Technical Assistance Specialist

Food & Nutrition Technical Assistance SpecialistThe Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.The Food & Nutrition (F&N) Technical Assistance Specialist will perform advanced consultative services and technical assistance. You will provide policy guidance, program expertise, implementation, and process direction to Education Service Centers (ESCs), community organizations, and the general public. You will work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.Primary responsibilities include providing clarification and procedural guidance to all Contracting Entities (CE) to ensure consistent messaging and accurate technical assistance on behalf of the agency. You will provide accurate training and procedural guidance to all CE on all food and nutrition programs. Serve as a subject matter expert on the federal nutrition programs to include orientation and training on all food program areas and provide excellent technical assistance to customers that accurately reflects TDA guidance.Review and identify training topics and materials that are needed to address CE audit performance and CE training requests across the state for child nutrition programs. Keep abreast of the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to provide guidance and direction to designated or identified workgroups on policy affecting efforts to support federal nutrition programs. Collaborate in policy and compliance meetings, providing relevant information on operational and current processes to ensure proper understanding and coordinated direction, including the resolution of noncompliance and related issues. Participates in program planning, development, and implementation, including determining trends and resolving technical problems. Follow all TDA policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned.Qualifications/requirements for the position include a bachelor's degree (one year of work experience related to the duties and responsibilities may substitute for one year of college). Minimum three (3) years of work experience as a Child Nutrition Supervisor, Coordinator, Director, or related with operational and managerial application for the School Nutrition Program, manager of community programs with operational and managerial application for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and/or ESC Consultant with experience supporting child nutrition operations. Work experience reviewing, analyzing, and/or applying federal and state policies to federal programs. Work experience in developing and providing one-on-one and group training to a diverse audience. Valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Substitution clause: Master's degree in institutional management, nutrition, dietetics, family and consumer science, public health, instructional design, or licensure as a nutritionist or dietitian can substitute for two years of required work experience.Preferred qualifications include Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, School Nutrition Specialist Credentialing, and work experience analyzing and interpreting data for program effectiveness.Knowledge, skills, and abilities include knowledge of food and nutrition of USDA regulations for Child Nutrition programs; of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, Summer Food Service Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program. Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; in identifying measures or indicators of program performance; in managing multiple projects; and in the use of a computer and applicable software. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to establish goals and objectives; to devise solutions to administrative problems; to develop, evaluate, and interpret administrative policies and procedures; and to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.Physical requirements and working conditions include working in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to 30%), occasionally overnight.Telework and work hours: The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work. The agency's core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.H-1B Visa Sponsorship: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.Benefits: The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include: Retirement Plan - Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees, Paid Holidays - Paid Vacation Leave, Paid Sick Leave - Longevity Pay, Dental - Vision, Dependent Optional Life Insurance - Voluntary AD&D Insurance, Dependent Health & Life Insurance - Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts.