JOB SUMMARY: Provide regional leadership, technical assistance, and staff development for ESC 20 clients to ensure the effective support and implementation of the National School Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack and Child Adult Care Feeding Program requirements.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required; major in institutional management, food service, business, nutrition, family and consumer science, public health, education, or other related field required.

Three years of relevant experience required.

Three years of experience training adult learners.

Knowledge of federal nutrition programs.

ServSafe or related Food Handler certification preferred.

Knowledge of curriculum design and implementation.

Ability to interpret data and evaluate instruction programs and teaching effectiveness.

Ability to provide technical assistance and professional development to Contracting Entities.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Proficiency with standard functions within electronic applications such as MS Office (e.g., word processing electronic spreadsheets) and e-mail.

Proficiency with computers (PCs and/or MACs) to include desktop management, file management and operations, and working in a network environment.

Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success.

PRODUCTS/OUTCOMES

Work cooperatively with the Texas Department of Agriculture and Contracting Entities (CEs) in the administration or program operations of the National School Breakfast, Lunch, Snack and Child and Adult Care Food Programs.

Review, develop, and implement all program related materials, professional development courses, and technical assistance documents.

Oversee the development of reports for the Texas Department of Agriculture of all technical assistance activities performed in the field including detailed descriptions of methods used, acceptance by CE personnel and anticipated effects on program operations.

Develop and evaluate plans for providing technical assistance to each CE according to the needs identified by the CE, Administrative Review and in various other reviews and audits performed by the Texas Department of Agriculture and/or the United States Department of Agriculture.

Review and evaluate CEs’ Food and Nutrition policy statements, program operations, contract agreements and annual renewals for the School Breakfast, Lunch, Snack and Child and Adult Care Food Program. .

Evaluate information relevant to improving the quality of the food and service delivered to children through the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Snack and Child and Adult Care Food Program by participation in professional growth activities including self-directed studies.

Develop marketing strategies for products, services, and programs that reflect data driven decisions.

Plan and provide staff development for CEs participating in the National School Breakfast, Lunch, Snack and Child and Adult Care Food Programs.

Disseminate information regarding program updates, current nutrition research, and significant developments at the state and national level impacting program operations.

Teach compliance and program management-related courses annually in three to four ESC Summer Workshops outside the region.

Design services, products, and professional development to meet identified CE needs related to nutrition education and program compliance.

Attend required state staff meetings scheduled by TDA.

INITIATIVE

Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a high level of energy and enthusiasm for assigned responsibilities.

Demonstrate the use of sound judgement and ingenuity in problem solving to meet the needs of the Center and clients served.

Participate and engage in learning experiences that enhance job knowledge and skills, and that build capacity in program area.

Remain current with program standards and regulations; research and appropriately apply current theories and methodologies.

Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.

Set challenging goals and reach a high standard of performance despite any barriers encountered.

Work under minimal supervision.

COMMUNICATION/HUMAN RELATIONS

Communicate effectively and interact professionally.

Build professional relationships with colleagues and clients, maintaining regular and continuing interaction, in meeting shared outcomes.

Demonstrate self-confidence, professionalism, and a high level of customer service skills (e.g., courtesy, patience, diplomacy, etc.) at all times and, in particular, when under stressful or unprecedented situations while working with colleagues and clients.

Demonstrate professional-level written and oral communication skills.

Work collaboratively in a team setting.

Promote and support organizational change.

Keep supervisors informed.

Maintain confidentiality and security of program materials and information.

SUPERVISION AND ORGANIZATION OF STAFF

None.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

Participate in development, preparation, and administration of the budget for supplies, equipment, and facilities in area of assignment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals.

Posture: Prolonged sitting/standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent region-wide travel; occasional statewide/nationwide travel; exposure to low or intense illumination.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Function within the policies and administrative procedures of ESC-20.

Accept other responsibilities as assigned.

Dress and groom appropriately for the ESC-20 work setting.

Travel independently to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Serve at the will of the Executive Director.

Up to 50% travel required including out-of-town and other ESC regions.

FUNDING

The ESC-20 Food & Nutrition Services program is federally funded by United States Department of Agriculture and administered by Texas Department of Agriculture. The program is in compliance with the provisions of the National School Lunch Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Health, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA), and the Older American Act, and are implemented in accordance with all applicable statutory and regulatory provisions.

This position is federally funded by United States Department of Agriculture and administered by Texas Department of Agriculture, and all duties associated with this position are allowable and allocable to the contract. Time and effort records for this position are in accordance with the requirements in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars.

Deadline to Apply: May 14, 2024