Out-of-School time (OST) Program Specialist

Full Job Description

Colorado Department of Education – What We Do
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute.

As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data.

CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance.

CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally. If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do.

Why Work For CDE
The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice!
The following is a summary of the benefits we offer:

• Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment.
• Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible.
• Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals
• Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org
• Employer-paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply)
• Paid professional development opportunities

A wide salary range is posted for this position and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority as compared to others doing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Requirements

Work Environment:
This position is Full-time, federally funded (funding is expected to continue indefinitely unless otherwise indicated in this posting), and is Hybrid (Remote/Home Office with a requirement to report to Work location per business needs).

• 20% Travel required within the State of Colorado for Meetings/Trainings and visiting grantees' sites, including overnight trips within the State of Colorado
• Opportunities for out-of-state travel may be available for conferences
• Office hours are typically Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm.
  • Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs.
  • Occasional Travel for in-person meetings/trainings, including overnight travel, required within the State of Colorado across all borders
  • A Remote (Home) office is required
  • Required to report to the work location per business needs

  Essential Functions (ADAAA)LIGHT/Office environment - Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs.

  of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands exceed those of Sedentary work.

  Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree (while traveling or providing technical assistance).

• Required to report to the work location per business needs
  • DL Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.
    

Position Summary:
In this role, you will support the ongoing quality and compliance of a portfolio of out-of-school time programs funded through the Colorado Department of Education as a member of the Office of Student Support. You will work directly with program directors across the state to help them navigate grant requirements and ensure high-quality programming for students and families. Additional responsibilities include designing and delivering statewide trainings and professional development opportunities, collecting and evaluating program data, conducting on-site program monitoring and support visits, and helping drive program effectiveness and innovation at the state and local levels.

The Office of Student Support (OSS) at the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) works to support access and opportunity for students and their families/caregivers so students are healthy, safe, supported, and engaged in their schools and communities. Part of the Student Pathways and Engagement Unit (SPEU), OSS implements policies and programs across Colorado using a “whole Student,” “whole family,” and “whole community” approach, coordinating wraparound services that address academic, social-emotional, and family needs. An area OSS focuses on is Out-of-School Time (OST) programming, such as before and after school, fifth-day and summer opportunities for students. Annually, these programs serve thousands of students across Colorado, helping them engage in productive OST activities that support academic and personal growth. Additionally, these programs support working families by providing students with productive academic and enrichment opportunities while parents/caregivers are at work.

The OST Program Specialist plays a key role in managing and coordinating state and federally funded grants supporting this type of programming. This role assists with the implementation and ongoing administration of OST programs supported through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program (Title IV, Part B of ESEA) and other funding sources. The position will serve as the lead program contact for up to 30 grantees, attend and contribute to OST team meetings, support policy development, and program evaluation. Responsibilities also include grantee support by preparing, coordinating, and implementing professional development as well as providing advanced technical assistance to grantees from Request for Application (RFA) release through grant conclusion. The specialist works in conjunction with the Director of the OSS, the OST Program Manager, the OST program team, CDE’s Grants Fiscal team, research and evaluation staff, and the program assistant.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a lead specialist for, and team member of, the OST team in OSS, which includes but is not limited to 21st CCLC grants.

• Manage and administer OST grant programs, serving as a primary contact for a portfolio of OST grantees and supporting grantees through the coordination and implementation of trainings, technical assistance, and program evaluation.

• Assist in developing tools and other resources to increase the capacity of OST programs.

• Monitor grantees for federal compliance, including assessment of progress toward state and federal performance measures and other aspects of grant applications.

• Coordinate and conduct timely review of grant budgets and other required reports, specific to 21st CCLC and other OST funding requirements.

• Assist in developing state policies that coincide with federal guidelines related to grant programs. Conduct regular site visits to assigned OST programs around the state to effectively assess and support program quality and compliance.

• Effectively provide feedback to school, district and community-based organization leaders and program directors related to program quality and compliance with courtesy and professionalism.

• Ensure accurate collection, evaluation, monitoring and processing of evaluations through data collection systems and monitoring visits.

• Prepare for and present at meetings pertaining to OST programs such as grantee orientations, trainings, networking days, etc.

• Assist with the management and communication with CDE staff about OST programs as requested by the OST Manager and OSS Director.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in the fields of education or a related field, such as social work, psychology, counseling, and sociology, with emphasis in youth development or a related field;
• AND at least Two (2) years of experience in grant management and coordination, including, but not limited to, administration, budgeting, data analysis related to performance progress, evaluation, and reporting to funding agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS:
Qualifications for Success in the Position:

• Knowledge of grant management methods including implementation with fidelity of approved plans, program development to achieve performance goals and outcomes, data analysis and evaluation, monitoring, reporting to funder and budget management.
• Knowledge of the K-12 school system in regard to best practices for OST programs.
• Demonstrated presentation, training and facilitation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to:
  • Give and receive feedback in a professional and effective manner.
  • Comprehend and apply state and federal statutory language and regulatory and non-regulatory guidance to situational contexts for ensuring compliance with the law.
  • Manage time and priorities under deadline-driven workloads and work independently with minimum supervision.
  • Use logic and reason to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (e.g. school districts, other CDE units).
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work.
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as on a team.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Conditions of Employment (Required):

• Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check.
• Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (20%).
• Work extended schedule per business needs.
• Report to work location per business needs.
• Valid Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.
  
• Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through federal funds and subject to availability.

Additional Information

Complete Applications must include:

• Completed Online Application: Required - Submitted through our ATS.
• Cover Letter: Required - Attached to the application
• Resume: Required - Attached to the application
• Transcript: Required - Verification for the Degree

FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO:

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately.

Email Address:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, a medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to hr@cde.state.co.us.