Education Specialist II - Anticipated Vacancy

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

Working as part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) team members within Child Nutrition, this position provides technical assistance, support, and compliance to school administrative unit (SAU) and child nutrition staff, educators, and community partners regarding program implementation. This position conducts federally mandated Administrative Reviews (ARs) inclusive of required preparation, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and programmatic recommendations. This position provides professional learning related to the NSLP and regulatory changes, when applicable.

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.
Two (2) years professional level experience in required specialty/subject area.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave
3+ weeks of vacation leave annually (accrual increases with years of service)
Overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave
Health Insurance Coverage (State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums)
Health Insurance Premium Credit (decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
Dental Insurance (State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
Retirement Plan (State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS))
Gym Membership Reimbursement (up to $40 per month)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Living Resources Program (employee assistance program)
Parental leave (forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for all employees welcoming a child, including fathers and adoptive parents)
Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act
Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions)
Additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness