Child Nutrition Specialist

FLSA Status: Exempt
Calendar Days: 12 Month
Workplace Location: On Site
Job Family: 103 Specialist I
Job Title: Child Nutrition Specialist
Division / Department: Administrative Services/Center for State and Federal Programs

Supervisor: Deputy Director
Date Revised: 5/15/2024

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.

Experience:
At least 10 years of related experience.
At least 3 years prior experience as a Child Nutrition Director required.
At least 3 years of training experience with adults preferred.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders amongst all TDA contracted programs.
Knowledge of nutritional guidelines and regulations for child nutrition programs.
Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.

Knowledge / Skills:
Ability to build, develop and inspire teams
Task execution (result oriented)
Build and cultivate relationships
Excellent communication

Financial knowledge

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

Ability to communicate complex information to diverse groups Skill to manage conflict well

Skill in project management Skill in time management 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 Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Must be able to maintain emotional control under stress
Work with frequent interruptions; irregular hours
Frequent regional travel; occasional 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 technical assistance to Contracting Entities.
3. Coordinate and sponsor regional professional development in all areas of program operations for Child Nutrition Program Staff.
4. Attend and participate in special committees and workgroups as directed by TDA.
5. Collaborate with other Education Service Centers (ESCs) to facilitate the development and implementation of statewide trainings.
6. Collaborate with other ESCs to ensure equitable availability of training specialists across the state for all training events.
7. Provide professional development on Administrative Reviews.
8. Attend required state staff meetings and webinars scheduled by TDA.
9. Maintain program budgets, reporting information and CE files according to TDA guidelines.
10. Travel to CEs for in-person visits weekly.
11. Up to 50% travel required, including out-of-town and other ESC regions.
12. Foster positive relationships with Region 7 staff, district Child Nutrition employees and other ESC Child Nutrition staff.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.