School and Community Nutrition Programs Training Specialist (Staff Specialist III) Full Time NEW

The main purpose of this position is to work in the administration of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), specializing in project management and training for the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs (OSCNP); supporting and providing nutrition program training and technical assistance to agencies participating in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition programs administered by OSCNP.

This position will develop and support statewide training initiatives and grant projects for the USDA Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs) administered by OSCNP. This includes the development of training content and resources, and the delivery of in-person and virtual training and technical assistance to support program effectiveness of participating agencies. The position works collaboratively with MSDE and external partners and participates in activities to support the goals and mission of MSDE. This position also evaluates training effectiveness and the professional development needs of agencies. Core program training areas include CNP foodservice operations and administration requirements, wellness policies, nutrition promotion, and other areas as directed. The position also contributes to the development, implementation, and evaluation of CNP grants, including USDA’s Team Nutrition (TN) Training and Farm to School grants and manages contracts, including statewide training for school nutrition professionals.

Duties Include

• Develops content and resources for in-person and or virtual meetings, trainings, and technical assistance activities aligned with USDA regulatory guidance and meal requirements, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and other Maryland state education, nutrition, and professional development requirements.
• Conducts training activities and provides technical assistance virtually and or in-person to agencies participating in the USDA nutrition programs administered by OSCNP to include the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP),the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), At Risk Afterschool Program and others.
• Develops and conducts training activities for staff development that is aligned with State and USDA regulatory guidance.
• Coordinates content and training activities facilitated through OSCNP’s learning management system (Canvas) as assigned.
• Evaluates training effectiveness through the design of surveys and other assessment tools and analysis of results.
• Coordinates with OSCNP staff members to plan, implement, and evaluate training activities.
• Facilitates needs assessment activities to contribute to strategic planning for the OSCNP and to identify priorities for training and technical resource development.
• Prepares data and reports as requested by the OSCNP Director, Supervisor, and Program Specialists, MSDE, USDA, or external partners.
• Participates in interdisciplinary teams in developing professional development goals or standards.
• Manages relationships with OSCNP staff to identify needs and priority areas for nutrition program training and technical assistance.
• Manages relationships with external training providers and organizations in partnership with OSCNP.

Education: A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework from an accredited college or university in Health Science, Food Service Administration, Consumer Science, Dietetics, Nutrition, Public Health, Public/Business Administration, Education, or a related field.

Experience: Three years of professional experience in nutrition program administration, food service operations, and/or non-profit, or government project management. .

Notes

• Candidates may substitute a Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree at an accredited college or university in a field related to the position for one year of the required experience.
• The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Office of Human Resources.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Experience with Child Nutrition Programs such as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
• Registered Dietitian Experience in providing, conducting or creating professional development training, virtually and/or in-person
• Experience in program management and evaluation
• Experience with Learning Management Systems
• Experience teaching consumer sciences
• Knowledge of federal laws and regulations governing school and community nutrition programs

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

State Of Maryland Benefits

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-554-9397 or mailed to MSDE Human Resources Branch, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the Human Resources address listed above.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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