Lead Specialist - Child Nutrition
About The Position
This role involves providing training and technical assistance to Contracting Entities (CEs) that administer federal child nutrition programs under the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). The specialist will coordinate, sponsor, and deliver regional training on program operations, conduct instructor-led training (both in-person and virtual), and stay updated on federal and state program rules and regulations. Collaboration with other ESC regions for statewide training, attendance at TDA staff meetings and committees, budget and file maintenance, and weekly travel to CEs for in-person visits are also key aspects of the position. Additional duties may be assigned by TDA.
Requirements
- Ability to comprehend both verbal and written complex directives, guidance, and instructions.
- Ability to communicate complex information to diverse groups.
- Ability to adapt well to changing priorities and direction.
- Skill to manage conflict well.
- Skill in project management.
- Skill in time management.
- Knowledge of federal nutrition programs.
- Knowledge of current research into effective practices and current trends in Child Nutrition Programs.
- Knowledge of menu planning and food quantity production.
- Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points-Based Food Safety Plan.
- Ability to meet the needs of adult learners.
- Ability to work one-on-one with Child Nutrition Directors of various experiences.
- Ability to objectively evaluate data and provide pertinent feedback.
- Ability to use any formal training to enhance job performance and /or personal development.
- Ability to demonstrate effective training skills in differentiation strategies.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Institutional Management, Food Service, Business, Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science, Public Health, Education, or related field.
- Three years of experience in the management of school or institutional food service operations.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience as a Child Nutrition Director.
- Three years of training experience with adults.
- Certified School Nutrition Specialist.
Responsibilities
- Provide training and Technical Assistance to Contracting Entities (CEs) of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), who administer federal child nutrition programs.
- Coordinate, sponsor, and deliver regional training in all areas of program operations for CNP staff.
- Conduct instructor-led training, both in-person and virtually, using adult-learning principles and adhering to the course curriculum developed by TDA.
- Stay up-to-date on federal and state program rules, regulations, and processes for all child nutrition programs administered by TDA.
- Collaborate with other ESC regions in scheduling and implementing statewide training to ensure equitable availability of training specialists across the state for all training events.
- Attend required state staff meetings scheduled by TDA.
- Attend and participate in special committees and workgroups as directed by TDA.
- Maintain program budgets, reporting information, and CE files according to TDA guidelines.
- Travel to CEs for in-person visits weekly.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by TDA.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
