COMMUNITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST V (YOUTH PROGRAM MANAGER)

Job Description:

COMMUNITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST V (YOUTH PROGRAM MANAGER)

Description

DESCRIPTION

The Community:

Idyllically located on the Pacific Coast just south of Los Angeles and adjacent to Orange County, Long Beach is a vibrant city of approximately 450K residents. Known for its diverse and inclusive community, Long Beach features a unique blend of urban sophistication, cultural richness, and coastal charm. The City encompasses about 51 square miles, offering an array of parks, beaches, and recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy mild climate year-round perfect for outdoor activities such as biking, running, water sports, and much more. Long Beach is home to world-class attractions including the Aquarium of the Pacific, the historic Queen Mary, and the annual IndyCar Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Long Beach will be the largest venue city for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Long Beach also boasts a thriving economy supported by industries such as aerospace, education, health services, manufacturing, tourism and professional services. With two advanced educational institutions, California State University Long Beach and Long Beach City College, and robust K-12 schools, the City is a hub for learning and innovation. Transportation options abound. The Long Beach and Metro transit systems along with the City’s own airport provide convenient access throughout the broader Southern California region. Long Beach is recognized as one of the nation’s most walkable and bike-friendly cities.

The City Government:

Long Beach operates as a charter city governed by an elected Mayor and nine City Council members elected by district. The City Manager, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, oversees the daily operations of 15 departments and an FY26 annual budget of approximately $3.7B. The City employs over 6,000 full-time and part-time staff; dedicated to providing exceptional public services with the vast majority being represented by eleven employee associations .

• City Departments
• Citywide FY26 Budget
• 2030 Strategic Vision
• Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan

The City of Long Beach fosters an environment where every employee is celebrated for their individuality and unique talents they bring to their role. Reflecting the diversity of the community within the workforce is a key priority embraced at every level of the organization-from management to policy creation. City Leadership actively promotes equity and inclusion by partnering with staff and community stakeholders to advance fairness in all initiatives. Transparency remains a cornerstone of these efforts with demographic data, including workforce diversity and pay equity by race and gender, shared publicly to ensure accountability and progress.

Economic Development & Opportunity:

The Department of Economic Development & Opportunity an innovative department that leverages Federal, State, and City resources to generate growth in property, sales, and transient occupancy taxes that pay for services citywide. The Department continuously works to implement the recommendations of the Grow Long Beach Economic Blueprint. This comprehensive plan provides policy recommendations and will further Long Beach as an innovative ecosystem that lays a foundation for entrepreneurial success from business start-up to growth.

The Department has approximately 90 employees with five bureaus: Business Development, Business Operations, Real Estate Development, Waterfront Development, and Workforce Development. The Department's mission is to create economic opportunities for workers, investors, and entrepreneurs with an annual budget of over $31 million from eight different City funds.

To learn more about the Department visit:

• Department Website
• Department FY 26 Budget
• Grow Long Beach Initiative
• Bureau Website

Position Summary:

The Department of Economic Development and Opportunity has an immediate opening for a full-time, at-will, unclassified Community Program Specialist V (Program Supervisor) in the Workforce Development Bureau. This position reports to the Workforce Development Officer and provides leadership and management of an integrated services delivery team responsible for delivering employment services, job training, employer services, and limited unemployment services to applicants and employers in Long Beach and surrounding communities.

The Economic Development & Opportunity's Workforce Development Bureau is dedicated to helping Long Beach youth achieve their career aspirations and unlock their full potential. Our staff is committed to empowering the next generation of workers and entrepreneurs through a variety of dynamic youth services. At the heart of this effort is the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center (Center), a vibrant and supportive youth center offering specialized career development and job training programs for young people ages 14 to 30.

Reporting to the Workforce Development Officer, the Youth Career Services Supervisor provides leadership and supervision of an integrated services delivery team responsible for coordinating the implementation of youth workforce development programs across our service region, including: performance management of a multidisciplinary team delivering youth employment services, work-based learning, paid work experience, job training, supportive services, employer engagement, and sector-based career pathways.

This includes the management of local, state, federal, and philanthropic funded programs which totals nearly $13 million dollars. This work requires strategic collaboration with system stakeholders including several County departments, nonprofit partners, and elected officials at the county and city level. This work serves over 2,000 high-risk youth throughout the city, engaging them in positive development activities, and mitigating involvement in other systems.

The position is responsible for the overall management of the Center, supervising and coordinating all Career Center operations, including; ensuring program services and development, adequate staffing and professional development, budgeting, administration, monitoring of Center activities, and marketing services to the public. The Program Manager ensures that all programs and operations support the Local Area mission and are operated by LBWIN Workforce Development Board (WDB) policies, funding agency guidelines, and all laws and regulations. The incumbent is responsible for developing and maintaining ongoing positive relationships within the area/region and various public, private, and non-profit agencies. The position is located at 508 W. Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90806.

The Youth Career Services Supervisor provides comprehensive leadership of all LBWIN Youth Career Center operations, ensuring that programs function as an integrated, human-centered, and data-informed service delivery system. This includes responsibility for:

• Designing and coordinating day-to-day operations, staffing coverage, workflow management, and customer service standards;
• Ensuring high-quality program delivery;
• Leading staff development, coaching, and professional growth;
• Overseeing budgeting, fiscal compliance, procurement, supportive services, and grant requirements;
• Monitoring performance metrics, data integrity, and continuous improvement processes;
• Overseeing facility management, vendor coordination, technology readiness, and resource area operations;
• Marketing programs, conducting outreach, and representing LBWIN across community, education, and employer networks;
• Supporting the integration of youth programming with Citywide strategic initiatives, including the Strategic Plan for Youth & Emerging Adults, Strategic Vision 2030, and the Grow Long Beach Economic Development Blueprint.
  
  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Provide strategic, visionary, and technical leadership for LBWIN’s youth portfolio, ensuring programs are cohesive, aligned with Citywide goals for economic inclusion and youth well-being, and supported by braided funding, strong performance planning, and continuous improvement;
• Design and refine service delivery models rooted in human-centered design, trauma-informed practice, and positive youth development, driving innovation, organizational learning, and responsive strategies that adapt to labor market trends and youth needs;
• Cultivate, manage, and align cross-sector partnerships-including schools, higher education, nonprofits, training providers, City departments, and employers-to strengthen career pathways, public-service talent pipelines, and regional collaboration;
• Represent LBWIN as a trusted convener and City ambassador, facilitating stakeholder alignment, participating in regional and City working groups, and reinforcing transparent, collaborative relationships across the youth-serving ecosystem;
• Provide direct supervision, performance management, and professional development for Youth Career Specialists, peer navigators, administrative staff, and temporary team members, establishing clear expectations, metrics, workflows, and decision-making pathways while reinforcing a culture of timeliness, precision, transparency, accountability, and follow-through;
• Develop a high-performing, mission-aligned youth services team by training staff in strength-based and equity-centered approaches, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and youth development frameworks, and conducting structured case conferencing, documentation reviews, and quality assurance checks to ensure consistency, compliance, and cohesive team culture;
• Oversee full compliance and data integrity for WIOA Youth, California Volunteers, and other funding streams by ensuring 100% audit readiness, maintaining accurate CalJOBS, internal dashboards, and grant reporting tools, and implementing internal data audits, corrective action plans, and continuous improvement cycles;
• Drive performance through rigorous, data-informed management by integrating key metrics (enrollment, credentials, retention, ITA/OJT, supportive services, sector placements) into staff workflows, maintaining regularly updated performance dashboards, and using trend analysis to guide program and operational decisions;
• Serve as the operational lead for all youth payroll functions, overseeing ADP onboarding (youth and employers), timesheet approval workflows, compliance monitoring, troubleshooting, and the accurate, timely processing of wages, stipends, and incentives for all work experiences and internships;
• Coordinate closely with Business Engagement, Business Operations/Fiscal, and program staff to ensure all payroll-related activities adhere to youth wage policies, grant requirements, and compliant financial practices across the youth services portfolio;
• Provide executive oversight of the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center, ensuring it operates as a safe, accessible, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate environment; assign staff roles for resource area coverage, customer flow, facility maintenance and security, technology and supplies, and center calendars, while advancing the City’s goals for youth-friendly and community third spaces;
• Oversee youth program budgeting and resource stewardship by monitoring budgets, developing forecasts and expenditure plans, preparing financial reports, and coordinating with Business Operations, department leadership, and LBWIN leadership on grants, proposals, philanthropic partnerships, and overall responsible use of public funds.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, or closely related field (experience offering specific and substantial preparation of duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis);

AND

• Minimum of four (4) years of recent professional experience working in social services and job training and development programs;
• A Master’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Social Work, or closely related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required professional experience;
• A valid motor vehicle operator’s license may be required for some positions;

AND

• Ability to learn, interpret, retain, and communicate technical and complex information, terminology, policies and procedures related to grant programs and compliance;
• Ability to research and analyze data using a systematic and logical approach;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and procedures;
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, including employers, youth residents, dislocated workers and youth, by consistently exercising tact, good judgment and a proactive, problem-solving focused communication style.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Social Work, or closely related field from an accredited college or university;
• Experience in a Supervisory/management capacity in social service and job training and development programs;
• Proficiency in the use of computers including email, internet, and office productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office);
• Experience in the public sector (e.g., government agency);
• An in-depth knowledge of WIOA programs and regulations and experience implementing and adhering to federal grant guidelines and special revenue resources.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL DEMONSTRATE

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, outstanding people skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and positively with others of diverse backgrounds, opinions, and needs;
• The ability to think quickly and critically, work well under pressure, have good problem-solving skills, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to multitask in an efficient and timely manner;
• Knowledge of industrial and employment conditions within the State;
• Ability to analyze and interpret data related to local employment economic conditions;
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with applicants, employers, community organizations, and the general public;
• Ability to direct staff training in using standard career and employment services techniques and procedures;
• Ability to maximize resources through braided funding, co-enrollment, and strategic partnerships;
• Ability to assess participant needs, and develop appropriate and relevant development, training and placement plans;
• Ability to work within deadlines, manage multiple assignments, and set appropriate priorities.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

HOW TO APPLY:

This recruitment will close at 11:59 PM Pacific Time Wednesday, January 21, 2026. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must submit an online application, applicants must submit a cover letter that reflects the scope and level of your current/most recent positions and responsibilities, resume, and proof of education (if qualifying with a degree and applicable to position) in PDF format. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements, including submission of all required attachments, will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures. The selected candidate may be required to go through a background check and a physical examination prior to appointment. For questions regarding this recruitment, please call (562) 570-6044.

The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act .

The City of Long Beach is committed to maintaining fairness and transparency in our hiring practices. We believe in providing equal opportunities to all applicants and ensuring that every applicant is evaluated based on their qualifications and merit. If you believe that you have been unjustly disqualified based on minimum qualifications for an unclassified job opportunity, you have the right to appeal the decision. Find out more about the Unclassified Applicant Appeal Process by visiting Applicant Appeal Process (longbeach.gov).

The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (562) 570-3693.

In support of the City’s Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.

For technical support with your governmentjobs.com application, please contact (855) 524-5627.

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Medical and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)

• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave

• Deferred Compensation

• Credit Union Membership

• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 1/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$41.53 - $56.49 Hourly