Federal Program Specialist

Final date to receive applications: 7/22/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job

Federal Program Specialist

Pay Grade 16

Salary: $4,356.96 - $5,686.20 Monthly

Employment Type:

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | INELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Hiring Agency:
Education & Labor Cabinet | Department of Education

Location:

300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

The Kentucky Department of Education is a service agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, part of the Education and Labor Cabinet. The department provides resources and guidance to Kentucky’s public schools and districts as they implement state P-12 education requirements, and serves as the state liaison for federal education requirements and funding opportunities.

The department is led by an appointed commissioner of education, who is hired by and answers to the 11-member Kentucky Board of Education. Offices are administered by associate commissioners, and divisions within those offices are administered by division directors.

The department employs approximately 425 Frankfort-based workers; 175 employees in support of the Kentucky School for the Blind and Kentucky School for the Deaf, and about 518 employees at the 50 Area Technology Centers across the state.

To partner with districts, schools, families, students, business, industry, and communities to provide leadership and support to ensure success for each and every student.

• Equity
• Achievement
• Collaboration
• Integrity

• Provide direction in the administration of federal grants; develop financial plan and submit grant budget request to federal agency for approval.
• Provide fiscal and policy oversight of the Medicaid School-Based Health Services Program; coordinate with agency leadership, the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, and the federal Center for Medicaid Services on budget preparation to forecast quarterly Medicaid claim reimbursements.
• Interpret and monitor state and federal laws, regulations and policies related to the Medicaid School-Based Health Services Program and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for State Agency and School District Personnel.
• Review and approve applications and amendments for participation in the Medicaid School-Based Health Services Program and grant approval to school districts as providers.
• Review legal opinions, regulations, and statutes of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to identify impact on the Medicaid School-Based Health Services Program and recommend policy and budget issues; formulate and develop agency policies.
• Develop and disseminate training and technical assistance documents for the Medicaid School-Based Health Service Program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Paid time off (sick and vacation) plus paid holidays
• Overtime and compensatory time
• Affordable health insurance with optional Health Reimbursement Account
• Life insurance
• Retirement
• Wellness incentives program
• Training and career development opportunities; paid continuing education
• Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K)
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Flexible work schedules
• Employee resource groups
• Employee recognition

Education: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Experience, Training, or

Skills:

Four years of professional experience in budget administration, grant administration, financial analysis and/or forecasting, statistical analysis, financial auditing, or a related field, including two years of state or federal grant preparation, research, planning, budgeting, or administration.

Substitute Education for

Experience:

A master's degree will substitute for one year of required experience.

Substitute Experience for

Education:

Additional grant‑in‑aid related experience will substitute for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Special Requirements: None.

Work typically involves extensive contact with the public. Travel may be required.

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

Applicants and employees in this classification may be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check.

Applicants must also be authorized to work in the U.S. and will be required to complete E‑Verify and Form I‑9 procedures.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D.