Education Specialist II - Anticipated Vacancy

Department of Education•Augusta, ME

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position, within the Department of Education's Child Nutrition Team, provides technical assistance, support, and compliance oversight to school administrative units (SAUs) and child nutrition staff, educators, and community partners regarding program implementation. The role involves conducting federally mandated Administrative Reviews (ARs), including preparation, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and programmatic recommendations. Additionally, it offers professional learning related to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and regulatory changes.

Requirements

Knowledge of Federal Food and Nutrition Services programs and regulations.
Knowledge of USDA meal patterns for the National School Lunch Program and Summer Food Service Programs.
Knowledge of National School Lunch Program rules, regulations, and guidelines applicable to and enforced by the Department.
Knowledge of Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other state and federal regulations regarding personally identifiable information.
Ability to interpret and explain state and Federal statutory provisions and regulations to local school administrative units and other program participants.
Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written formats.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to formulate and administer rules and regulations.
Ability to plan and organize training programs, implement and facilitate workshops, conferences, and informational sessions.
Knowledge of Federal financial reporting procedures for the Child Nutrition Program.
Ability to develop and present training curriculum in a variety of formats to various program participant groups and audiences.
Knowledge of marketing techniques to increase program participation.
Knowledge of state and Federal procurement requirements.
Ability to use technologies effectively - MS 365 Office Suite - typical of those used by State government.
A Bachelors Degree in Education or required specialty/subject area and two (2) years professional level experience in required specialty/subject area.
Resume must include the month and year for any relevant experience listed.
Resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position.
Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

Nice To Haves

A Masters Degree in Education or required specialty/subject area may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

Develops and oversees a specific statewide educational program in public and private schools to ensure compliance with federal and state legislative intent or identified educational need.
Consults with superintendents, school administrators, supervisors, and teachers to exchange information concerning the assigned program area.
Instructs teachers and school administrators to ensure understanding of and conformance with assigned program teaching standards, equipment and material requirements, and course content.
Plans curriculum and oversees and evaluates the assigned program to ensure state educational standards are met.
Consults with the State Advisory Committee, lay groups, and education professionals concerned with the assigned program area to exchange information, explain the program, and develop program support.
Interprets state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to education and schools to answer questions and ensure uniform understanding.
Writes detailed reports and compiles statistical information to document assigned program activities.
Advises professionals and non-professionals to provide guidance regarding in-service programs.
Studies school administrative, supervisory, and instructional activities pertaining to the assigned program to determine if prescribed standards are being maintained and recommends changes when necessary.
Analyzes, evaluates, and develops assigned program implementation methods to enhance program effectiveness.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave
3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums)
Health Insurance Premium Credit (Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
Dental Insurance (State pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
Retirement Plan (State contributes 14.11% of pay to MainePERS)
Gym Membership Reimbursement (up to $40 per month)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
Living Resources Program (employee assistance program)
Parental leave (42 consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for all employees welcoming a child)
Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account)