordinate logistics for events, meetings, and staff travel.
• Maintain an up-to-date calendar of events, deadlines, and key program activities.
• Track and maintain historical program data to support reporting, evaluation, and planning.
• Track ongoing projects and tasks to ensure timely follow-up and completion.
• Collaborate with other program associates and team members to ensure smooth coordination of activities and communication across departments.
• Create and maintain program materials, presentations, and reports for internal and external meetings.
• Organize and maintain project-related documents, files, and records in both digital and physical formats.
• Prepare and process eligibility documents, training requests, approvals, and certificates of completion; ensure accurate filing and timely communication with vendors.
• Complete file audit checklists for closed cases and support compliance documentation and reporting requirements.
• Conduct research and compile information to support Career Coaches and program staff in developing presentations, workshops, and reports.
• Assist Career Coaches with supportive service requests and data change requests as needed.
• Respond to participant inquiries via phone or email, assist with appointment scheduling, and provide general program information.
• Greet and direct visitors to appropriate staff or services.
• May be required to work some evenings and weekends based on program events and operational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and participant success.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of experience working with youth in workforce development, education, or human services.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to track purchasing, monitor supplies, and align expenses with program budgets.
• Experience in planning and coordinating events such as field trips, workshops, and career or resource fairs.
• Ability to develop presentations and engage participants at community events.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends based on program needs.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• An Associate’s degree in business management, Human Services, or related fields
• Bilingual in Spanish or other languages.
• Proficiency with project management tools, such as, Monday.com
• Proficiency with presentation and graphic design tools, such as, Canva

Expectations of EPG Associates

• Provide exceptional “front line” customer service. Interpret internal and external client concerns and needs and assist them in connecting to the resources necessary to utilize EPG’s services.
• Resolve “Tier 1” customer problems directly. Appropriately escalate issues that cannot be handled immediately to appropriate EPG representatives and track outcomes to ensure resolution.
• Keep accurate records, e.g., of client intake and interactions, using appropriate computer systems and/or other tools as mandated by SOPs to enter data.
• Identify problems (e.g., commonly occurring client issues), and bring them to the attention of supervisors by recommending changes where possible.
• Respond promptly and accurately to supervisor and/or management team requests for information, e.g., collecting and assembling data for analysis, reporting results, etc.
• Handle multiple administrative responsibilities simultaneously and with attention to detail, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and compliance with EPG policies.
• Employ excellent professional judgment in independent decisions and actions as well as other activities, following SOPs and escalating issues appropriately.

Core Competencies

• Domain Knowledge—Thorough knowledge of workforce development systems, regulations, and policies that specifically apply to the job in question.
• Problem-Solving—Ability to critically evaluate needs and/or problems, envision solutions, and identify, analyze, and choose from among alternative courses of action.
• Innovation and Risk-Taking—Ability and willingness to think creatively about current practices to improve them and advance EPG’s mission, and to communicate and defend new ideas.
• Relationship Building—Ability to develop and maintain positive and productive internal working relationships that facilitate the performance of job responsibilities.
• Collaboration—Willingness, and ability to adopt a “one team” culture, working together with others within EPG to solve problems, pursue opportunities, etc.

• Communications—Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form to inform others of programs, challenges, etc., in ways appropriate for the audience(s).
• Customer Empathy—Understanding of clients’ circumstances, challenges, and needs, and ability to appropriately respond in assessing operations and serving customers.
• Independence—Willingness and ability to work with minimal direction and oversight, recognize and address problems, and employ good judgment on involving others or escalating concerns.
• Professional Judgment—Ability to weigh the benefits, implications, and risks of multiple options, and make decisions that reflect the best interests of EPG and its clients.

About Employ Prince George's, Inc.

We are the bridge between job seekers looking to begin or change careers, and businesses looking for skilled workers to maintain competitiveness in a changing labor market. Our mission is to contribute to the economic vitality of Prince George’s County by providing a demand-driven system that delivers qualified workers to businesses and provides job seekers with opportunities for careers in high- demand/high-growth industries.

We Value:

• Commitment to excellence
• Responsiveness to customer needs
• Integrity
• Mutual respect
• Innovation/Creativity

About EPG's Youth Services Department

The Youth Services Department provides career pathways, credential attainment, and supportive services to eligible youth and young adults who face significant barriers to employment. Youth Services establishes partnerships with local organizations to provide eligible youth and young adults with one-on-one career training, hands-on work experience, soft skills training, and various customized services that will prepare them for completing their academic and/or employment goals.

NOTE:This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer