The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Office of Finance and Operations, Division of Budget and Financial Management, Federal Budget Branch has an opening for a Federal Program Specialist in Frankfort.
The Kentucky Department of Education is a service agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and part of the Education and Labor Cabinet. The department provides resources and guidance to Kentucky's public schools and districts as they implement the state's P-12 education requirements. The department also 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 (Jefferson County) and Kentucky School for the Deaf (Boyle County); and about 518 employees at the 50 Area Technology Centers across the state.
OUR MISSION
To partner with districts, schools, families, students, business, industry, and communities to provide leadership and support to ensure success for each and every student.
OUR CORE VALUES
- Equity
- Achievement
- Collaboration
- Integrity
The department's major activities include:
- Administering the statewide assessment and accountability system;
- Providing technical assistance to schools and districts in the areas of finance, management and curriculum;
- Providing support and information to the Kentucky Board of Education as it promulgates state education regulations;
- Overseeing the state education technology system; and
- Monitoring school and district compliance with state and federal laws.
- Providing instructional services to students at Kentucky School for the Blind, Kentucky School for the Deaf, and the Area Technology Centers.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Provides direction in the administration of federal grants. Develops the financial plan and submits the grant budget request to federal agency for approval during the federal award process or in subsequent amendments to the federal award agency. Performs in-depth reviews of federal and state legislation in order to determine financial outcomes and determine budgets.
- Provides fiscal and policy oversight of the Medicaid School-Based Health Services Program. Coordinates 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 (IDEA) for State Agency and School District Personnel to ensure proper implementation and application of laws/regulations.
- Reviews and approves applications and amendments for participation in the Medicaid School-Based Health Services Program and grants approval of school districts as School Based Health Service providers in the Medicaid School Based Health Services Program for the Dept. For Medicaid services.
- Reviews legal opinions, regulations, and statutes of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to identify the impact to the Medicaid School-Based Health Services Program and make recommendations regarding policy and budget issues. Formulate and develop agency policies related to Medicaid School-Based Health Services Program.
- Develop and disseminate training and technical assistance documents to school district personnel and other educational entities for the Medicaid School-Based Health Service Program.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits and Perks:
· Comprehensive health insurance (effective first day of employment)
· Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
· Optional Insurance (Dental/Vision)
· Life Insurance
· Retirement savings.
· Paid Leave (annual, sick, compensatory, jury, voting, election, blood donation, living organ, educational, military)
· Paid holidays (12.5 days per year, 13.5 days in a Presidential Election year)
· Deferred Compensation/Free Financial Planning Program
· Professional development opportunities and ongoing training.
· A collaborative and innovative work environment.
· Flexible Work Schedules
· Employee Resource Groups
· Employee Recognition
· Employee Wellness Programs
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
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. Two years of the required experience must include the preparation, research and planning, budgeting, or administration of state or federal grants-in-aids.
SUBSTITUTION:
EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
A master's degree will substitute for one year of required experience.
EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:
Additional grant-in-aid-related experience will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):
None.
Pay Grade: 16
Gross Monthly Salary Range: $4,356.96 - $5,686.20
Position Number: 31067900
Applicants and employees in this classification may be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check.
For further information concerning the application process, go to the following link: Personnel Cabinet
Inquiries about this position should be directed to: Kanaka Aspari, Division of Resource Management, 300 Sower Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601; Fax: 502-564-6771. Email: kanaka.aspari@education.ky.gov
The closing date to apply for this position is July 22, 2026.
The agency may authorize the selected applicant to telecommute on a hybrid schedule. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time. Telework will not be permitted outside the state of Kentucky.
PLEASE NOTE: If additional information is needed to move forward in the hiring process, you will receive an email from donotreply@mypurpose.ky.gov, which includes a secure link to provide the additional required information. It is important that you follow the email guidance and respond within the allotted timeframe. You will not be able to advance in the hiring process unless you complete the request for additional information by the required deadline. Please add this email address to your safe sender list to ensure you receive important updates regarding your application.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. KDE will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that KDE has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at
1-888-897-7781 or E-Verify website
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D