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Program Support Specialist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Technical Support Specialist

Portland, MI · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking Tier 1 Support Specialists in our Portland, MI Midwest Regional office. The ... ESS does not participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT extension programs ...

Showing results 41-60

Program Support Specialist information

See Michigan salary details

$23.5K

$59.3K

$105.9K

How much do program support specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for program support specialist in Michigan is $59,279.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a program support specialist do?

A program support specialist assists the program director with administrative tasks. As a program support specialist, your job duties may include typing up documents, sending emails, answering phones, and organizing paperwork. You find program support specialists in many different industries. There are no formal education requirements to become a program support specialist, but employers may prefer candidates with experience in clerical positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program support specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Support Specialist, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in administrative tasks, often supported by an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and database systems is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to multitask help someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for efficiently supporting programs, ensuring smooth operations, and enabling teams to meet their objectives.

What is the difference between Program Support Specialist vs Program Coordinator?

AspectProgram Support SpecialistProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically an associate's or bachelor's degree; certifications like CAP or PMP are commonUsually a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAP or PMP may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, government agencies, nonprofit organizationsOffice environments, community programs, nonprofit and government sectors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across government, nonprofit, and educational sectors for administrative support rolesCommonly found in similar sectors, focusing on program implementation and coordination
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare for administrative and support roles within programsPeople compare for roles involving program planning and management

The main difference is that Program Support Specialists focus on administrative and logistical support tasks, while Program Coordinators are more involved in planning, executing, and overseeing program activities. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What is a program support specialist?

Program Support Specialists are professionals who provide administrative and operational support to programs within organizations. They assist with tasks such as scheduling, data entry, record-keeping, communication with stakeholders, and coordinating program activities. Their role is essential for ensuring that programs run smoothly and efficiently, often acting as a bridge between management, staff, and participants. Program Support Specialists may work in various sectors, including education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by program support specialists and how can they be addressed?

Program Support Specialists often juggle multiple tasks and deadlines, such as coordinating schedules, managing documentation, and supporting communication across teams. A common challenge is balancing these responsibilities while ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. To address this, strong organizational skills, effective time management, and proactive communication are essential. Utilizing project management tools and regularly checking in with team members can also help streamline workflows and reduce the risk of overlooked tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Program Support Specialist jobs in Michigan?

For Program Support Specialist jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Program Support Specialist jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Program Support Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Support Specialist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,279 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Technical Support Specialist

ESS Education

Portland, MI • On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

At ESS our motto is, “Every day counts!” We take opportunities every day to grow and better our company as well as our employees.


OVERVIEW: We are seeking Tier 1 Support Specialists in our Portland, MI Midwest Regional office. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing exceptional service, telephone, chat and email support to our partnering school districts and our employees assigned to those districts. The rapid growth and expansion of our business is causing a need for a new generation of Support Specialists to provide world-class services to our clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Answer incoming calls, support emails, and live chats with professionalism; triage client and employee inquiries with minimal supervision to provide solutions, escalate to Tier 2, or pass to correct department in a timely manner.
  • Updating and manipulating data in willSub®.
  • Manage inbound feature requests, identify business needs and support.
  • Demonstrate functional skill to take ownership, troubleshoot and resolve low level support requests in a single customer interaction to maximize customer experience in an organized and efficient manner.
  • Escalate complex support requests to Tier 2, to ensure timely resolution.
  • Compiling reports for designated client contacts.
  • Manage support tickets proficiently by assessing ticket priority and escalating as necessary through proper channels.
  • Deliver informal training to customers and fellow employees.
  • Assist in the design and development of curriculums & training modules/courses.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A minimum of 1-year customer service, software support or high-volume call center experience preferred
  • Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
  • Demonstrate a high level of accuracy in data entry
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work individually and in a team environment
  • Ability to multi-task and perform effectively under pressure
  • Ability to prioritize and organize workflow
  • Must be a self-starter and seek understanding of our systems, as well as any new features or updates as they are released
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced setting with attention to detail and follow-up

ESS ADVANTAGES:

  • Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
  • 401(k)
  • Nine paid holidays
  • PTO
  • Opportunity for growth

About ESS & Employment Information

ESS specializes in placing qualified K–12 personnel in daily, long-term, and permanent school district positions, including substitute teachers, aides, and other school support staff. With more than 900 school district partners nationwide, ESS supports over 5.5 million students each day. Since 2000, ESS has helped improve student achievement while providing meaningful opportunities for passionate educators through flexible schedules, comprehensive training, benefits, and ongoing professional development. Learn more at ESS.com.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment: Physical requirements may vary by assignment and location and may include sitting, standing, walking, and regular use of hands and arms. Close vision may be required for computer and detail-oriented work. Work is typically performed in a moderate-noise environment, such as an office or school setting.

Equal Opportunity & Employment Eligibility: ESS is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where all employees can succeed. ESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and E-Verify employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. ESS does not participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT extension programs and is unable to employ individuals whose work authorization is based solely on OPT or STEM OPT.

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