Food Compliance Officer

$21.96 - $32.94 Hourly

$45,680 - $68,520 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C5

Posting Details

VISION: All New Mexico families and young children are thriving.

MISSION: Optimize the health, development, education, and well-being of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers through a family-driven, equitable, community-based system of high-quality prenatal and early childhood programs and services.

The Early Childhood Education and Care Department was established on July 1, 2020. The Department's aim is to create a more cohesive, equitable, and effective early childhood system in New Mexico. That means coordinating a continuum of programs from prenatal to five and ensuring that families in every corner of the state can access the services they need.

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.


Why does the job exist?

This position exists to ensure that participating child care centers comply with regulations for the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Compliance Officers help ensure that participating institutions receive¿and properly expend¿the correct amount of reimbursement.


How does it get done?

This position is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and assessing sponsors program operations. It also assists with trainings and provides technical assistance to CACFP sponsoring organizations. The role supports the successful delivery of services to the public by offering recommendations and feedback to sponsors regarding necessary changes and improvements.
Additionally, the position ensures organizations are in compliance with federal and state requirements observed during administrative reviews. The position is also responsible for receiving and maintaining technical training provided by the Bureau.


Who are the customers?

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) supports a wide range of care¿based organizations. Based on USDA and state agency guidance, eligible participants include:

Child Care Centers ¿ Licensed centers and Head Start programs that provide day care with meals and snacks to children.
Family Day Care Homes ¿ Licensed providers offering child care in a private home; they must participate under a sponsoring organization.
Adult Day Care Centers ¿ Facilities serving adults ages 60+ or adults with disabilities who require daily supervision.
At¿Risk Afterschool Programs ¿ Programs in low¿income areas offering educational activities along with free meals and snacks to youth up to age 18.
Outside School Hours Care Programs ¿ Licensed programs providing before¿ or after¿school care with meals or snacks.
Emergency or Homeless Shelters


Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess experience working with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) within a childcare or school environment. They should also have a background in USDA Child Nutrition Programs, including the National School Lunch Program, CACFP, SFSP, WIC, and others. Strong office skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) are essential.


Minimum Qualification

High School Diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience in investigations, regulation, policy, statutory, and/or contract compliance. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience.


Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results.


Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive phone and personal computer usage. Direct client interaction and some travel may be required.


Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Jennifer Nutt View phone number on click.appcast.io Email


For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.