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PUBLIC SCHOOL PROGRAM ADVISOR

Date: May 27, 2025

Req ID: 49609

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72201

Category: DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Anticipated Starting Salary: 50221.81

Position Number: 2208-3021

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: June 10, 2025

School Choice and Parent Empowerment: Education Options

Join the Arkansas Department of Education where each student is recognized as an individual. Through a cultivation of world-class educators, partnering with communities, and an influx of social supports, Arkansas Department of Education provides multi-level supports that help ensure students will receive a personalized education and develop a life-long love of learning.

Family Support Specialist

Summary:

Family Support Specialists are the primary point of contact for families participating in the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. They guide families through application and account processes, ensure expenses are eligible under program rules, and play a key role in safeguarding program integrity by reviewing submitted expenses. Their frontline work informs the program’s risk framework for further audits and oversight by the compliance team.

Essential Duties:

+ Serve as the first-line support for EFA families via phone, email, and written communication.

+ Provide accurate, clear information about eligibility, application procedures, approved expenses, and account maintenance.

+ Review receipts and parent-submitted expenses to ensure compliance with program rules; determine whether expenses are eligible or require further clarification.

+ Maintain thorough documentation of expense reviews, including rationale for approvals or denials.

+ Identify and flag questionable, repeated, or borderline purchases; document appropriately for audit follow-up.

+ Communicate risk indicators and referral recommendations to Audit & Financial Specialists for additional review.

+ Educate families on common mistakes and provide guidance to prevent future compliance issues.

+ Collaborate with internal teams (Training, Outreach, Audit, and Policy) to improve communication, FAQs, and guidance to families.

+ Maintain participant confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.

+ Perform other duties as assigned to support participant success and program integrity.

Required Qualifications:

+ Associate degree or higher in the fields of education, public administration, business, or a related field.

+ Experience in customer service, case management, or program administration

+ Strong attention to detail and ability to apply program rules and guidelines when reviewing expenses.

+ Ability to manage a high volume of transactions while maintaining accuracy and a positive attitude.

+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

+ Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Experience with government programs, education services, or financial assistance initiatives.

+ Understanding of K-12 educational options and common spending needs for families.

+ Experience using CRM or case management systems.

+ Bilingual skills are a plus.

Position Information

Class Code: E019C

Grade: GS09

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

Salary Range: $50,222.00 - $80,105.00

Summary

The Public School Program Advisor is responsible for assisting in the development, monitoring, and evaluation of educational programs in schools. This position is governed by state and federal laws and school board and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Provides supplemental educational services that are consistent with the instruction and content used by the local school district and aligned to Arkansas' Curriculum Frameworks. Designs, implements, and evaluates program compliance and effectiveness of training, curricula, and related educational services in local school districts and intermediate and regional units. Conducts workshops or seminars to present information critical to specialized program area and provides in-service training. Provides technical assistance to school officials by interpreting laws or policies, answering questions, or resolving problems relative to assigned program areas. Researches and analyzes demographic, labor market, and technological data, and makes recommendations on education programs to meet changing needs. Acts as a liaison with education and public interest groups to inform them of departmental activities and identify needs. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

Frequent in-state overnight travel is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the organization and operation of public schools. Knowledge of rules, regulations, and statutes relating to program area. Knowledge of consultative practices and techniques. Knowledge of planning, research, and analysis techniques and procedures. Ability to plan and organize comprehensive reports. Ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws and regulations governing school programs. Ability to develop, evaluate, and monitor the effectiveness of programs and services related to program area.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in public administration, educational administration, education, or related field; plus five years of experience in education, public school administration, or related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market:Little Rock