Department of Labor - Paid Family and Medical Leave
Job Class Code: 0752
Grade: 20 (Professional and Technical)
Salary: $54,412 - $76,315 (Annually)
Location: Augusta
Opening Date: November 6, 2024
Closing Date: November 21, 2024
Are you looking to be a part of a team of dedicated professionals committed to building one of the most impactful programs in recent state history?
The State of Maine is now recruiting staff for the new Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program. The PFML Program Specialist will be a key team member in one of the largest and most impactful new programs in the State with the objective of delivering a service that Mainers can easily use in their time of need.
As a member of the of the Audit and Compliance Unit, the Program Specialist will be a working supervisor responsible for performing training and general community outreach regarding compliance functions for employers related to premium payments, employee classification, private plan substitutions and their relation to existing labor laws. The Program Specialist may also work as a team lead on assignments with Auditor II’s and Examiners. This work will be performed under limited supervision and reports directly to the Audit and Compliance Unit Manager within the PFML Finance and Audit Division. This will ensure that businesses understand their responsibilities and liabilities under the program and are operating in accordance with statute and rules of the program.
We offer a flexible remote and/or in office work schedule.
Primary responsibilities include:
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Provides information through trainings and daily communications on PFML law and administrative procedures to clarify the laws and rules to employers, self-elected individuals, and the general public.
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Communicates with the public under conditions requiring considerable tact to explain laws, rules, etc.
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Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of new or revised training initiatives and programs on a statewide basis in order to ensure effective and consistent program operation.
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Monitors, reviews, and evaluates PFML program or employment training services in order to improve program efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure consistent delivery of services within established guidelines and successful attainment of federal and state performance standards.
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Prepares and reviews training and promotional materials in order to inform public of program purpose, guidelines, rules, and regulations.
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Serves as an advisor and trainer to staff within the Finance and Audit Division
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Leads auditors and examiners on assignments, discusses work progress, assigns specific tasks, and oversees completion of the audit or special study in order to ensure established goals and standards are met
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Consults, collaborates, and confers with bureau management and departmental partners to develop strategies to better integrate program services in order to improve and/or expand program access and services for all customers seeking department services.
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Coordinates and consults with bureau management team in order to plan, design, and implement core staff development training in order to enhance employee job performance and ensure the bureau has the staff resources needed to meet current services demand.
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Perform additional duties assigned by Administration based on operational needs.
Skills or knowledge required:
- Knowledge of employment, labor laws and rules, regulations, and guidelines
- Knowledge of agency goals, objectives, and procedures.
- Knowledge of report writing, format, and techniques.
- Knowledge of training resources throughout the State.
- Ability to interpret rules and regulations.
- Ability to establish and implement employment and training program policy.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to write clearly and effectively.
- Ability to oversee a statewide employment and training program.
- Ability to analyze, evaluate, interpret, and adapt program services and guidelines.
- Ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret program performance data.
- Ability to research and develop recommendations for program improvement and compliance, including legislation, rules, regulations, or policies.
- Ability to supervise, coordinate, and evaluate the efforts of others.
- Ability to manage and lead projects.
- Ability to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with a wide variety of management and non-management positions.
- Ability to create PowerPoint presentations and other training materials, and effectively present them virtually or in person to the public or to DOL staff.
Minimum qualifications:
A Bachelors Degree in Business/Public Administration, Economics, Education, Human Resources, social or behavioral sciences, or related area and four (4) years experience in unemployment program services, employment services, economic analysis, research, business management, or training programs/services. Additional years of experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Contact information:
Questions about this position should be directed to Stephanie Harfoush, (207) 215-3737 or stephanie.harfoush@maine.gov
Application Instructions:
Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
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Last updated on Nov 6, 2024