Child Nutrition Program Specialist

This position works with the child nutrition by providing training to and monitoring of local agencies to help ensure quality programs. Incumbent is a team member who will have lead in three major areas including implementation of after school snacks and suppers in schools and child care agencies, provide training and oversee process for food service management company contracts, and oversee agency’s process for federal reports and data requests. Incumbent will also provide back-up to other team members. Areas of relevant education or experience may include menu planning, resource management, program administration, and operation; contracts; review processes; development of content areas and presentations using reliable current resources for education and monitoring; assessing data to complete various federal management and reporting requirements; interpreting and explaining laws, rules, and regulations; and recommending policies and procedure.

In-state travel required about 1/3 of the time, sometimes out in back to back weeks.

Please attach resume to application.

Additional Requirements:
To be considered, attach your responses to the questions below. Your responses must be clear, concise, and numbered.

Please explain why this position interests you and what qualifies you for this position.

List any Microsoft applications or other software you have worked with on a regular basis and the types of documents you have created.

Write a paragraph to explain which communication skills you believe are most important in dealing with program administrators.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
The ideal candidate will have education in the field of nutrition/dietetics, family and consumer sciences, public health, business, or hospitality management. Experience in child nutrition program management, federal program management, contract management, procurement rules, and or education is very desirable.

Knowledge of:
human nutrition, foods, and nutrient sources;

state and national trends in nutrition and wellness;

management and organization techniques;

adult education.

Skill to:
effectively communicate in conversation and in presentations to clearly provide information in a concise factual manner;

listen carefully to fully understand questions being asked directly and indirectly;

effectively manage time for multiple short and long-term tasks;

successfully use Microsoft office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or other similar software products;

participate in group discussions of regulations, policies, and procedures in order to understand and clearly answer questions from local agency staff;

organize, conduct, and facilitate program management responsibilities both individually and as part of a larger team;

serve as an office representative in a diverse and changing child nutrition environment.

Ability to:
deal tactfully, fairly, and effectively with food service personnel, administrators, coworkers, and the public from a variety of backgrounds;

teach in both groups and individual sessions through a variety of methods including classrooms, webinars, and telephone calls;

work at a very detailed level including research and interpretation, tracking correspondence and requests for information, accurate report preparation, calculation and interpretation of materials including nutrients and fiscal action;

work closely and collaboratively with the US Department of Agriculture, local agency staff, allied agencies, and state agency staff to implement healthy nutrition communities;

read, understand, and explain detailed information in regulations and policies;

develop and maintain professional relationships with coworkers and local agency representatives;

write and edit a variety of forms, reports, and informational materials;

review and evaluate methods, processes, and outcomes;

develop workshops for food service personnel, teachers, administrators, and the public;

travel to sites within the state to complete monitoring, technical assistance, and provide professional development as well as travel to sites outside of state for training and professional development.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE

The State of South Dakota offers paid employee health insurance plus ten paid holidays, generous vacation leave accrual, and medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. For more information visit

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus/workbenefits.aspx

Apply a

t:

http://tinyurl.com/kzr23ct

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

500 East Capitol

Pierre, SD 57501-5070

Telephone: 605.773.3148 Fax: 605.773.4344

“An Equal Opportunity Employer”