Federal and Student Programs Specialist

Position Summary - The Federal and Student Programs Specialist manages the district's federal and state grant programs and supports key student services operations. Partnering with the Assistant Superintendent for Learning, the Specialist ensures timely, accurate, and compliant administration of programs such as Title, Perkins, and ESSER. In partnership with the Director of Learning Support Services, the Specialist supports student services, supports the district's Homeless Liaison, coordinates VICC and students in transition, oversees long-term suspension hearings, and manages student enrollment and residency verification.

Federal and State Programs:

In partnership with the Assistant Superintendent for Learning, the Specialist:

- Prepares an annual report for the Board of Education summarizing federal and state programs

- Provides current updates on federal and state projects to the Assistant Superintendent for Learning and principals as requested

- Plans with the Assistant Superintendent for Learning and principals on the use of funds available to schools through federal and state programs

- Serves as the federal and state programs liaison with nonpublic schools and community partners

- Monitors and tracks expenditures of state and federally funded projects for accuracy and compliance

- Participates in annual budget development for state and federal programs

- Stays current on all guidelines, requirements, and procedures for submitting state and federal projects

- Completes all applications and reports promptly for federal and state grants, including Title programs, Perkins, and ESSER

- Attends federal and state program training institutes as needed or recommended

- Collaborates and communicates effectively with the Human Resources and Finance departments on federal and state programming

Student Programs and Services:

In partnership with the Director of Learning Support Services, the Specialist:

- Performs administrative tasks to monitor and assist with Support Services for Students programs (school nurses, guidance counselors, and social workers) and Summer School, including but not limited to paying invoices and ordering supplies.

- Works with outside agencies to provide needed support to students in traditional school programs, students in alternative learning programs, and families in transition

- Supports discipline procedures, such as long-term suspension hearings and appeals, and record keeping

- Supports the work of the district Homeless Liaison under the McKinney-Vento Act, including responding to calls and correspondence about available programs and services

- Supports the English Language Learners (ELL) program by coordinating assessment materials and logistics and ordering necessary resources for program staff

- Serves as liaison with outside agencies and the 22 VICC partner districts to coordinate transportation for VICC students and students in transition

- Supports liaison with outside agencies and the 22 VICC partner districts to coordinate transportation for VICC students and students in transition

- Creates and maintains monitoring tools for due dates and deadlines for VICC families and families in transition

- Performs enrollment activities for new and returning students, ensuring compliance with district, state, and federal requirements

- Requests student records and verifies residency to comply with established requirements

Other Duties - Performs other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent for Learning or the Director of Learning Support Services

Qualifications:

Required:

- Bachelor's degree in education, public administration, business, social work, or a related field required

Preferred:

- At least three years of experience in grants management, school administration, or student services

- Working knowledge of federal and state education programs (ESSA Title programs, Perkins, ESSER) and related fiscal and compliance requirements

- Working knowledge of McKinney-Vento, FERPA, and student enrollment and residency requirements

- Experience with Missouri DESE grant systems and reporting

- Experience with the VICC program or interdistrict transportation coordination

- Experience with student discipline hearings or due process procedures

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

- Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines

- Ability to track budgets and expenditures accurately using spreadsheets and district financial systems

- Clear written and verbal communication with families, staff, agencies, and the Board of Education

- Sound judgment and discretion with confidential student and family information

- Ability to work with families in crisis with empathy and cultural responsiveness

- Ability to collaborate across departments, buildings, and partner organizations

Working Conditions and Evaluation:

- Work is performed primarily in a district office setting, with regular travel to school buildings, partner districts, and agency meetings

- Occasional evening or extended hours may be required for hearings, Board presentations, enrollment periods, and grant deadlines

- Requires regular use of a computer, phone, and standard office equipment

Evaluation - Performance is evaluated annually in accordance with Board of Education policy, with input from the Assistant Superintendent for Learning and the Director of Learning Support Services

WEBSTER GROVES SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER & E-VERIFY PARTICIPANT

WGSD District Code of Conduct