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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00215712 |
Description Activated On: 3/9/2026 6:23:49 PM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. The Program Officer advances PennSERVE’s mission by providing strategic oversight, guidance, and support to the Commission’s portfolio of AmeriCorps programs and other national service grants. This position ensures programs operate in compliance with federal and state regulations while achieving measurable community impact and advancing workforce development goals across the Commonwealth. The Program Officer serves as a primary liaison to grantees, delivering training, technical assistance, and ongoing monitoring to strengthen program quality, fiscal integrity, performance outcomes, and sustainability. Through proactive support, risk assessment, and partnership development, the position contributes to the effective stewardship of public funds and the successful implementation of national service initiatives statewide. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. Subgrantee Support and Monitoring Provides direct oversight, monitoring, support, and technical assistance to assigned AmeriCorps programs that are sub-grantees of PennSERVE to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and to maximize program effectiveness and community impact. Interprets and communicates AmeriCorps regulations, grant requirements, performance standards, and PennSERVE policies and procedures to assigned programs to promote consistent implementation and regulatory adherence. Recommends programmatic and operational adjustments to align program design, member activities, and fiscal practices with governing regulations. Collaborates with PennSERVE staff to assess and manage programmatic and fiscal risk, contributing to the development of monitoring plans and oversight strategies based on risk level and performance history. In coordination with the Executive Director and Assistant Director, establishes and monitors performance objectives for assigned programs. Reviews progress toward performance measures, provides timely and constructive feedback, and develops and monitors corrective action plans when deficiencies are identified. Conducts desk reviews and on-site monitoring visits to evaluate compliance with federal and state laws, confirm adherence to approved grant activities and budgets, assess member and service site experience, and identify areas for continuous improvement. Documents findings, required actions, and recommendations in a clear and timely manner. Reviews subgrantee progress and performance reports for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with approved performance measures. Requests clarification as needed and prepares summaries to support leadership review and federal reporting requirements. Maintains comprehensive program files and documentation to ensure accurate and complete records of compliance, performance, monitoring activities, and program outcomes.. Grantmaking Supports the administration of the annual AmeriCorps Request for Applications (RFA) process as assigned, including reviewing applications for completeness, regulatory compliance, and alignment with state and federal priorities. Assists in documenting review outcomes and funding recommendations. Training and Technical Assistance Coordinates with the Assistant Director to implement PennSERVE’s annual training plan to strengthen program quality, compliance, and sustainability across the Commonwealth. Identifies training and technical assistance needs through monitoring activities and ongoing communication with grantees. Develops or contributes to resources and guidance to support continuous program improvement. Collaborates with PennSERVE staff to plan and execute in-person and virtual training events, including coordinating logistics, materials, and presenters. Participates in the delivery of training sessions and technical assistance to AmeriCorps programs, members, and other national service stakeholders. Responds to inquiries from subgrantees and the public, providing accurate guidance related to AmeriCorps requirements, program implementation, and compliance expectations. Additional Responsibilities Performs other related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope of the position, to advance PennSERVE’s State Service Plan, strengthen the National Service network, and respond to emerging priorities and opportunities. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. Respond to sub-grantee questions and requests for programmatic changes. Identifies non-compliance and the appropriate course of action; provides recommendations on a course of action for any major findings to the Assistant and Executive Directors. Determines, with PennSERVE staff, appropriate agenda(s) for member recognition/training events. Identifies necessary training for sub-grantees. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Responds to subgrantee inquiries regarding program operations, grant requirements, member management, and allowable activities by interpreting applicable AmeriCorps regulations and PennSERVE policies. Provides guidance on routine programmatic adjustments that fall within approved grant parameters. Reviews proposed programmatic changes and determines whether modifications are allowable under federal and state requirements or require formal amendment approval. Recommends minor adjustments to program design or implementation to improve compliance and effectiveness. Identifies areas of non-compliance through desk reviews, site visits, and report analysis. Determines appropriate corrective actions for routine findings and monitors implementation to ensure resolution. Assesses training and technical assistance needs based on monitoring outcomes and program performance trends, and develops recommendations for training topics, formats, and priorities. Collaborates with PennSERVE staff to develop agendas and content for member trainings and recognition events to align with strategic goals and program needs. Decisions Referred to Supervisor Refers significant compliance concerns, material fiscal findings, potential disallowances, or issues that may result in formal corrective action, grant conditions, suspension, or termination to the Assistant Director and Executive Director for review and final determination. Elevates requests involving major program redesign, budget reallocations beyond established thresholds, or matters with legal, contractual, or reputational implications. Consults leadership regarding enforcement actions, high-risk determinations, or complex policy interpretations that may set precedent or require coordination with AmeriCorps. Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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