Description of Work

INTERNAL ONLY TO CURRENT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION EMPLOYEES

This position serves as a Consultant in the Office of School Nutrition. The purpose of the position is to manage the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). In this role, the Consultant manages all aspects of the program including but not limited to the FFVP annual application process (as prescribed in Federal guidance) among eligible elementary schools in the state. The position is responsible for preparing the annual FFVP application packet to include the letter of invitation with information and instructions for eligible elementary schools, providing a timeline of the application/selection process, and modifying the “School Profile/School Proposal” application form according to recommendations from Congress and USDA. The position is responsible for conducting outreach to encourage NC elementary schools with highest need to apply to program, respond to questions from school personnel interested in applying, and provide guidance in the application process. Further, the position is responsible for following the SBE policy/procedures for use of discretionary funds to make recommendations for grant awards the FFVP to the sub-recipient agencies.

The position conducts statewide annual, required basic and continuing education for all school personnel at participating schools. Participants in the educational sessions including School Nutrition Administrators, School Nutrition Supervisors, School Nutrition Managers, School Nutrition Bookkeepers, Finance Officers, Superintendents, Principals, Assistant Principals, Teachers, School Nurses, School Health Coordinators, and any other school applicable personnel with designated program responsibilities. The educational sessions provide instructional information to ensure compliance with Federal and State regulations governing the program; the educational sessions also address a variety of allowable “best practices” that have been shown to enhance students’ classroom learning experiences as part of the program’s nutrition education requirement. The required basic and continuing education takes place over a period of days. The position is responsible to ensure all participants in the educational sessions understand the Congressional intent of the FFVP, the current USDA FFVP Handbook for Schools, Addendum to the Annual Agreement, FFVP allotment (to include “Start-up” funds and “Annual” funds), proper procurement requirements exercising free and open competition for food, supplies, and equipment, purchasing locally grown produce, USDA Civil Rights, menu planning, safe storage/handling, and preparation of fresh fruits and vegetables, allowable and unallowable expenses for use in the FFVP, completing/submitting monthly claim for Federal reimbursement, Semi-annual and End-of-Year Reports, nutrition education opportunities, and developing partnerships with local, state, and national entities.

The position travels routinely to conduct on-site program and financial management reviews of the schools participating in the FFVP in conjunction with the Federally mandated Administrative Review (5-year cycle or as needed for cause) and conducts FFVP Technical Assistance Reviews and additional technical assistance on an ongoing, as-needed basis to ensure compliance with FFVP regulations. The position also represents the state at various national meetings/events/conferences involving the FFVP.

In addition to managing the FFVP, the position represents the OSN as a collaborator to support the statewide Farm-to-School Program and other Farm-to-School local initiatives. In this role, the position helps ensure the proper procurement, receipt, storage, preparation and service of locally grown fruits and vegetables to support the FFVP. The position serves on task forces and advisory committees and works directly with staff of the NCDA&CS and existing staff in the OSN as well as other Farm-to-School stakeholder groups. The position attends Farm-to-School events and assists in the planning and implementation of projects that support School Nutrition personnel local farms/growers in providing local product in a manner that encourages students to intentionally choose locally grown products.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• Knowledge of rules and regulations that govern the federally assisted School Nutrition Programs.

• Documented leadership experience.

• Documented participation in continuous improvement and professional development.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:

• Prior experience in the School Nutrition Programs administered by the NCDPI.
• Public speaking and training of audiences of various educational backgrounds.
• Food Safety Certification or Instructor’s Certification.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Supplemental and Contact Information