ESD Program Manager

Central Office Reach Up is hiring for a Program Manager. The Program Manager will provide supervision to the Benefit Program Assistant Administrators (BPAA) that focus on supporting the day-to-day operations of the Reach Up, Reach First, Post-Secondary Education and Essential Person programs. The Program Manager will also oversee grants and contracts. We are looking for someone with a passion for learning, and a strong understanding of the complexities families face while experiencing poverty, homelessness, unemployment, mental health challenges, substance use disorder, and other obstacles.  The successful candidate should have experience interpreting rules and procedures, be a critical reader with an interest in finding and applying best practice and demonstrate a commitment to the wellbeing of families in Vermont.  Clear written and verbal communication skills are a must. 

The job will include close collaboration with the DCF Grants and Contracts Quality, Performance and Compliance team, ADS, Training Unit, ESD Operations, other ESD program teams and the District Office staff just to name a few. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills and a dedication to the mission and vision of the Reach Up program. 

You Bring:

• Strong knowledge of Reach Up (eligibility and services) rules and procedures.

• In-depth experience with the ACCESS system and Microsoft Excel program.

• Interest in research and proposals writing.

• Expertise in organizational transformation and a trauma-informed approach to inclusion, equity, and accessibility.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Excellent ability to effectively present complex information in a variety of settings.

• Ability to work with a team to manage and analyze statistical data.

• Ability to listen, challenge, and find common ground.

• Strong people and change management skills.

This position, ESD Program Manager (Job Requisition #53708), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.  In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Duties are performed in a variety of office and field settings. Private means of transportation must be available for necessary travel. Attendance at a variety of meetings is required, involving state, federal, private agencies or interest and advocacy groups, sometimes during weekends and evening hours. Tact and perseverance are necessary incumbent skills.

Three (3) years as a Benefits Program Specialist, Reach Up Case Manager or other similar related job experience in ESD.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.