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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JOB TITLE: High School Bigs Program Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Site Based Programs, High School Bigs
REPORTS TO: Director of High School Bigs Program
FLSA STATUS: Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
MISSION: Creating and supporting mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of the next generation.
VISION: Through mentorship, all youth achieve their full potential.
JOB SUMMARY: The High School Bigs Program Specialist is responsible for facilitating sessions, conducting match support and providing overall support of site-based matches to ensure child safety and long-term caring relationships between matches while focusing on positive outcomes for youth.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
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Facilitate and supervise site sessions, ensuring positive match development and safety of both mentors and mentees.
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Work with the Site Based Program Manager to build positive relationships with school partners to attract and retain qualified mentors and mentees.
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Work effectively with partner schools to schedule and plan weekly sessions and meetings when appropriate.
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Responsible for the cultivation, stewardship and ultimate retention of assigned school partners, mentors, and mentees.
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Provide a high level of professionalism in presentation and communication when conducting all program related operations with school partners and program liaisons.
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Support with any enrollment functions through recruitments, interviews, and assessments of any potential mentors and mentees.
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Provide timely and comprehensive written assessments and recommendations for participation in the program.
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Conduct volunteer orientations and training.
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Identify suitable potential matches and provide ongoing support to achieve length of match, closure and outcome evaluation goals.
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Conduct bi-monthly and quarterly match support contacts that are accomplished through in-person, email or telephone contact.
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Maintain accurate file documentation for each match according to BBBSA standards and agency policies.
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Ensure high-level expertise in applying child safety and risk management knowledge, policies and procedures throughout all aspects of job function.
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Effectively use active and attentive listening to confirm understanding; coach matches through the use of reflective questioning; personalize communication content and delivery to fit different perspectives, backgrounds or styles of audience; document information about matches clearly and concisely in order to keep records accurate and up to date.
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Contribute to the development of site curriculum.
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Provide accurate and timely program statistics.
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Effectively communicate with marketing and/or grants teams on press worthy activities, volunteer highlights and program successes to enhance visibility of the program and within the community.
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Complete appropriate trainings as directed by supervisor and attend agency staff and departmental meetings.
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Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor’s Degree required
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Must be fluent in Spanish
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Experience with at-risk/high-risk youth (volunteer and/or paid) preferred
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Familiar with Windows XP software applications
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High level of customer service with significant experience working with external stakeholders/clients (specifically schools with the ability to build strong relationships for greater agency initiatives of stewardship)
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Excellent oral and written communication skills reflecting solid customer service both in-person and via the telephone
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Excellent public speaking skills with ability to engage a variety of audiences (including both high school volunteers and elementary aged youth).
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Excellent organizational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail.
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Ability to multi-task and work independently in fast paced environment with heavy workload while exercising good judgment, decision making and problem solving skills.
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Maintains confidentiality throughout daily operations.
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Must have access to a reliable automobile, valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
COMPETENCIES
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Customer Focus
Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and service; talks and acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationship with customers and gains their trust and respect; ensures customers feel they have been listened to; establishes credibility quickly.
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Interpersonal Savvy
Relates well to all kinds of people; builds appropriate rapport; practices active listening; builds constructive and effective relationships; deals effectively with diversity; uses diplomacy and tact; capable of diffusing difficult situations comfortably; manages frustration appropriately; is easy to approach and talk to; spends the extra effort to put others at ease.
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Active Listening
Is actively able to process information, listen to understand, and listen to learn; to listen and meet the needs of internal and external customers; handles and utilizes feedback effectively; listens with depth and thoughtfulness.
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Foster Teamwork and Collaboration
Is successful in working with a team; fosters teamwork and participating in group activities; collaborating with others effectively and efficiently; establishes and maintains teamwork building activities; builds trust, respect, and rapport with the team; is an active player in Agency culture.
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Conflict Resolution Skills (Internal & External)
Manage and resolves conflict in a healthy positive way; mediates conflicts with nonverbal communication skills, professionalism, focusing on the bigger picture and prioritizing and strengthening relationships; being respectful of others and their viewpoints; encouraging others to share their issues, clarify, restate, and validate any concerns and strategically resolve them.
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Organizational Ability
Can marshal resources to get things done; orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently; arranges information and follows established process.
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Results/Outcome Oriented
Can be counted on to meet goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; steadfastly pushes self and others for results; sets clear objectives and measures process and progress.
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Promotes Vision and Mission
Creates and communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; sees beyond today; sees possibilities; is optimistic; creates mileposts and symbols to rally behind the vision; makes the vision shareable by everyone; can inspire and motivate entire units or organizations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The environmental conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
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Routine office environment.
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Frequent independent travel.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and required skills. Job Description may be subject to change to meet the needs of the organization.
Your employment with BBBSOCIE will be “at will,” meaning that either you or BBBSOCIE may end your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
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401(k)
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401(k) matching
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Dental insurance
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Flexible spending account
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Health insurance
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Life insurance
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Paid time off
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Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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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.