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

Role Summary

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.

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.

Requirements

• 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 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.
• #Indeed
• #HSCSIP
• Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact for assistance.

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 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  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 . 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:

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

About the Company

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About On-Call Employment with ICF

Due to the seasonal or project-specific nature of our disaster and emergency management work, ICF hires professionals as "On-Call" employees. On-Call employees are scheduled for work as it becomes available, with the freedom to accept or decline assignments. Individuals may work on concurrent projects outside of their ICF assignments, provided there is no conflict of interest.

For many professionals, this model provides the opportunity to contribute to meaningful disaster recovery efforts while maintaining flexibility and pursuing other professional interests.

Please provide an updated resume that highlights experience relevant to the qualifications listed below, including construction, estimating, disaster recovery, FEMA Public Assistance, infrastructure assessment, and related technical expertise, where applicable.

Support communities during some of their most critical moments of recovery.

Apply your expertise to meaningful, real-world challenges.

Gain experience across a variety of disaster recovery programs and geographies.

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Enjoy the flexibility of on-call employment while remaining connected to impactful work.