NY SCION Program Manager

JOB TITLE: One (1) Program Manager / Program Manager Associate. Agency Description The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building a fairer economy in neighborhoods across the five boroughs. Division Description The Division of Citywide Workforce Opportunity (CWO) at the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) serves over 90,000 jobseekers and 900 employers each year through its employment and training programs. CWO oversees a network of 18 Workforce1 (WF1) career centers operated in all five boroughs and manages three dozen training programs in areas such as tech, health care, and construction, offered in collaboration with higher education institutions and non‑profit training providers. CWO serves two core constituencies: jobseekers—primarily underserved populations who can receive career services and free training—and employers—through targeted recruitment services that connect qualified candidates with hiring opportunities. Job Description NY SCION was launched in 2022 by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to improve and expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout New York State. The City of New York’s implementation of NY SCION is a multi‑agency initiative involving the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, the Mayor’s Office for Talent and Workforce Development, the NYC Workforce Development Board, and NYC Department of Small Business Services. The Program Manager / Program Manager Associate acts as a disability resource coordinator at Workforce1 Career Centers, organizing community activities, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring provision of direct services. The role enhances employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities by improving access to a suite of career services. Core responsibilities include travel throughout all five boroughs and maintaining office hours at Workforce1 Career Centers to educate, train, and observe implementation of training in practice. The Program Manager/Associate is required to hold a Work Incentive Practitioner‑Credential to provide benefits advisement and work incentive counseling to job seekers receiving Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits such as SSDI and SSI. Key Activities Expand access to career center services. Facilitate trainings for staff, customers, employers and community partners, fostering partnerships and collaborations. Ensure Workforce1 Career Centers enhance employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Essential Responsibilities Provide disability‑related trainings (DASI, best practices for outreach, accessible job postings, etc.) to Workforce1 and NYSDOL center staff approximately four times per month. Assist in training and guiding the internal SBS team and CWO Division. Identify skill gaps, performance issues, and learning needs through surveys, interviews, and data analysis. Design training lesson plans and learning materials aligned with goals and adult‑learning principles. Deliver engaging in‑person or virtual training sessions using interactive methods and real‑world application exercises. Schedule sessions, manage registration, prepare materials, coordinate technology, and ensure smooth execution of all training activities. Provide Disability Etiquette and Awareness Training to community partners. Provide training on benefits of hiring people with disabilities to businesses. Review and analyze best practices for accessibility in job training. Provide background training to center staff about the Ticket to Work program supporting career development for individuals receiving disability benefits. Implement an accessibility plan—including physical, programmatic, communication, and digital accessibility—to ensure universal access at Workforce1 Career Centers. Conduct reviews of accessibility in sector‑based training cohorts and recommend improvements. Present recommendations to SBS leadership and guide adoption timelines. Hold quarterly Talent Coalition meetings to coordinate services among Workforce1 and partners. Design and iterate new outreach and marketing approaches for customers and individuals with disabilities. Launch regular reviews of reports on NY SCION initiative impact. Increase capacity of Workforce1 Career Centers and surrounding programs to serve individuals with disabilities. Travel throughout all boroughs and maintain office hours at centers. Identify and leverage disability‑related resources and partners (e.g., NYSED Adult Career and Continuing Education Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Office of Children and Family Services). Advise the workforce development system on promoting participation of individuals with disabilities in existing pathways. Assist and train Local Workforce Development Board, center staff, businesses, community colleges, and other providers on ADA, Ticket to Work, accommodations, assistive technology, and assessments. Coordinate with career pathway staff, including career coaches. Recruit individuals with disabilities, including Ticket Holders, to participate in career pathway programs and ensure access to Workforce1 services. Identify career, training, and employment opportunities using assessments. Facilitate resource‑leverage strategies to enable full participation in pathway programs and achievement of employment or training goals. Support development of a sustainability plan and strategies that continue successful components beyond the funding period. Additional Information This position may be eligible for remote work up to two days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program agreed to between the City and DC37. Minimum Qualifications 1–2 years of full‑time relevant experience in program management, workforce development, or community programs supporting individuals with disabilities (Program Manager Associate). 3+ years of full‑time relevant experience (Program Manager). All applicants must have a baccalaureate degree or high‑school graduation with equivalent experience, as described in the qualification levels, and at least one year of experience as outlined in requirement 1. Preferred Skills Strong belief in the ability of individuals with disabilities to work in their communities. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and policies related to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination of individuals with disabilities. Background in sustainability, customized and supported employment, intersectionality, and person‑centered planning. Understanding of local community agencies, service providers, stakeholders, and disability‑related resources, plus program management experience in sustainability, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement. Ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders, including business leaders and workforce development staff. Proven written and oral communication skills. Deep understanding of job‑search strategies and experience teaching these skills to diverse job seekers. Strong digital literacy and proficiency in leading remote meetings. Public Service Loan Forgiveness As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at Residency Requirement New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. Certain titles that have worked for the City for two continuous years may also be eligible to reside in select surrounding counties. Discuss residence requirements with an agency representative during the interview. Equal Employment Opportunity The City of New York is an inclusive equal‑opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. #J-18808-Ljbffr