Child Nutrition Specialist

Job Summary: Provide professional development and technical assistance to Region 7 customers in understanding and maintaining compliance with current state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, related to Child Nutrition Programs. Assist and collaborate with Region 7 contracted entities to develop and implement effective child nutrition programs, such as Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFP), National School Lunch Programs (NSLP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Seamless Summer Option (SSO) while meeting the program guidelines of the Texas Department of Agriculture.  Participate and provide professional development during the summer workshop series scheduled at other ESCs across the state.  This is done within the framework of the philosophy and objectives of the ESC as established by Board policy, consistent with the statutes and standards of the Texas Department of Agriculture, and in accordance with regulations and procedures.  

Qualifications:

Education/Training:

Bachelor Degree or Required License

Prefer Master Degree in related field

Degree in Institutional Management, Food Service, Business, Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science, Public Health, Education or related field.

Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to build, develop and inspire teams

Task execution (results-oriented)

Build and cultivate relationships

Excellent communication

Financial knowledge

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.                                                                   

Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders among all TDA contracted programs.                                                              Knowledge of nutritional guidelines and regulations for child nutrition programs.

Proficiency in data analysis and reporting

Ability to comprehend both verbal and written complex directives, guidance, and instructions. 

Ability to communicate complex information to diverse groups                                             

Ability to adapt well to changing priorities and direction                                                       

Skill to manage conflict well                                                                                             

Skill in project management                                                                                             

Skill in time management                                                                                                 

Knowledge of federal nutritional programs                                                                         

Knowledge of current research into effective practices and current trends in Child Nutrition Programs                                      Knowledge of menu planning and quantity food production                                                 

Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points-Based Food Safety Plan                                                                        Ability to meet needs of adult learners                                                                             

Ability to work one-one with Child Nutrition Directors of various experiences                                                                          Ability to objectively evaluate data and provide pertinent feedback                                       

Ability to use any formal training to enhance job performance and /or personal development                                                  Ability to demonstrate effective training skills and develop training materials

Mental Demand/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:                                                                   

Must be able to maintain emotional control under stress

Work with frequent interruptions; irregular hours                                                                 

Frequent regional travel; occassional statewide travel

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Provide professional development for the TDA Compliance required courses for School Nutrition Programs, CACFP, SFSP, SSO and the Summer Workshop per the TDA contract.
2. Provide professional development and technical assistance to Contracting Entities as described in the Statement of Work (Exhibit A – TDA Contract).
3. Provide technical assistance to Contracting Entities.
4. Coordinate and sponsor regional professional development in all areas of program operations for Child Nutrition Program Staff.
5. Attend and participate in special committees and workgroups as directed by TDA.
6. Collaborate with other Education Service Centers (ESCs) to facilitate the development and implementation of statewide trainings.
7. Collaborate with other ESCs to ensure equitable availability of training specialists across the state for all training events.
8. Provide professional development on Administrative Reviews.
9. Attend required state staff meetings and webinars scheduled by TDA.
10. Maintain program budgets, reporting information and CE files according to TDA guidelines.
11. Travel to CEs for in-person visits weekly.
12. Up to 50% travel required, including out-of-town and other ESC regions.
13. Foster positive relationships with Region 7 staff, district Child Nutrition employees and other ESC Child Nutrition staff.
14. Perform additional duties as assigned by TDA.

15. Regular and reliable attendance.

16. Other duties as assigned.

Salary : $77,933 - $108,683