Job Description

Food and Nutrition Administrative Support Specialist

(Program Support/Administrative Assistant/Receptionist)

Salary Information: B17, $3,900.00/MO

State Classification: Program Specialist I - 1570

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Posting Number: 24-56917-2R

Location: Austin, Texas

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually used to fund the programs for the State of Texas. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Food & Nutrition (F&N) Administrative Support Specialist will perform routine technical program assistance and administrative support work for the field offices of the Food and Nutrition (F&N) Division of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. Work involves completion of general quality assurance pertaining to agency communication style guidelines, and to support the Contracting Entity review notification processes. You will work under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide technical support and complete general quality assurance reviews of information included in assigned Contracting Entity (CE) Administrative Review (AR) Notices; prepare, edit, proof and distribute correspondence, reports, forms, studies and documents in compliance with agency and section processes and procedures.

Schedule and monitor employment interviews for division management, assist in preparing the interview packet, which includes the interview questions, skills exercise, scoring matrix.

Provide technical assistance to staff, Contracting Entities (CEs), and other stakeholders regarding the CE review notification process, TXUNPS access and general applications, and general program resource materials available to CEs via SquareMeals.org.

Open, review, route and track incoming mail; process outgoing mail; and coordinate and prepare mail-outs for various programs to provide to TDA staff and/or the public.

Maintain a tracking system(s) for monitoring office operations; assist with ordering and maintaining an adequate inventory of office supplies for the assigned TDA F&N Office; and complete purchase requests and receiving reports for the assigned TDA F&N Office. Create and maintain databases; compile statistical data; prepare various charts, graphs and written summaries; assist in preparing division reports; develop, coordinate and maintain record keeping and filing system for correspondence, forms, reports and documents in accordance with Agency Records Management Policy; may serve as the records coordinator for an assigned TDA F&N Field Office.

Plan and schedule meetings and/or conferences; may assist in scheduling travel arrangements and preparing travel vouchers for staff, as assigned.

Serve as or assist in serving as a receptionist for the assigned TDA F&N office, as needed; answer phone calls and greet guests to office; and take messages or refer calls to the appropriate staff.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.



Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:

Bachelor's Degree (One year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college.)

One (1) year work experience providing technical/administrative support for a program(s).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

One (1) year of professional experience working for a government entity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; and office practices and administrative procedures.

Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; the use of a computer and applicable software; and effective verbal and written communication, human relations, and organizational skills.

Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people; effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; multi-task in a fast-paced environment; to prepare reports; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will work 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 30 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 (20%*), occasionally overnight.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

TDA has a telework policy that will allow eligible positions to telework up to two (2) days per week after completing six (6) months of employment with the agency. The employee must meet eligibility criteria set forth in the Telework Policy.

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:

ü Retirement Plan

ü Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

ü Paid Holidays

ü Paid Vacation Leave

ü Paid Sick Leave

ü Longevity Pay

ü Dental

ü Vision

ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes. Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

A valid government-issued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver's license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at Program Management MOS Codes.