Job Abstract

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 Philadelphia, PA. 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

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring regardless of any protected characteristic, such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status, or military/veteran status. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO & AA policy.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please email icfcareercenter@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about workplace discrimination rights, the Pay Transparency Statement, or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

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 is: