FNW PROGRAM SPECIALIST IV - DACS - 42005782 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

1d

About The Position

The FNW Program Specialist IV works in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness. The position monitors requirements for child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program and associated programs, and conducts on-site reviews under applicable federal regulations. The employee conducts School Meals Administrative Reviews independently, as a team member, and/or as review lead, evaluating School Food Authorities and program sponsors.

The role includes computerized nutrient analysis of menus; selecting review sites; preparing review packets and completing review tools and documentation; conducting entrance and exit conferences; identifying findings and corrective actions; coordinating review reports with procurement, resource management, and nutrition standards teams; and tracking review data. The review lead also ensures reviews follow federal and state requirements, coordinates team meetings and travel arrangements, and may assist with administrative appeals. The employee helps develop internal procedures and maintain review forms and program-tracking databases.

Frequent travel is required, with travel varying according to scheduled reviews, technical assistance, workshops, and conferences. Some evening and weekend travel is required. Work hours are established by the supervisor to provide coverage during departmental business hours. The successful applicant must pass background screening, including fingerprinting, and obtain food-safety certification such as ServSafe or equivalent within 12 months of appointment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and eight years of professional or technical experience in consumer complaint program work, business administration, consumer or public relations, investigations, administrative work, professional regulation, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree and four years of qualifying professional experience; or a master's degree, which may substitute for one year of required experience.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and extensive knowledge of foods and nutrition.
• Knowledge of Child Nutrition Program operations and nutrition education activities.
• Ability to recognize program deficiencies and irregularities and recommend corrective methods.
• Ability to assist Local Education Agencies and food-service directors or managers with issues involving marketing, purchasing, menu development, computerized nutrient analysis, food storage, and maintenance of accounts, records, and reports.
• Skill in public relations, including conducting meetings and workshops related to Child Nutrition Program operations.
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively orally and in writing.
• Basic math skills, general knowledge of accounting principles, and basic computer skills, including familiarity with word-processing and calculating programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from groups.
• Willingness to obtain additional training appropriate to job functions.
• Obtain food-safety certification, such as ServSafe or equivalent, within 12 months of appointment.
• Frequent travel is required; some weekend and evening travel is required.
• Pass background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
• A numerically based work sample with a minimum passing score is part of the hiring process.
• Only current employees of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Monitor requirements for the National School Lunch Program and related child nutrition programs, including the School Breakfast Program, Afterschool Snack Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program, Seamless Summer Option, and Summer Food Service Program.
• Conduct on-site reviews in accordance with applicable federal regulations, including School Meals Administrative Reviews independently, as a team member, or as review lead.
• Conduct comprehensive on-site evaluations of School Food Authorities and sponsors participating in child nutrition programs.
• Perform computerized nutrient analyses of School Food Authority menus.
• Select schools and sites for review based on data obtained from School Food Authorities and sponsors.
• Prepare work packets; complete off-site and on-site review tools and forms; and organize required documentation within regulatory timeframes.
• Conduct entrance and exit conferences to explain review scope, findings, corrective actions, and suggestions.
• Apply knowledge of procurement, nutrition standards, and discriminatory practices under applicable federal regulations.
• Coordinate with procurement, resource management, and nutrition standards teams to compile and issue School Meals Administrative Review reports, including corrective action plans, timeframes, and potential fiscal action.
• Post and track review data using automated systems or formatted spreadsheets.
• As review lead, ensure reviews comply with federal regulations, state laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Arrange travel authorizations, lodging, car or air travel as applicable, and coordinate team meetings.
• Attend and participate in team and staff meetings and coordinate with relevant teams to ensure procurement tools are accurate and consistent with reviews.
• Develop and assist with implementation of internal processes and procedures.
• Maintain and update review forms in accordance with regulations and department policies.
• Maintain the database tracking programs implemented well by School Food Authorities undergoing review.
• Assist with administrative appeals as needed.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options with employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED