Program Specialist (Career Opportunity – University of Oklahoma – PEAK)

This position offers a meaningful and rewarding opportunity to support individuals and families in need while building a long-term career path with the University of Oklahoma.

Through hands-on experience, structured training, and ongoing support, this role provides a strong foundation for growth into a full-time, permanent position with OU.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Clear Path to a Permanent OU Career with long-term stability
• Competitive Pay Progression:
  • $17/hour during training
  • $18/hour after successful completion of training (classroom/on the job)
• Structured Training & Ongoing Support
• Potential for Remote Work after training and consistent performance (estimated at 6 months)
• Purpose-Driven Work making a real impact in the community

About the Role

This position is part of OU’s PEAK Temporary Staffing Services, and is designed to provide candidates with the opportunity to gain experience, demonstrate their skills, and transition into permanent university position.

Candidates with 18 months of relevant experience are eligible to apply for permanent positions as they become available.

Training & Work Structure

We provide a 16 week comprehensive, hands-on training program to ensure your success:

• Training begins May 11th, 2026
• All training is conducted on-site at 617 West Rock Creek Road in northwest Norman, OK
• Combination of classroom instruction and real-world application

After completing training and consistently meeting performance expectations, employees may be eligible for remote work.

Reliable transportation to Norman is required during training and the initial work period.

What You’ll Do

As a Program Specialist, you’ll serve as a trusted resource and guide for individuals navigating benefit programs.

In this role, you will:

• Assist clients through multiple service channels including in-person lobby, virtual lobby, and telephone-based support
• Review and process applications for Adult and Family Service benefit programs.
• Conduct eligibility determinations in accordance with federal and state program requirements and policy guidelines
• Gather, verify, and evaluate client provided documentation including income and household composition.
• Conduct intake interviews and eligibility screenings in a professional and responsive manner

Required: High School Diploma or GED; AND:

• 18 months of experience in data analysis, project coordination, or related work

Preferred:

• Case management or customer support experience
• Call Center environment experience

Key Strengths:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a structured, fast-paced environment
• Professionalism and ability to handle confidential information

Skills:

• Flexible team player with a commitment to personal and professional accountability
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and deadlines with attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrate effective critical thinking and decision-making skills based on training and guidelines provided
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to speak, read and write clear, concise English
• Ability to accurately read and understand written materials and instructions
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to work well with all levels of staff in the organization and individuals with multiple barriers.
• Must be able to handle confidential matters in responsible manner.
• Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced intake, education and support center

Work Environment

• On-site work in Norman during training
• Phone and computer-based support role
• Opportunity for remote work after training and demonstrated success

Certifications: None

Advertised Physical/Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to sit and talk for prolonged periods.
• Hand and finger dexterity.
• Engage in repetitive motion of the wrist, hand, and fingers.
• Standard Office Environment.

Build Your Career at OU

This role is an excellent entry point into a stable and rewarding university career. Full-time OU employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• A collaborative and supportive workplace culture

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

Program Specialist (Career Opportunity – University of Oklahoma – PEAK)This position offers a meaningful and rewarding opportunity to support individuals and families in need while building a longterm career path with the University of Oklahoma. Through handson experience, structured training, and ongoing support, this role provides a strong foundation for growth into a fulltime, permanent position with OU. Why This Role Stands Out. Clear Path to a Permanent OU Career with longterm stability. Competitive Pay Progression:$17/hour during training$18/hour after successful completion of training (classroom/on the job)Structured Training & Ongoing Support. Potential for Remote Work after training and consistent performance (estimated at 6 months)Purpose. Driven Work making a real impact in the community. About the Role. This position is part of OU’s PEAK Temporary Staffing Services, and is designed to provide candidates with the opportunity to gain experience, demonstrate their skills, and transition into permanent university position. Candidates with 18 months of relevant experience are eligible to apply for permanent positions as they become available. Training & Work Structure. We provide a 16 week comprehensive, handson training program to ensure your success:Training begins May 11th, 2026 All training is conducted onsite at 617 West Rock Creek Road in northwest Norman, OK Combination of classroom instruction and realworld application. After completing training and consistently meeting performance expectations, employees may be eligible for remote work. Reliable transportation to Norman is required during training and the initial work period. What You’ll Do. As a Program Specialist, you’ll serve as a trusted resource and guide for individuals navigating benefit programs. In this role, you will:Assist clients through multiple service channels including inperson lobby, virtual lobby, and telephonebased support. Review and process applications for Adult and Family Service benefit programs. Conduct eligibility determinations in accordance with federal and state program requirements and policy guidelines. Gather, verify, and evaluate client provided documentation including income and household composition. Conduct intake interviews and eligibility screenings in a professional and responsive manner. Required: High School Diploma or GED; AND:18 months of experience in data analysis, project coordination, or related work. Preferred:Case management or customer support experience. Call Center environment experience. Key Strengths:Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities. Critical thinking and problemsolving skills. Ability to work in a structured, fastpaced environment. Professionalism and ability to handle confidential information. Skills:Flexible team player with a commitment to personal and professional accountability. Ability to balance multiple tasks and deadlines with attention to detail and accuracy. Demonstrate effective critical thinking and decisionmaking skills based on training and guidelines provided. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to speak, read and write clear, concise English. Ability to accurately read and understand written materials and instructions. Ability to interpret and apply federal and state regulations and guidelines. Ability to work well with all levels of staff in the organization and individuals with multiple barriers. Must be able to handle confidential matters in responsible manner. Ability to work comfortably in a fastpaced intake, education and support center. Work Environment. Onsite work in Norman during training. Phone and computerbased support role. Opportunity for remote work after training and demonstrated success. Certifications: None. Advertised Physical/ Environmental Requirements:Ability to sit and talk for prolonged periods. Hand and finger dexterity. Engage in repetitive motion of the wrist, hand, and fingers. Standard Office Environment. Build Your Career at OU This role is an excellent entry point into a stable and rewarding university career. Fulltime OU employees enjoy:Comprehensive health and retirement benefits. Paid time off and holidays. Career development and advancement opportunities. A collaborative and supportive workplace culture. Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma. The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement. The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

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