Program Specialist, Workforce Education - Bellevue - Bellevue College

Description

Position Summary

Program Specialist supports Bellevue College's Workforce Education Department by overseeing specialized program functions, tracking and analyzing student data, and maintaining program compliance across multiple funding streams. Under general direction, this position independently manages program data systems, ensures accurate reporting to state and federal partners, and develops tools and processes that drive student success and departmental performance outcomes.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Position Salary Range: $59,724/year - $80,436/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

About The College

Bellevue College is a vibrant, student-centered institution located just 10 miles east of Seattle. Serving one of the most diverse student populations in Washington - we are proud to reflect the global community we serve.

As an employer, Bellevue College is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. We believe that our faculty and staff are essential partners in fulfilling our mission, and we prioritize professional growth, collaboration, and innovation in everything we do. Employees at Bellevue College benefit from opportunities to expand their skills, contribute to meaningful work that changes lives, and engage in a community that is deeply committed to inclusion.

We are dedicated to creating an environment where creativity and innovation thrive, and where the contributions of every employee help shape both the success of our students and the vitality of the region. At Bellevue College, you will find a community that supports your goals, values your voice, and celebrates your impact.

For more about Bellevue College's impact, visit Facts at a Glance.

About the Department

The Workforce Education (WE) department facilitates student success by offering personalized support services, including tuition assistance, academic advising, and career guidance. Our programs help low-income individuals and displaced workers acquire the skills needed to enter or re-enter the workforce through the college's professional-technical programs.

Essential Functions

Program Data and Compliance

• Track, monitor, and analyze student progress from application to program completion, ensuring compliance with Workforce Education funding sources (BFET, WorkFirst, Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant).
• Create, update, and maintain databases, spreadsheets, and tracking systems to monitor student eligibility, participation, and completion outcomes.
• Identify students at risk of non-compliance and communicate findings to program managers with recommended resolutions.
• Prepare reports and data summaries to support decision-making for the Workforce Education Director and funding partners.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of data entry in systems including eJAS, Financial Aid, and internal Workforce Education databases.
• Resolve complex eligibility or compliance issues independently, escalating only rare cases to the Workforce Director.

Specialized Program Support

• Coordinate and track billable expenses for BFET students co-enrolled in other programs (e.g., Opportunity Grant), ensuring accurate state and federal reimbursements.
• Manage WorkFirst referrals in eJAS, helping students navigate admissions process to move from DSHS referral to enrolled student. Track WorkFirst participation form submissions; follow up with non-compliant students and escalate issues to WorkFirst program advisor as needed.
• Provide technical expertise and consultation to students, staff, and partner agencies regarding Workforce Education program requirements and benefits. Provide clear, accurate, and timely communication with students regarding program eligibility, compliance requirements, and available resources.

Process & Tool Development

• Design, document, and implement databases, spreadsheets, forms, and workflows to streamline program operations and reporting.
• Train staff in the effective use of program tools and maintain up-to-date procedure manuals.
• Regularly update systems and processes in response to policy changes from SBCTC, DSHS, Bellevue College, or other regulatory agencies.

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a resource and liaison with campus partners, including Financial Aid, Student Financial Services, and Public Safety.
• Share responsibility with other admin team staff to answer main phone line, provide customer service to students in-person, and monitor general Workforce Education inbox.
• Monitor status of office equipment (printer, scanner, lobby and lab computers) and submit support tickets as needed; collaborate with ITS staff to resolve issues.
• Participate in departmental planning and contribute data-driven insights to improve student outcomes and departmental efficiency.

Other duties

• Perform other duties as assigned. Crosstrain with colleagues to provide back-up for other department functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, social services, data management, or related field. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement for a year-for-year basis.
• Two (2) years demonstrated experience with program data tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Intermediate to advanced technical proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, reporting) and database tools (Access or similar).
• Two (2) years experience developing and maintaining databases, spreadsheets, and data-driven tools.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex program rules and regulations from multiple agencies (DSHS, SBCTC, Financial Aid).
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex processes clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment in problem-solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with eJAS, TargetX, and state community and technical college data systems.
• Knowledge of Workforce Education funding programs (BFET, WorkFirst, Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant).
• Experience in higher education or workforce education settings.

Conditions of Employment

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references (3 including 1 current or former manager's reference) and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties.

Other Information

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply

Applications received by 01/05/2026 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled.

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Complete the Job Questionnaires

Contact:
If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at jobs@bellevuecollege.edu

EEO Statement

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126.

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .