Head Start Program Support Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Deliver programmatic, administrative, and analytical assistance to the OHS Regional and Central Offices as part of the National Customer Service Improvement Project.

• Assist in grants management, oversight, monitoring, and data-informed program administration for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership grants.

• Evaluate, analyze, and document grant proposals, supplemental funding requests, budget adjustments, waiver applications, and post-award processes.

• Assess applications for thoroughness, compliance with federal regulations, and adherence to OHS policies.

• Record analyses, recommendations, and communications within HSES and GrantSolutions.

• Generate funding recommendations, summaries, and correspondence related to grants.

• Analyze enrollment data, performance reports, monitoring results, corrective action plans, and communications from recipients.

• Identify and document potential programmatic or compliance challenges and assist with follow-up actions.

• Participate in pre-review planning, monitoring preparations, and post-review documentation efforts.

• Create guidance and technical assistance materials that align with policy.

• Gather, aggregate, and conduct basic analysis of data for grant oversight, reporting, and decision-making purposes.

• Complete documentation for grant applications, monitoring processes, and administrative tasks.

• Contribute to national initiatives and provide ad hoc program support.

• Operate under the supervision of the Lead Program Specialist and Project Manager.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.

• More than 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience in supporting early childhood programs, preferably Head Start or Early Head Start.

• At least 1 year of experience using web-based data management or tracking systems to facilitate program or administrative functions.

• A minimum of 1 year of expertise in one of the following areas: federal monitoring of early childhood programs; financial management of early childhood programs; facilities and/or early childhood learning environments; child health and safety; Full Enrollment Initiative (FEI) and changes in scope (CiS).

• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

• US government-issued security clearance is mandatory; clearance will be initiated upon hiring.

• Valid driver’s license and capability to pass an MVR check.

• Preferred working knowledge of early childhood programs and federal grant processes.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and detail-oriented skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

• Capacity to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaborative tools.

🏝️ Benefits

• Equal opportunity employment.

• Reasonable accommodations for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs.

• Confidential support for accommodations.

• Opportunities for employee expertise sharing and collaboration to achieve personal and professional aspirations.