Head Start Program Support Specialist- Region VI

ICF seeks an experiencedProgram Support Specialistto provide ongoing prompt and accurate programmatic assistance to Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) grantees and will support Federal staff with high quality grants management services.

This position is based at the Regions Federal Office in Dallas this role there might be up to 25% travel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Initiate frequent and ongoing communication with assigned grantees regarding grant applications program status and activities and overall HS grant-funded operations.
• Ensure grantees receive pertinent information from Office of Head Start (OHS) including Information Memorandums Program Instructions and OHS announcements regarding initiatives priorities and quality expectations.
• Provide ongoing assistance to grantees by facilitating the interpretation and understanding of Federal HS Program Performance Standards.
• Provide consistent oversight and support to grantees to ensure full compliance with all Federal regulations.
• Maintain detailed and complete official electronic grant files records pertaining to the receipt and tracking of grant applications and the grant review process including negotiations and any post-award change requests.
• Participate in onsite monitoring visits including follow ups and desk reviews as part of the monitoring review process.
• Participate in onsite yearly grantee visits as scheduled by the Regional Office.
• Review programmatic status reports Program Information Report (PIR) data monitoring data monitor review findings and work with programs to resolve any issues noncompliances or deficiencies.
• Utilize the Grant Solutions and Head Start Enterprise (HSES) as needed.
• Provide ongoing support to grantees including working in partnership with the Regions TA System to ensure grantees receive the necessary support.
• Participate in seminars and special training events or other activities as requested by OHS.
• Must have valid drivers license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelors degree in Education Early Childhood Education Child Development Program Design and Management or related field.
• 5 years of experience providing program support or management.
• 1 year of experience with program and data analysis.
• 1 year of strong knowledge and experience with Head Start Performance Standards all applicable federal state and local laws rules and regulations child development and program operations.
• 1 year of experience providing ongoing monitoring support to grant-funded programs.
• Proficient computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel required.

Preferred Experience/Skills:

• Experience working within a Head Start Program.
• Experience using Smartsheet project management tool.
• Experience in a lead capacity

Professional Skills:

• Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong team player with the ability to collaborate and work closely with Regional Office staff and other partners.
• Ability to be flexible multi-task prioritize and manage multiple activities simultaneously in a fast-paced changing environment.
• Excellent verbal oral interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to exercise good judgment discretion tact and diplomacy.

Working at ICF

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position including but not limited to relevant work experience skills certifications and competencies that align to the specified role geographic location education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: