BCT Partners - Seattle, WA
posted 4 days ago
About the position
BCT is a management consulting firm that tackles complex social problems through data analytics, equity-centered solutions and program management. We believe complex issues are best solved through collaboration. As a result, we employ a multidisciplinary approach that combines domain expertise, research, evaluation, technology, organizational development, and a passion for change. This is a hybrid role that requires working two days per week in the regional office located in downtown Seattle, with the remaining time spent working remotely. Program Support Specialists perform functions related to the award, oversight and programmatic administration of discretionary grants funded through the Office of Head Start (OHS). These functions provide necessary support to the client's staff in managing Head Start and Early Head Start grant programs. They include the review and analysis of applications, reports and other documents; providing accurate and timely guidance to recipients; and conducting site visits. Program Support Specialists also support Head Start recipients in improving their performance, which includes performing activities related to identifying and mitigating recipient risk factors, compliance issue corrections, and school readiness & program goal analyses. Program Support Specialists must be able to effectively communicate in writing and speaking with client staff, external partners and contracts, Head Start program governing bodies and executive management.
Responsibilities
- The accurate and timely analysis and review of funding applications according to established Regional Office timeframes and procedures.
- Review and analysis of recipient program performance reports, Incident reports and complaints, information, and indicators.
- Provision of accurate and timely regulatory and policy guidance to Head Start recipients, in consultation with federal staff.
- Coordinate and incorporate Regional Management (RPM & SPS), TTA (Training & Technical Assistance), and Grants Specialist staff on all recipient case work.
- Review and analysis of recipient waiver requests.
- Review and analysis of applications for facility construction, purchase and major renovation.
- Participate in all required Regional meetings and conferences. Complete all required HHS and BCT Trainings.
- Conduct monthly calls with recipients and Regional Grants Specialists covering various topics.
- Assist recipients with knowledge and understanding of HSES (Head Start Enterprise System).
- Process requests such as Annual Continuations, Key Hires, Waivers, Change of Scopes, COLA/Quality, Deviations, Carry-Overs, Incremental Funding, Slot Reductions & Budget Revisions.
- Conduct annual site visits to recipients as part of the five-year monitoring cycle for grant oversight according to Regional Office protocols.
- Activities related to the identification and mitigation of recipient risk factors, correction of regulatory compliance issues, review and analysis of school readiness and programmatic goals; and improvement of Head Start recipient performance.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in education, early childhood education, program design and management or related fields; master's degree a plus.
- At least 3 years of relevant progressive professional experience supporting and/or managing programs; preferably early education programs, though Head Start and Early Head Start experience is not required; grants management experience also a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to aggregate, analyze and present data gathered from multiple sources.
- Knowledge of the federal grant guidelines and the Federal Grant Life Cycle are desired.
- Strong organizational, administrative and project coordination skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to collaborate and build relationships with staff, clients, remote colleagues and supervisors, and others.
- Proven ability to effectively communicate (both verbally and orally), exercise sound judgment, ask questions and be open to the input and decisions of others.
- Able to, both independently and collaboratively, solve problems, make decisions and support change.
- Computer, Internet and general proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word and PowerPoint; demonstrated proficiency in utilizing a variety of web-based and off-the-shelf data management software packages.
Benefits
- Heavily subsidized medical, dental and vision coverage.
- Fully vested 401k plan with company match.
- Company paid life and disability insurance plans.
- Strong work-life balance/time-off structure.
