Job Description

Food and Nutrition Program Specialist

Salary Information: $4,600.00 - $5,100.00/MO - B18

State Classification: Program Specialist II - 1571

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Posting Number: 24-58762-2R

Location: Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, or San Juan, TX. This position will work across the state of Texas, as needed.

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) Program Specialist works in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment. Performs moderately complex technical work. Work involves reviewing documentation (federal and state reports), providing a comprehensive review of rules and regulations, preparing reports for manager review, making recommendations for process improvement, and providing technical assistance and guidance to customers. May provide guidance to others. You will work under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs comprehensive reviews and assesses compliance of rules and regulations, statutes, and policies; and prepares federal and state administrative reports, analysis and documentation for the Food and Nutrition Programs.

Reviews waivers for approval or denial for Contracting Entities (CEs).

Provide technical assistance and feedback to staff, CEs, and other stakeholders regarding reports and processes.

Maintain a tracking system(s) for monitoring federal and state reports and analysis. Create and maintain databases; compile statistical data; prepare various charts, graphs, and written summaries; coordinate and maintain record keeping and filing system for correspondence, forms, reports, and documents in accordance with Agency Records Management Policy.

Studies and analyzes reports and processes, prepares reports of findings and recommendations, and the justification. Present to management staff according to timelines.

Collaborate with program staff to determine trends and resolve technical issues.

Gathers and organizes documents for appeals and public information requests, as needed.

Provide input on developing and revising policy and procedure manuals.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.



Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:

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

Three (3) year's work experience with federal or state compliance or auditing.

Experience reviewing and preparing complex and technical reports.

Experience providing technical assistance or customer service.

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

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, occasionally overnight (up to 5%).

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 accommodation, 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.