Health and Nutrition Services Specialist

Arizona Department of Education•Phoenix, AZ

63d•$64,000 - $68,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Arizona Department of Education The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents. Health and Nutrition Services Specialist Job Location: Health and Nutrition Services Division Phoenix Location Posting Details: Salary: $64,000 - $68,000 Grade: 21 Closing Date: 11/12/2025 Job Summary: This position is on the Onboarding, Renewal, and Point of Contact Team and serves as a subject matter expert and point of contact for program operators and provides technical assistance and support to sponsors and school food authorities (SFA) statewide for all of the USDA child nutrition programs. This specialist reviews entity applications for participation and maintains all working documentation within established web-based technology systems. This position is responsible for reviewing budgetary, planning and service systems of new and existing program operators. This position is also responsible for learning, interpreting and applying technical program regulations to assure compliance, primarily during the application and renewal phases of program participation and through the duration of the year. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required for this position. The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Requirements

Federal regulations, state laws, and policies pertaining to all Child Nutrition Programs
Grant application processes and funding objectives
Federal or state-funded program administration
Budgeting and business finance practices
Programs and financial compliance for applications and budgets
A Bachelor's degree with emphasis in nutrition, dietetics, or public health; or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.
Simplifying complex regulatory language to provide differentiated technical assistance and support
Interpersonal skills
Verbal and written communication
Intermediate skills in using Microsoft Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook
Effective use of electronic file storage systems
Manage a variety of different tasks and monitor progress
Deliver courteous, helpful customer service, and approach work as service-minded
Review, synthesize, interpret, and apply technical, specialized assistance
Collaborate successfully in a team environment
Perform to stated deadlines and produce expected results
Absorb highly technical, specialized knowledge related to the USDA Child Nutrition Programs and other federal, state, and local programs

Nice To Haves

Work experience in schools or child nutrition or health programs or other federal programs
Registered Dietitian (DTR)
School Nutrition Specialists (SNS)
Serve Safe certified Food Safety Manager

Responsibilities

Effectively apply knowledge of program regulations and procedures to review highly technical and fiscal information on program applications using web-based technology systems; acts as authorizing official for state-level program participation approval
Engage in a high degree of collaboration within the division to ensure high-quality services to operators and align the internal processes for program/grant application processing with other division initiatives and services, specifically in the areas of program improvement, growth, nutrition, budgeting and compliance; maintain awareness of program participation trends of program operators
Establish and maintain effective working relationships to provide program guidance and technical assistance to program operators daily via phone and written communication
Accurately and proactively compose professional correspondence regarding program information to assigned entities
Occasionally travel statewide to conduct on-site visits to ensure entity processes align with the program application information submitted to the state agency
Seek and absorb new information pertaining to technical program regulation/procedural changes, new funding opportunities, and recognize opportunities for program operators
Initiate professional learning of new information by attending team and agency meetings and participate in professional learning or training sessions at the local, state, and national level