Those candidates who possess a PERMANENT Associate Contract Specialist title are strongly encouraged to apply.

The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) invests in a network of community-based organizations and programs to alleviate the effects of poverty and to provide opportunities for New Yorkers and communities to flourish. The Workforce Connect division manages a portfolio of programs that seek to expand opportunities for New York City’s young people through workforce development programs that help youth ages 14 to 24 gain work experience, acquire necessary work readiness skills and further their education. These programs serve over 100,000 youth annually and include offerings for youth in school and youth not currently in school or working. DYCD funds a network of community partner organizations to deliver youth workforce development programs across the City. The Workforce Connect division is seeking a Validation Specialist to join the Central Validation and Reporting Unit, part of the Policy, Integration and Operations team. The Validation Specialist plays a key role in determining eligibility for Workforce Connect programs by using DYCD data systems, as well as validating program outcomes. The Validation Specialist will work closely with their assigned community partner organization staff as well as CVU colleagues to provide technical assistance and ensure data quality. Key tasks include:
- Becoming expert and providing training and technical assistance as needed to community partner organizations on DYCD’s web-based data systems, including DiscoverDYCD and DYCDConnect, as well as on DYCD and CVU’s protocols.
- Becoming expert in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other Workforce Connect program eligibility and outcome rules
- Provide technical assistance to internal and external staff to reinforce data reporting compliance and system user awareness, including ensuring that strong safeguards are in place to prevent disclosure of confidential applicant data to unauthorized parties.
- Ensure prompt and courteous response to internal and external inquiries and concerns, and the provision of accurate information.
- Provide training workshops to contractor staff with varying levels of experience and comfort with workforce development program eligibility and outcome requirements.
- Assist with data analysis and quality assurance for internal and external audits.
- Analyze and evaluate program data in DYCD’s web-based program management systems, contract performance reports, agency audits, and fiscal documents to ensure contract compliance.
- Participate in and contribute to Agency workgroups and inform the Senior Director of policies and administrative practice changes.
- Prepare reports and carry out special assignments, tasks, and projects as assigned by the unit Director, Senior Director, and Assistant Commissioner.
- Maintain Unit policy manuals, rubrics for performance indicators, and related documentation, updating as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of full-time satisfactory professional, technical or administrative experience in one or more of the following fields: program evaluation, contract negotiations/management, fiscal/financial management, or project management; or
2. A four year high school diploma, or its educational equivalent, and six years of full-time, satisfactory professional, technical or administrative work experience in one or more of the fields cited above; or
3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. College credits obtained from an accredited college may be substituted for experience on the basis of 30 college semester credits for one year of experience as described in "1" above.
However, all candidate must have at least a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and at least two years of full-time experience as described in "1" above.

- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. - Comfortable relaying complex information to contractor staff. - Highly organized, strong attention to detail and solution oriented. - Exceptional customer service skills. - Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. - Working knowledge of Citywide Application Systems, WIOA programs, Data Management and regulations. - Knowledge of NYC government and systems. - Experience with data entry and querying large datasets a plus. - Ability to clearly synthesize, adjust and present data tailored for a variety of target audiences.

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

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 https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

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.