Head Start Program Support Specialist ( OHS West Region) - Remote

ICF Olson; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF seeks a Program Support Specialist to provide programmatic, administrative, and analytical support to the Office of Head Start under the CSIP project. You will help with grants management, oversight, monitoring, and data-driven administration for Head Start programs.

Under supervision, you will ensure timely, compliant grant-related tasks and contribute to improving Head Start program oversight nationwide. A strong background in federal grants and data systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or a related field.
• 2+ years of progressively responsible experience supporting early childhood programs, preferably Head Start.
• 1+ years of experience utilizing web-based data management or tracking systems.
• Experience in at least one area: federal monitoring, fiscal management, budgeting, or internal controls for Head Start.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% and ability to obtain a US government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support review, analysis, and documentation of grant applications and budget modifications.
• Assist in ensuring completeness and compliance with regulations and policies.
• Document analyses and communications in federal systems (HSES, GrantSolutions).
• Prepare funding recommendations, summaries, and grant-related correspondence.
• Support grant oversight activities including monitoring findings and action plans.
• Identify and document potential programmatic or compliance issues for follow-up.
• Contribute to planning, monitoring, and post-review documentation.
• Assist in developing policy-aligned guidance and TA materials.
• Aid data collection and basic analysis for grant oversight and reporting.
• Complete documentation related to grant requests and monitoring activities.
• Contribute to national initiatives and ad hoc program support.

Skills

Grant oversight

Federal program monitoring

Data management systems

Security clearance readiness

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree (early childhood education / related field)

Tools

GrantSolutions

HSES

Job description

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 Start-Child 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 and GrantSolutions.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• 2+ years 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 driver's license and ability to pass an MVR check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of early childhood programs and federal grants processes preferred.
• Strong organisational, 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.

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: $73,770.00 - $125,408.00 California Remote Office (CA99)

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

Reasonable Accommodations

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. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

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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 or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

About ICF

ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.