Regional Child Nutrition Program Specialist

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Regional Child Nutrition Program Specialist serves as a knowledgeable consultant and trusted resource for effective administration of Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) within an assigned territory. The position provides technical assistance, training, and regulatory guidance to school and non-school administrators and food service personnel. The Specialist interprets state and federal program requirements, addresses operational and compliance concerns, and supports the success, integrity, and continuous improvement of child nutrition programs across the region. The position provides training and technical assistance, collaborates with Nutrition Education and Training staff to deliver in-person and virtual training, helps maintain training curricula, and supports online and self-paced resources. It also assists fellow regional staff, new field staff, and temporarily covers regulatory responsibilities for vacant territories as needed. The Specialist conducts comprehensive program reviews, evaluates compliance and operational practices, reviews procurement and donated-food use, assesses menus and food service facilities, and prepares reports documenting findings and corrective actions. The role also identifies operational concerns, investigates complaints, and supports corrective action plans and follow-up. The position is based in a designated county in Oklahoma and requires 80% regular regional travel for reviews, training, and on-site technical assistance. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, pass a pre-employment background check, and hold a valid U.S. state or territory driver’s license.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, nutrition, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of relevant experience for each year of required education.
Three years of experience in the administration or coordination of food and nutrition programs, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of Child Nutrition Programs and applicable state and federal regulations, including USDA requirements.
Understanding of food service operations, menu planning, nutrition standards, and procurement practices.
Ability to interpret regulations and apply them in operational settings.
Strong instructional and facilitation skills, including the ability to deliver effective training.
Ability to work independently, manage a regional territory, and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Professional judgment, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and fairness.
Current authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory.
Ability to travel regularly within the region; 80% travel is required.
Ability to stand, reach, and bend 50% of the time; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery 75% of the time; ascend and descend stairs 25% of the time; and lift up to 30 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in education, nutrition, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Provide training and technical assistance to Child Nutrition Program participants in the assigned territory.
Collaborate with Nutrition Education and Training staff to plan, organize, and deliver in-person and virtual training.
Assist in developing, maintaining, and implementing current training curricula and encourage use of online and self-paced training resources.
Provide peer support to regional staff, assist with technical assistance, administrative reviews, and problem resolution, and help onboard and train new field staff.
Temporarily assume regulatory responsibilities for a territory when a regional field position is vacant.
Conduct comprehensive reviews of Child Nutrition Program operations at participating institutions using established review instruments.
Evaluate compliance with contract requirements and applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
Review work standards, procurement and purchasing practices, and proper use of USDA donated foods.
Evaluate menus for compliance with required nutritional standards and review food service facilities and operational practices.
Prepare timely, accurate reports documenting review findings, observations, and required corrective actions.
Communicate program requirements, updates, and guidance clearly and respectfully to stakeholders.
Identify management or operational concerns and provide guidance to support corrective action and continuous improvement.
Investigate Child Nutrition Program complaints and document findings, recommendations, and required corrective measures.
Provide technical support for corrective action plans and follow-up activities.

Benefits

Annual benefits allowance of up to $21,934.08, tailored to family size, for purchasing benefits.
Choice of comprehensive insurance plans with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.
Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and/or dependent care expenses.
Full participation in the Teacher’s Retirement System with employer-covered contributions of 7.5% of annual salary.
Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.
11 paid holidays per year.
Employee discounts with various companies and vendors.
Longevity bonus after two years of service, with bonuses continuing annually thereafter.
Compensatory time for FLSA-exempt and nonexempt employees.
Employee Assistance Program.