Community Nutrition Programs Training Specialist (ESC)

Job Description

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid model, that combines two in-office workdays and telecommuting up to three days per week.

The Office for Food and Nutrition Programs (FNP) administers programs that contribute to the health and well-being of the Commonwealth by supporting nutritious meal service in schools, day care centers, family day care homes and summer feeding programs.

The Community Nutrition Programs Training and Technical Assistance Specialist will support the successful operation of two federal child nutrition programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This role will serve as an educator and supporter of institutions operating in one or both of these programs, with a focus on ensuring nutritious meals are provided to all participants. This work will include the evaluation of food service operations and the provision of guidance on program administration, integrity and operations, including the development of educational resources. This role will include leading training and technical assistance opportunities both in person and virtually, and require the development of resources, job aids, and other supportive documents to clearly communicate program requirements and expectations. Additionally, this role will collaborate with all office teams to ensure a clear, cohesive message is issued and guidance considers the impact on all federal child nutrition programs

Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop, implement and administer and evaluate a training system for two federal child nutrition programs- the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This system will incorporate compliance and program standards to support program integrity.
• Plan and lead virtual, in-person, and asynchronous training events throughout the year on program operational requirements and best practices.
• Conduct data collection and analysis using standard survey tools (e.g., Alchemer, Google Forms, etc.)
• Apply knowledge of adult learning theory to create learning activities and compelling content that enhance knowledge retention and empower implementation.
• Consult with stakeholders to develop training program goals, learning objectives, and assessment tools.
• Participate in the promotion of Child Nutrition Programs to reach all eligible participants.
• Provide participating community organizations and schools with virtual and onsite assistance to improve nutrition and nutrition education services as well as providing resources and strategies for success in their operation of Child Nutrition Programs.
• Analyze technical data to help monitor the integrity of Child Nutrition programs.
• Maintain an ongoing and regular communication with Child Nutrition Program Sponsors by phone, mail and emails; and
• perform other related duties as assigned.
• Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth and out of state is required.

The successful candidate for this position will possess the following qualifications:

• Experience in the development and delivery of training content to a variety of adult learners;
• Knowledge of different content creation platforms, including Powerpoint, Adobe, Canva, and Articulate.
• Commitment to supporting nutrition programs in schools and community organizations;
• Knowledge of State and Federal child nutrition laws, rules and regulations;
• Ability to gather, analyze and evaluate data of moderate complexity from a wide variety of sources and make recommendations;
• Ability to establish, maintain effective and harmonious relationships with superiors, peers, and with federal, state and local officials concerned with child nutrition programs;
• Ability to work on multiple tasks;
• Skilled presenter with strong oral communication;
• Experienced with writing professional content including policies, training materials, and public-facing communications;
• Commitment to the advancement of federal Child Nutrition Programs
• Ability to work in a team environment, and
• Ability to maintain a varied schedule of local, regional and statewide activity which is not restricted by access to public transportation.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;

a Master's degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.