Head Start Program Support Specialist

The Program Support Specialist provides programmatic administrative and analytical support to the Office of Head Start (OHS) Regional and Central Offices under the National Customer Service Improvement Project (CSIP). This role supports grants management oversight monitoring and data-driven program administration activities for Head Start Early Head Start and Early Head StartChild Care Partnership grants.

The Program Support Specialist works under the guidance of the Lead Program Specialist and Project Manager to ensure accurate timely and compliant execution of grant-related tasks and contributes to improving the effectiveness and consistency of Head Start program oversight.

Primary Responsibilities:

Support review analysis and documentation of Head Start and Early Head Start grant applications supplemental funding requests budget modifications waiver requests and post-award activities.

Assist in reviewing applications for completeness compliance and adherence to federal regulations and OHS policies.

Document analyses recommendations and communications in appropriate federal information systems including HSES andGrantSolutions.

Support preparation of funding recommendations summaries and grant-related correspondence as directed.

Support ongoing grant oversight activities including review of enrollment data performance reports monitoring findings corrective action plans and recipient correspondence.

Assist with identification and documentation of potential programmatic or compliance issues and support follow-up activities.

Contribute to pre-review planning monitoring preparation and post-review documentation activities.

Assist in development of accurate policy-aligned guidance and technical assistance materials.

Assist with data collection aggregation and basic analysis to support grant oversight reporting and decision-making.

Assist with completion of required documentation related to grant requests monitoring activities and administrative actions.

Contribute to national initiatives ad hoc program support.

RequiredQualifications:

• Bachelors degree in early childhood education human services public administration or a related field from an accredited institution.
• 2years of progressively responsible professional experience supporting early childhood programs preferably Head Start or Early Head Start.
• 1 years of experience utilizing web-based data management or tracking systems to support program or administrative functions.
• 1 years of expertise in at least 1 of the following areas:federal monitoring of early childhood programs with a preference of experience in measuring the performance progress compliance and accountability of Head Start programs fiscal management of early childhood programs with a preference of experience or training in federal interest fiscal reporting in-kind contributions cost allocation budgeting and/or internal controls for Head Start programs facilities and/or early childhood learning environments with a preference of experience in designing purchasing constructing renovating and/or maintaining facilities that operate Head Start programs child health and safety with a preference for experience in addressing sensitive subject matter such as child abuse and neglect full Enrollment Initiative (FEI) and changes in scope (CiS) with a preference for expertise in budget analysis.
• Ability to travel up to 25%
• US government issued security clearance required (will be initiated upon hire)
• Valid drivers license and ability to pass an MVR check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of early childhood programs and federal grants processes preferred.
• Strong organizational analytical and attention-to-detail skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative tools.

At ICF we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.