Job Description
Travel Specialist for Food & Nutrition (F&N)
(Program Support/Administrative Assistant/Accounting)
Salary Information: $4,500.00 - $5,200.00 /MO - B19
State Classification: Program Specialist III - 1572
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Posting Number: 24-57231-3R
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 Travel Specialist for Food & Nutrition (F&N) will work in a fast paced, multi-faceted environment performing complex administrative and supervisory program work for the Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Food & Nutrition (F&N) Division. You will develop and implement sound practices, processes/procedures, guidelines, and resources for F&N staff on the travel planning and reimbursement process. You will ensure that staff are compliant with the agency's travel policy. You will support the implementation of technology-based solutions and provide training and consultative services to ensure effective utilization of resources by travelers and supervisors. You will also serve as the subject matter expert for travel questions, training, requests, and issues. You will work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the F&N division's primary liaison with TDA's accounting/travel department and/or contract vendors concerning travel. Track and ensure full utilization of all travel credits.
Ensure the timely review of F&N travel documents. Provide direct assistance to staff to resolve errors to ensure that the documents are accurate when sent over for approval from the accounting/travel department.
Provide direct assistance, as appropriate, to resolve issues with vendors and support travelers as needed at all stages of travel.
Use current technology to develop, coordinate and maintain a tracking system(s), record keeping and filing system for travel documents such as ATR's, vouchers, travel advances, etc.
Develop and document all processes related to reviewing and processing travel documents and provide cross training to mitigate potential disruptions of processing.
Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for the State of Texas and TDA travel processes, procedures, and forms for TDA F&N staff. Identify the impact of changes to travel policy; keep F&N management apprised of changes to travel policies and procedures; and disseminate approved changes and revisions concerning travel processes and procedures to F&N.
Stay abreast of F&N's travel trends, and challenges. Confers with agency and F&N staff on program issues and problems to identify and implement solutions.
Identify training needs related to travel procedures and documentation and develop materials to ensure F&N properly prepares travel documents. Utilize the Talent Management System and F&N Training Team to assist in training and providing information for travel processes and procedures to all new hires; and participate in F&N meetings to train on travel rules, processes and procedures.
Provide technical assistance to division staff/management to ensure understanding of complex travel scenarios and documentation. Communicate effectively and professionally to assist staff with being in compliance with policy to receive prompt reimbursement.
Coordinate and/or complete special projects and serve as backup for program support staff, as needed.
Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).
Minimum two ( 2 ) years of work experience providing travel support to an agency or company or state of Texas work experience in accounting.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
State of Texas work experience in travel accounting and/or processing.
Work experience providing travel support for a division.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; of public administration and management techniques; of budget processes; of research techniques; of training techniques; and of program management processes and techniques.
Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; and the use of a computer and applicable software.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to establish goals and objectives; to devise solutions to administrative problems; to develop, evaluate, and interpret administrative policies and procedures; to 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 work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (5%*) , 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.
Standard office hours for agency employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternate schedules for employees, if it does not adversely affect operations and service levels, and standard hours of operation are maintained.
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:
Retirement Plan
Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation Leave
Paid Sick Leave
Longevity Pay
Dental
Vision
Dependent Optional Life Insurance
Voluntary AD&D Insurance
Dependent Health & Life Insurance
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.