Central Arkansas School Nutrition Specialist

Full job description: 

Department: Child Nutrition
Location: District Office, with travel to Central Arkansas campuses
Reports To: Designated District Child Nutrition Supervisor

Position Summary

LISA Academy is seeking an organized, dependable, and proactive School Nutrition Specialist to support the Child Nutrition Department.

This position primarily consists of administrative responsibilities, including maintaining records, processing purchasing documentation, tracking invoices and budget activity, supporting student meal eligibility processes, and coordinating routine communications. The position also provides campus and point-of-sale support as needed.

The successful candidate must learn new processes quickly, take initiative, and independently complete recurring assignments once trained. Strong follow-through, attention to detail, and the ability to recognize and communicate issues promptly are essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative, Purchasing, and Financial Support

• Track purchases and follow up on missing invoices, receipts, approvals, or supporting documentation. 
• Retrieve Square transaction information and forward required documentation to Accounts Payable or designated Finance staff.
• Maintain budget tracking spreadsheets as invoices are received and flag discrepancies for review.
• Ensure invoices and supporting documents are submitted promptly to Accounts Payable and filed in the appropriate folders.
• Assist with organizing vendor statements, credits, rebates, and other financial records.
• Monitor assigned Child Nutrition emails, respond to routine inquiries within established procedures, and route matters requiring supervisory review.
• Schedule appointments, meetings, services, and follow-up activities as assigned.
• Maintain organized electronic files, calendars, task lists, and deadline reminders.
• Complete other routine administrative assignments supporting department operations.

Student Meal Eligibility and Records

• Assist with processing and maintaining meal applications, direct certification records, and supporting documentation according to district procedures.
• Support parent outreach, application follow-up, and routine correspondence regarding student meal accounts.
• Assist with the annual meal application verification process, including organizing records, tracking responses, and preparing documentation.
• Maintain accurate student information in current nutrition software and other designated district systems.
• Protect confidential student, household, and financial information.
• Collect and organize campus meal trackers, participation information, and other records needed for reporting and review.

Campus and Meal Service Support

• Follow established procedures for meal accountability and identifying reimbursable meals after completing required training.
• Visit assigned campuses to observe meal service and complete district monitoring checklists.
• Document and promptly report food shortages, missing menu items, staffing or POS coverage concerns, service delays, and other operational issues.
• Collect and organize production records, delivery documentation, and campus service information for supervisory review.
• Help coordinate communication among campuses, district staff, and the Food Service Management Company.
• Maintain documentation related to approved meal service changes.

Systems, Reporting, and Department Support

• Use spreadsheets, email, current nutrition software platform(s), POS platforms, and other district systems to complete assigned responsibilities.
• Assist with routine system updates, user access requests, and troubleshooting within assigned permissions.
• Support software rollover activities and student data updates as directed.
• Organize documentation for monthly reporting, claims preparation, monitoring reviews, and Administrative Review preparation.
• Maintain employee training records and professional development documentation.
• Assist with parent notices, menus, informational materials, and wellness documentation as assigned.
• Track assigned corrective actions and follow up on outstanding items.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Proficiency with email, spreadsheets, electronic filing, and basic office software.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn new software and procedures quickly and apply training accurately.
• Ability to manage recurring responsibilities, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently after training with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Initiative to identify missing information, follow up on outstanding tasks, and communicate barriers before deadlines are missed.
• Professional communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate records.
• Valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle for required travel between district locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or relevant college coursework.
• Experience in administrative support, purchasing, invoice processing, bookkeeping, school operations, or Child Nutrition.
• Experience with LINQ, POS systems, Square, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with USDA and Arkansas DESE Child Nutrition requirements.
• ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain certification if required for assigned duties.