Department of Labor

Job Class Code: 0787
Grade: 25/Professional & Technical
Salary: $54,412.80-$76,315.20/Annually
Location: Augusta

Opening Date: July 3, 2025

Closing Date:  July 18, 2025

• Does the prospect of working with a diverse, self-motivated team excite you?
• Would you enjoy collaborating with colleagues committed to improving program performance and delivering quality services?
• Are you seeking a position where the work you perform makes a critical difference in the lives of others?
• If your answer is ‘yes’, then we want to talk to you about the possibility of joining our team!

The Training and Support Unit (TSU) under the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation (BUC), with the Department of Labor, has an opening for a Labor Program Specialist (LPS). This is a permanent position based out of the Augusta office with a hybrid work schedule option. LPS duties include TSU Help Desk and Training unit staff support and oversight. In addition to managing MAII training activities, the LPS position will assist with the TSUs Help Desk staff, provide guidance and support of processing daily tickets and oversee TSU daily operations and other Bureau initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, managing a Footprints ticketing system, monitoring daily and weekly ticket prioritization, overseeing the daily correspondence workflow, and coordinating correspondence initiatives with the bureau’s vendors and business teams.

This person will oversee adding/removing users State access of equipment deployment and recovery, NDA completion verification, ReEmployME access, and Outlook access via the Footprints ticketing system. The LPS position provides support to assigned staff as the liaisons for MPX print/mail responsibilities for BUC and is intricately involved with various third-party vendors who process all correspondence generated by the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. TSU duties include the creation and maintenance of training materials and providing or presenting training to staff as it relates to the ReEmployME system and related applications. Experience with coordinating training for adult learners both in person and remote is highly desirable.

An intermediate to advanced level of understanding of computer software and technology is required. Work is independent in nature, and includes collaboration as a team, with Bureau and Department management, support staff and system vendors. Excellent communication skills are required and the ability to manage several projects at one time is essential. An independent, resourceful and proactive outlook is a must.

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Provides guidance and technical assistance to program and field operation managers on the implementation and interpretation of new programs, policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance and promote consistency in programs and operations.
• Designs, develops and implements performance and evaluation practices for employment and training programs to ensure effective and consistent program operation.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual performance reports in order to inform the public of program purpose, guidelines, rules, and regulations and meet state/federal reporting requirements.
• Monitors and evaluates delivery of program services by local offices and contracted service providers to ensure consistent delivery of services in accordance with established guidelines.
• Reviews and evaluates employment and training services in order to improve program efficiency and effectiveness.
• Research, analyzes, and develops employment and training programs and program strategies to improve workforce development service outcomes.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of research and analysis principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of planning concepts, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge of labor laws (employment or unemployment insurance), 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 orally and in writing.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to support TSU primary objective to develop and maintain BUC training materials for BUC staff and contracted staff as required.
• 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 manage and lead projects.
• Ability to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with a wide variety of management and non-management positions.

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  Brenda Lamb, TSU Team Leader. Email address: Brenda.W.Lamb@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.