Child Nutrition Program Specialist

Job Title: Child Nutrition Program Specialist FLSA Status: Exempt Pay Grade: 102 Work Days: 226 Reports To: Child Nutrition Program Coordinator Primary Purpose To provide child nutrition training in all phases of program operations for school/Child Nutrition Program staff and for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) classes. Provide training and technical assistance to contracting entities (CEs) as described in the current Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) contract. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Education/Certification Bachelor’s degree (Institutional Management, Food Service, Business, Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science, Public Health, Education, or related field) Registered Dietitian (preferred) Culinary Chef (preferred) Special Knowledge/Skills Team oriented attitude and desire to work collaboratively with ESC staff campus/district/charter school personnel. Knowledge of current federal nutrition program regulations, trends, and methods used in the efficient operation of child nutrition programs. Strong organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills, including project management, efficient time management, and effective conflict management skills. Experience Three to five years of successful experience in the management of school or institutional food service operations. Prior experience as a Child Nutrition Director (preferred) Three years of training experience with adults (preferred) Essential Duties and Responsibilities *This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of those principal job elements essential for making fair hiring and pay decisions. **This position may be partially or completely funded using grant and/or federal monies and is assigned programs to include activities designed to enhance the effective and coordinated use of funds. Actively participate in and/or provide leadership for inter-departmental teams to help improve student performance in the region, improve the ESC's internal operations, and meet the established goals and objectives for the ESC. Is responsive as the first point of contact to all stakeholders in the education community. ♦ Coordinate and sponsor regional training that provides technical assistance in all phases of program operations for Child Nutrition Program professionals. Host and instruct at regional summer training per the current TDA contract. Collaborate with other regions to facilitate the implementation of statewide training. Provide training and technical assistance to contracting entities as required by the current TDA contract. o Travel to CEs for in-person visits weekly. o Up to 50% travel required including out-of-town and to other ESC Regions Provide remote and on-site technical assistance to CEs scheduled for TDA Administrative Reviews (AR), including required Corrective Action Documents (CAD), if applicable o Provide specific technical assistance in necessary areas should a follow-up review be required by TDA. Attend training and other professional development to maintain knowledge/skills to provide a high level of technical assistance. Attend required state staff meetings required by TDA. Attend and participate in special committees and workgroups as directed by TDA. Maintain effective program budgets, reporting information, and CE files according to TDA and ESC Region 11 guidelines. Function within the policies and administrative procedures of the TDA Food and Nutrition Division and ESC Region 11. Perform duties in the ESC Child Nutrition Specialist Management plan. Responsibilities may change from year to year or during the year subject to changes in legislation, regulations, policies, or other guidelines governing the Child Nutrition Programs, as prescribed by the TDA Food and Nutrition Division. Perform additional duties as designated by TDA Food and Nutrition to ensure the effective operation of the ESC Child Nutrition Unit. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Duties None Equipment/Specialized Software Used Computers, projection devices, control panels in meeting rooms, printers, productivity software, software specific to the job assignment, network resources, internet resources, and other hardware and software necessary to perform the functions of the job effectively and efficiently. Working Conditions (Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors) Mental: Public relations and people skills are always required, work with frequent interruptions, and maintain professional composure and confidentiality under stress. Physical: Occasional prolonged and irregular hours, ability to move tables and chairs and load/unload boxes and materials. Prolonged use of a computer. Environmental: Open Cubicles/workstations Evaluation Annual performance evaluation will be performed in accordance with the adopted policies of the Education Service Center Region 11. Employment in this position is contingent upon performance, need, and funding. This position is 100% funded using Grant funds and is assigned programs to include activities designed to enhance the effective and coordinated use of these funds.