Director OF Food Services

Director of NutritionThe Administration for Children's Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services and provides subsidized childcare vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement, and programs for youth in the community. The Division of Administration provides a wide range of support services throughout ACS to ensure all Divisions receive adequate and efficient support services to carry out their respective missions.The Food and Nutrition Services Unit manages a food services budget of $5M for FY 2024. It is responsible for the preparation and service of food to children and youth in the care of ACS. The Food and Nutrition Services Unit is also responsible for distributing meal cards to youth at the NSCC congregate facility and maintaining operations of the vending machines throughout the Agency. The Food and Nutrition Services Unit oversees the execution of Light Refreshment and Modest Meal Requests for staff and youth-centered events throughout the year and ensures the requests comply with New York City Comptroller's Directive 6.Under the general supervision of the Assistant Commissioner and Executive Director, the Director of Food and Nutrition will be responsible for incorporating all up-to-date recommendations of the NYC Food Standards, National Research Council, Office of Children and Family Services regulations, Food/Drug Administration (FDA), CDC, and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). The primary duties will include but are not limited to:Responsible for the management and oversight of Food and Nutrition Services operations for 3 primary ACS facilities: Horizon, Crossroads and Children's Center.Provide nutrition technical assistance throughout the Agency.Supports ongoing collaboration with the Agency's Nutritionist for culturally diverse and healthy menus that meet the nutrition needs of the children and youth in care. Ensuring that menus adhere to NYC Food Standards and any other regulatory guidelines.Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and sanitation including mandated standards are met in the preparation and provision of food, cleanliness of kitchens and dining rooms; food storage areas; kitchen machinery and equipment to ensure that regulatory requirements are met including, NYC DOHMH requirements, HACCP, OCFS regulations, and New York State Child Nutrition requirements.Develop and oversee policies related to food storage, handling and preparation. Conduct regular inspections and audits to guarantee food quality and safety protocols.Draft nutrition, meal, food service, and staffing contract specifications and collaborate with Planning and Business Management, ACCO, Finance, and BLU for procurements.Oversee food procurement process, forecast budget, and work with DCAS to develop and refine food specifications, review bids, and participate in procurement strategy initiatives.Prepare annual Food Metrics Reports and other compliance reports with City Policies.Project manage and coordinate procurements and program for Food Pantry Program.Provide Food Service and Nutrition expertise to primarily to the Division of Youth and Family Justice and Family Permanency Services.Liaise across Agency divisions for program development and needs, construction and renovations.Develop educational and training program and materials for children, youth, and staff.Minimum Qualifications1. A general baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and a master's degree in foods and nutrition from an accredited college, and five years of full-time experience in a nutrition education program in the field of public health, two years of which shall have been in a supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial or executive capacity; or 2. A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience. However all candidates must possess the educational requirements and the two years of supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial or executive experience as specified in "1" above.Preferred SkillsThe preferred candidate should possess the following: Registered Dietitian in New York State55a ProgramThis position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.Public Service Loan ForgivenessAs a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at RequirementNew York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.Additional InformationThe City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.