Position : Child Nutrition Program (CNP) Specialist

Duties and Responsibilities: may change from year to year or during the year, subject to changes in the legislation, regulations, and policies governing the school meal programs, and as prescribed by TDA.

• 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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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 (the large-scale planning, preparation, and delivery of meals in organized public and private facilities, such as schools, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias) food service operations
• Up to 50% travel required, including out-of-town and other ESC regions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a Child Nutrition Director
• Three years of training experience with adults
• Certified School Nutrition Specialist