TDA - F%N - Technical Assistance Specialist

FOOD & NUTRITION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST

Salary Information: B21, $5,800.00 – $6,300.00/MO.

State Classification: 1574 - Program Specialist V

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Posting Number: 26-58524-3R

Location:

Austin, Ft. Worth, Waco, San Antonio, Lubbock, Houston, TX

Telework Option:
The agency does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work.

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position.

The 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 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.

• Provide clarification and procedural guidance to all Contracting Entities (CE) to ensure consistent messaging and accurate technical assistance on behalf of the agency.
• 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, including 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 work groups 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.
• Participate in program planning, development, and implementation, including determining trends and resolving technical problems.
• Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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 Director, ESC Consultant, or manager of community programs such as childcare centers, day care homes, or adult centers with operational and managerial application for the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
• 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.
• Work experience analyzing and interpreting data for program effectiveness.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in institutional management, nutrition, dietetics, family and consumer science, public health, instructional design, or related field.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
• School Nutrition Specialist Credentialing.

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. Knowledge of public administration techniques, training, and program management processes.

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…