Program Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Program Specialist roles frequently qualify for H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and other work visa sponsorship when they require specialized knowledge in areas like policy analysis, grant administration, or program evaluation. Most positions demand a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, making them strong candidates for specialty occupation classification under USCIS requirements. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsDate: Nov 10, 2026
Req ID: 61126
Location:
West Memphis - ECC, AR, US, 72301
Category: DEPT OF CORRECTIONS
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07
Position Number: 22085876
County: Crittenden
Posting End Date: 11/17/2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07
Location: East Central Arkansas Corrections Center (ECC) - West Memphis
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in Correctional Re-Entry or case management.
- Knowledge of reentry planning and community resources.
- Experience in inter agency coordination and communication.
The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.
All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.
Position Information
Job Series: Corrections Programs - Career-path
Classification: Corrections Program Specialist
Class Code: SCP10P
Pay Grade: SGS06
Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163
Job Summary
The Corrections Program Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing correctional programs within the Arkansas Department of Corrections. This role ensures that programs meet the needs of offenders and support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage correctional programs designed to support offender rehabilitation and reintegration.
- Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in services and develop appropriate programs to address these needs.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of correctional programs, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes.
- Collaborate with facility staff, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure program success.
- Prepare and manage program budgets, financial resources, and expenditures.
- Provide training and support to staff involved in the delivery of correctional programs.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to program operations and outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and standards.
- Prepare reports on program activities, performance, and achievements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skills
- Comprehensive understanding of correctional practices, policies, and procedures.
- In-depth knowledge of rehabilitation and reintegration programs for offenders.
- Familiarity with program development, implementation, and evaluation.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data to assess program effectiveness.
- Competence in preparing reports and documentation.
- Aptitude for maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.
- Familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations governing corrections.
- Familiarity of audit and inspection protocols.
Minimum Qualifications
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, social work, or a related field. Two years of experience in corrections, program management, or a related field.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Date: Nov 10, 2026
Req ID: 61126
Location:
West Memphis - ECC, AR, US, 72301
Category: DEPT OF CORRECTIONS
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07
Position Number: 22085876
County: Crittenden
Posting End Date: 11/17/2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07
Location: East Central Arkansas Corrections Center (ECC) - West Memphis
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in Correctional Re-Entry or case management.
- Knowledge of reentry planning and community resources.
- Experience in inter agency coordination and communication.
The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.
All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.
Position Information
Job Series: Corrections Programs - Career-path
Classification: Corrections Program Specialist
Class Code: SCP10P
Pay Grade: SGS06
Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163
Job Summary
The Corrections Program Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing correctional programs within the Arkansas Department of Corrections. This role ensures that programs meet the needs of offenders and support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage correctional programs designed to support offender rehabilitation and reintegration.
- Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in services and develop appropriate programs to address these needs.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of correctional programs, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes.
- Collaborate with facility staff, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure program success.
- Prepare and manage program budgets, financial resources, and expenditures.
- Provide training and support to staff involved in the delivery of correctional programs.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to program operations and outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and standards.
- Prepare reports on program activities, performance, and achievements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skills
- Comprehensive understanding of correctional practices, policies, and procedures.
- In-depth knowledge of rehabilitation and reintegration programs for offenders.
- Familiarity with program development, implementation, and evaluation.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data to assess program effectiveness.
- Competence in preparing reports and documentation.
- Aptitude for maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.
- Familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations governing corrections.
- Familiarity of audit and inspection protocols.
Minimum Qualifications
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, social work, or a related field. Two years of experience in corrections, program management, or a related field.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Program Specialist
Emphasize analytical and policy expertise
Program Specialist roles often involve complex policy analysis, grant management, or program evaluation that requires specialized knowledge. Highlight technical skills in areas like data analysis, regulatory compliance, or stakeholder management to demonstrate specialty occupation requirements.
Target government contractors and nonprofits
Federal contractors, consulting firms, and nonprofits frequently sponsor Program Specialists for visa programs. These employers understand the value of specialized program management skills and often have established immigration processes for filling specialized positions.
Document your degree-job connection clearly
USCIS scrutinizes whether your degree directly relates to program specialist duties. If your degree is in public administration, policy studies, or a relevant field, emphasize how coursework prepared you for specific program management responsibilities.
Highlight cross-functional collaboration skills
Program Specialists often coordinate between departments, manage stakeholder relationships, and oversee complex initiatives. These coordination and management skills demonstrate the specialized knowledge that supports visa petitions for professional-level positions in this field.
Consider O-1 for senior program roles
Senior Program Specialists with recognized expertise in policy development, large-scale program management, or specialized sectors may qualify for O-1 visas. Document achievements like successful program launches, policy implementations, or industry recognition.
Research agency-specific requirements carefully
Different agencies and organizations have varying standards for Program Specialist roles. Some require security clearances or specific certifications that can affect visa sponsorship timing. Research these requirements before applying to avoid complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Program Specialist jobs qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, Program Specialist positions typically qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when they require specialized knowledge in areas like policy analysis, grant management, or program evaluation. The role must require a bachelor's degree in a specific field and involve duties that need specialized skills beyond general program coordination.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as a Program Specialist?
Most Program Specialist positions require a bachelor's degree in public administration, policy studies, social sciences, or a field relevant to the specific program area. USCIS expects a clear connection between your degree and the specialized duties of the role, such as policy analysis or program evaluation.
Which visa types work best for Program Specialist roles?
H-1B is the most common option for Program Specialists, particularly in government contracting and nonprofit sectors. Senior specialists with significant achievements may qualify for O-1 visas. TN visa status covers some program roles for Canadian and Mexican citizens under management consultant classifications.
Do government agencies sponsor visas for Program Specialists?
Direct federal employment typically requires citizenship or permanent residence, but government contractors frequently sponsor Program Specialists for visa programs. These contractors work on federal projects and often need specialized program management expertise that qualifies for H-1B and other visa categories.
What challenges do Program Specialists face in visa applications?
The main challenge is proving the role requires specialized knowledge beyond general coordination. USCIS may question whether program specialist duties need a specific degree or specialized training. Strong documentation of technical skills, analytical requirements, and degree-job connections helps address these concerns effectively.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Program Specialist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
How to find Program Specialist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Program Specialist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on nonprofit organizations, government contractors, healthcare systems, and educational institutions that frequently hire Program Specialists and sponsor H-1B, O-1, or TN visas. These employers often have established visa sponsorship processes for specialized program management roles.