62 Program Specialist jobs in Washington

Introduction

The Pathways to Public Service Program is an initiative that strengthens the pipeline of diverse talent from local colleges and universities into District government roles. The program is designed to provide 12-month public service apprenticeships, professional mentorship, and direct hiring pathways for participants into full-time government employment. Participants gain practical skills and mentorship, while employers benefit from a pipeline of early-career talent, fresh ideas, and coordinated support from DOES and DCHR.

Application Criteria

To complete your application for this role, please submit the following:

• Résumé
• Cover letter detailing relevant experiences
• Unofficial transcript. Must be uploaded with Resume'.

Duties and Responsibilities

Depending on the agency to which assigned, the incumbent may perform any combination or all of the following duties: Prepares position vacancy announcements, in collaboration with the manager, supervisor or other senior level staff, comparing the vacancy announcements with the position descriptions. Reviews vacancy announcements for quality and accuracy to advertise jobs. In conjunction with the hiring manager, assures that position vacancies are posted in the appropriate media, including newspapers, list serves, and websites. Interprets, analyzes, and applies qualification standards, position requirements, job analysis, and evaluation plans. Determines qualification requirements for all levels of jobs, including nonsupervisory, supervisory and managerial with non-specialized and specialized requirements in accordance with regulations, rules, and industry standards. Prepares and/or reviews Selection Certificates which list eligible job applicants, assuring adherence and compliance with the procedural requirements of the Department of Human Resources (DCHR), and conformance with the goals and objectives of the agency. Conducts personal reference checks on applicants.

Initiates personnel action for new employees in PeopleSoft. Creates the Job Requisition in the ASMP PeopleSoft system. Enters personnel actions, requisitions, etc. into PeopleSoft. May, conduct in-house orientation of new employee as it relates to the policies and procedures outlined for the agency. As a representative of the agency, assists with and attends recruitment activities including job fairs. Updates and modifies agency position descriptions, in consultation with the agency's managers and supervisors. Makes recommendations on the impact of proposals on career patterns and grade alignment, proposed position structure, position descriptions, and similar issues. Reviews Requests for Personnel Actions, Requests for Advance Leave or Advance Leave Without Pay, and Selection Certificates to assure adherence and compliance with the procedural requirements of DCHR, and conformance with the goals and objectives of the agency.

Qualifications

To participate in the Pathways to Public Service, you must have the following eligibility requirements:

• College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in either December 2025 or May 2026.
• Commit to being a resident of the District of Columbia within 180 days.

Specialized Experience: This position requires one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lowest grade level in the District of Columbia government. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Licensures & Certifications

None

Work Conditions/Environment

The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Operating Status: In-person reporting, flexible and limited telework options available upon position eligibility and operational needs.

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Duration of Appointment: Career Service - Term (13 month appointment)

Pay Plan, Series, Grade: CS-0201-11

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under collective bargaining.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Security Sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability, and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

DC Government Benefits

District government provides a full benefits package including:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Short-term Disability
• Long-term Disability
• Commuter Benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Indemnity Coverage provided through Aflac
• Employee Assistance Program: Counseling; legal and financial services; identity theft services; work-life referral services for child and elder care, lactation support, home repairs, pet care, etc.; wellness coaching; and more.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Submission of a resume alone is NOT a complete application. This position may require the completion of additional form/s and/or supplemental materials. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment.

If you have any questions, or need support with your application, please contact careerpathways@dc.gov for assistance.