HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES SPECIALIST

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

1d • $64,000 - $70,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Health and Nutrition Services Specialist works in the Arizona Department of Education’s Health and Nutrition Services Division and primarily conducts compliance reviews of USDA Child Nutrition Programs. The work includes on-site visits to schools, centers, day care homes, and other participating sites. Reviews involve interpreting regulations, monitoring compliance, providing technical assistance, and communicating with food service staff, school food authorities, and program operators. Frequent in-state travel and infrequent out-of-state travel are required.

The Arizona Department of Education uses a hybrid work environment that allows up to two remote workdays, contingent on business needs. Candidates must be able and willing to work in the office up to five days per week as business needs require. The salary range is $64,000–$70,000.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in nutrition or public health, or equivalent experience in place of the degree.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to child nutrition programs or other state- or federally funded nutrition programs.
• Knowledge of food preparation, food safety, and food production oversight.
• Knowledge of current issues regarding child health and nutrition.
• Knowledge of federal and state purchasing requirements and regulations.
• Knowledge of general business service.
• Skills in interpersonal communication, presentations, and oral and written communication.
• Self-initiative in project development and implementation.
• Skills in program implementation and oversight, decision making, professional writing, and customer service techniques.
• Intermediate skill using Microsoft applications and services.
• Intermediate skill using Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to work successfully in a strong team environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and produce expected results with little supervision.
• Ability to express ideas and information clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to adapt technical assistance to audiences’ learning styles and education levels.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and implement rules.
• Successful completion of applicable background and reference checks and required documents; a post-offer medical or physical evaluation may also be required.
• If driving or vehicle use is an essential job function, the stated driver’s license requirements apply.
• Successful completion of the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• Registered Dietitian (RD).
• Dietitian Technician, Registered (DTR).
• School Nutrition Specialist (SNS).
• Serve Safe certification or Certified Food Safety Manager certification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site compliance reviews of USDA Child Nutrition Programs according to USDA and Arizona Department of Education policies and procedures.
• Interpret regulations, monitor compliance, provide technical assistance, and communicate with school food authorities and program operators during reviews.
• Compile information from on-site visits to assess entities’ compliance with program regulations and policies.
• Prepare detailed reports and determine required corrective action and, when necessary, fiscal action.
• Request, track, and process timely corrective action to ensure compliance with USDA regulations and state agency protocols.
• Provide technical assistance to school food authorities and program operators participating in USDA Child Nutrition Programs.
• Explain USDA Child Nutrition Program regulations, including procurement and financial management requirements, to participating school food authorities and community organizations.
• Participate in team, agency, or partner initiatives when directed.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
• Retirement and long-term disability plans.
• Ten paid holidays per year.
• Vacation accrued at 4.00 hours biweekly for the first three years.
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours biweekly.
• Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child, through a pilot program.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System, subject to the stated waiting period.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level