TDA - FND - Policy Analyst (Technical Writer) (58539)

Job Description

Food and Nutrition Policy Analyst

(Technical Writers Encouraged to Apply)

Salary Information: $6,300.00 - $6,510.00/MO - B21

State Classification: Technical Writer II - 1871

FLSA Status: Exempt

Posting Number: 25-58539-1

Location: Austin, TX

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online 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/551/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 and Nutrition Policy Analyst will perform advanced (senior-level) informational and educational work regarding federal and state policy assessment, evaluation and training for the Food and Nutrition (F&N) Division. You will be involved in extensive research, professional writing, and maintaining an in-depth understanding of F&N program policy and impact on functions at the state and contractor level. You will work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform policy analyses that align with the mission and values of TDA F&N division and the F&N Assistant Commissioner's vision.

Provide sound, appropriate, and timely assessment of federal and state regulations for use in executive policy interpretation development.

Analyze, synthesize, and utilize executive interpretation of federal and state laws, rules, policies and procedures to provide high quality consultative technical assistance and guidance to agency staff and the public on policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards or requirements.

Develop, produce, maintain, and distribute F&N program handbooks, forms, policy releases, rules or standards, and other program materials in a clear, relevant, concise, grammatically correct format and comply with federal, state and agency standards.

Consult and collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts (SMEs), including (but not limited to) state and federal representatives, to ensure accuracy of materials.

Serve as SME for designated Child Nutrition Program (CNP) and assist in training development for, and provide technical assistance and guidance to, F&N staff, Education Service Center CNP staff, and sponsors/providers on new and revised policies; review and provide feedback on curricula to address specific programmatic needs.

Periodically review training materials and recommend revisions or changes to ensure alignment with existing policy or executive direction of new policy guidance.

Participate in at least one administrative review per year for the assigned program(s).

Follow all TDA safety guidelines and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.



Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:

Bachelor's Degree.

Two (2) years' work experience in researching, analyzing, developing, preparing and presenting complex information.

Experience in professional writing.

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications or related and experience serving in a legislative aide role may substitute for (1) year of the required experience.

Masters in political science, Public Administration, Communications or related field OR experience as a Graduate Assistant may substitute for required work experience.

PREFERRED

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications or related.

Work experience in policy analysis in a Child Nutrition Program under the purview of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of the techniques and methods of planning, organizing, and writing various types of materials; of all 12 federal nutrition programs administered by TDA; of regulations for nutrition programs and federal and state operating guidelines related to food and nutrition; of research methodology; and of departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.

Skill in writing technical and business documents; in critical thinking; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; and in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to conduct research; to compose, review, illustrate, and edit technical documents, materials, and reports; and to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to interpret and translate division programs and research accurately; 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 40 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 (up to 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 Information and Communications MOS Codes.