Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

Address: Office of Homeless, Foster Care, and Refugee Education Programs
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $66,000 - $71,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 4/25/24

• The Homeless Education Program (HEP) Specialist is responsible for providing data-driven professional learning, technical assistance, guidance, and programmatic monitoring to support local education agencies (LEAs) in the implementation of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, requirements detailed in the Arizona ESEA Consolidated State Plan, and utilization of data and federal funding to remove barriers to the identification, enrollment, and academic success of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
• Occasional in-state, and out-of-state travel may be required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Design, develop, and provide ongoing, data-driven professional learning, technical assistance, and guidance on statutory requirements detailed in the McKinney-Vento Act and the Arizona ESEA Consolidated State Plan, and utilization of data and federal funding to remove barriers for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
• Support with the management of the Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) grant through reviewing and updating HEP policies and procedures, and reviewing and approving LEA grant applications for federal funding.
• Serve on task forces and committees, including collaborations with both internal and external education programs and service providers focusing on child development, preschool, and post-secondary opportunities for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
• Develop and conduct LEA HEP monitoring in both EMAC and on-site to ensure program compliance through providing formal feedback and recommendations.
• Ensure maintenance of the HEP website, including updated policies and procedures, monitoring and funding information, and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison of Record contact list.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Knowledge:
• Arizona Academic Standards and English Language Provision (ELP) Standards;
• Laws, policies, procedures, programs, and practices of federal and state programs related to children and youth experiencing homelessness;
• The planning and implementation of instructional programs and requirements;
• Barriers to to the identification, enrollment, and academic success of children and youth experiencing homelessness;
• Federal and State regulations regarding the administration of federal grants (i.e. USFR, EDGAR, and CFR);
• Title I, EHCY, federal guidelines, and fiscal management;
• Federal and State reporting structure;
• The process of data disaggregation and data-driven decision making;
• Applicants must have taught, worked with, or managed educational programs for homeless and/or diverse student populations;
• A Bachelor’s degree in Education (or a related field) or equivalent working experience is required.
Skills:
• Computer skills and competencies using Microsoft Office Suite
• Computer software programs related to grant processing and reporting
• Online tools useful for presentation and marketing, such as Zoom and web design
• Excellent presentation skills, including presenting to large groups in a variety of delivery methods including in-person, virtual, and hybrid
• Skilled in research methods, data analysis, and effective technical and report writing skills
• Interpret and apply federal, state, guidance and other laws, rules and regulations pertinent to the fiscal aspects of HEP grants and/or federal programs
• Support the implementation of large-scale initiatives focused on children and youth experiencing homelessness
• Analysis for budgeting, compliance, monitoring, needs assessment, and program evaluation
• Develop structures and processes to support LEAs in the implementation of programmatic goals and in adhering to policies and requirements of federal and state statute
Abilities:
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written format with LEA personnel and for audiences with differing levels of knowledge and expertise;
• Multitask and manage multiple projects while executing project detail in a timely fashion;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Work independently and/or collaboratively in large or small groups;
• Professionally represent the agency when working with internal and external partners and stakeholders;
• Interpret and summarize complex written and oral information, including federal law, state law, and data sets;
• Make data-driven decisions to implement instructional and wraparound services to remove barriers for children and youth experiencing homelessness

N/A

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.