CACFP Childcare Centers and Afterschool/Summer Program Specialist I

CHILDRENS HUNGER ALLIANCE•Cleveland, OH

6d•$20 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

Children’s Hunger Alliance (CHA), a statewide nonprofit founded in 1970, works with organizations across Ohio to help ensure children have access to nutritious meals and nutrition education. The CACFP Childcare Centers and Afterschool/Summer Program Specialist I builds relationships with licensed childcare centers and afterschool and summer programs, serving as the primary contact for assigned partners. The specialist recruits, trains, monitors, and supports participating sites in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), helping them understand program requirements, resolve challenges, and remain compliant. Through responsive customer service and ongoing support, the position strengthens site participation and expands children’s access to healthy meals. The position is based in the Cleveland office and is hybrid, with frequent travel within a specified region. It is full-time, 40 hours per week, and non-exempt. The listed pay range is $20.00–$24.04. The role reports to the Director, Child Care Centers and the Director, Afterschool and Summer Meal Service.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Nutrition, Child Development/Early Childhood Education, Youth Development, or Social Work, or two years of relevant experience deemed appropriate.
Valid State of Ohio driver’s license and reliable vehicle for transportation.
Knowledge of USDA CACFP and SFSP regulations, child nutrition and child development, early childhood education, and program implementation and evaluation.
Ability to understand and follow federal, state, and agency regulations and procedures.
Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to speak before large groups.
Planning, organization, prioritization, and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks.
Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups.
Customer-service skills, including attentiveness, problem-solving, flexibility, active listening, and anticipating program needs and challenges.
Ability to use a computer, email, the internet, and software including Microsoft Office and Excel.
Ability to use technology and innovative strategies to train adults.
Positive, professional, resilient, and composed demeanor.
Ability to travel frequently within the specified region.

Nice To Haves

Experience with structured childcare programs and training is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide staff training on program regulations, agency procedures, and software use.
Coordinate the annual site application process and food order launch for afterschool and summer partners.
Conduct monitoring reviews of childcare centers and afterschool and summer programs.
Provide technical assistance and customer service to help centers and sites meet program requirements and submit claims correctly.
Support out-of-compliance sites through technical assistance, retraining, corrective action, and review closure.
Monitor and process center disallowances on monthly claims.
Review and adjust afterschool and summer food orders based on daily student participation.
Conduct and report outreach for new program partners, including developing and maintaining community contacts and relationships to increase program awareness.
Conduct and report resource distribution and special site visits.
Maintain an organized electronic file for each center and site, including required documents.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of CACFP and SFSP regulations from ODE, USDA, CHA, and other relevant sources.
Distribute educational materials, provide ongoing check-ins and implementation support, and gather feedback about resource use, implementation progress, and barriers to successful outcomes.
Participate in regional, state, and team meetings and required staff training.
Follow Ohio law regarding reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.
Perform other duties as assigned.