Child Nutrition Technician

Primary Purpose

To support the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of ESC Region 12. The Child Nutrition Technician provides training, technical assistance, and administrative support to Contracting Entities (CEs) participating in federal child nutrition programs administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Qualifications

Education/Certification

Bachelor’s degree in Institutional Management, Food Service, Business, Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science, Public Health, Education, or a related field required

Three (3) years of experience in the management of school or institutional food service operations preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills

Knowledge of institutional food service operations, management, business, and/or nutrition education

Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing child nutrition programs

Skills in time management

Ability to communicate complex information

Ability to adapt well to changing priorities and direction

Ability to meet the needs of adult learners

Ability to work effectively with Child Nutrition Directors of varying levels of experience

Ability to objectively evaluate data and provide pertinent feedback

Ability to demonstrate effective training skills using differentiation strategies

Ability to research and interpret TDA guidance and translate policy into actionable district guidance

A collaborative team player committed to fostering a positive workplace culture and driving continuous improvement through the implementation of Quality Management System (QMS) initiatives.

General Responsibilities

Provide training and technical assistance to Contracting Entities (CEs) participating in federal child nutrition programs.

Maintain reporting information, CE files, and data in accordance with TDA guidelines.

Participate in training in all phases of Child Nutrition Program (CNP) operations.

Collaborate with other ESC regions to support the implementation of statewide training initiatives.

Attend required meetings.

Attend and participate in special committees and workgroups as directed by TDA.

Maintain current knowledge of child nutrition programs, regulations, and effective practices through required professional development.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibilities

The applicant needs to possess these core values through words and actions to build positive, long term relationships with customers by demonstrating:

Professionalism while demonstrating integrity, respect for others, expertise, and credibility at all times

Quality in delivering what I promise and help create superior programs and services that add value beyond what is expected

Teamwork by working cooperatively with others to promote a positive and fun work environment

Adaptability by being flexible, attentive to change and ready to move quickly and decisively in response to the needs of customers

Innovation by contributing to the implementation of new or significantly improved services and delivery methods

Superior Service by providing personable, direct attention that delivers customer satisfaction beyond what is expected

Security Requirements

All positions at ESC 12 are defined as security-sensitive. Security-sensitive positions are those which require employees to be entrusted with certain types of data, whether electronic or in paper form. Those data elements, as defined by the ESC 12 Data Classification and Handling Policy may include, but not limited to:

Sensitive Personal Information (SPI)

Personally, Identifiable Information (PII)

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Family Educational Records (FERPA Data)

Federal Tax Information (FTI)

All employees must adhere to all security-related policies, standards, and procedures. This includes actively safeguarding data and immediately reporting any suspected loss or theft.

Travel

Travel to Contracting Entities for site visits is required and comprises a minimum of 50% of scheduled work hours; occasional out-of-state travel may be required

Tools/Equipment Used

Standard office equipment, including a computer and related peripherals

Posture

Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting

Motion

Repetitive hand motions, including frequent keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting

Occasionally lift and carry up to 15 pounds

Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office and school district environment

May require prolonged or irregular hours based on operational needs

May require regional, statewide, and out-of-state travel

Mental Demands

Manage multiple tasks and priorities while meeting established deadlines

Work cooperatively and effectively with others

Maintain composure and sound judgment in demanding situations

Adapt to changing priorities and responsibilities

Work effectively with frequent interruptions

Benefit Information

ESC Region 12 provides a monetary contribution of up to $575 per month for employee/family healthcare and supplemental benefits.

Employee earns state personal, sick, and vacation leave.

All employees contribute to both the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) and the Social Security retirement programs