Job Description

ICF seeks an experienced Program Support Specialist to 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, TX. In 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, noncompliance’s 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 driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s 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

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employerTogether, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy toassist All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations. 

Read more about workplace discrimination rightsor our benefit offerings which are included in the  Transparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

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 accommodation that involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.  

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

$55,665.00 - $94,631.00Texas Field Office (TX66)