Title:  Child Nutrition Program Coordinator I

Overview

The Agency of Education's Child Nutrition Programs team is hiring for a monitoring position to conduct financial reviews of childcare centers and nonprofit organizations involved in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program. The position will also provide training and technical assistance to these organizations on how to meet the financial management requirements of these federal child nutrition programs. If you have a background in auditing or accounting and want to use that knowledge for meaningful work ensuring children and older adults have access to nutritious meals, we invite you to apply!

This team manages the implementation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) child nutrition programs in schools, childcares, and other organizational settings to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Our work ensures well-trained individuals run these programs, providing the best possible food and nutrition support for children and vulnerable adults.

This position will specialize in two federal nutrition programs: the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

Primary responsibilities include:

• Conducting financial reviews of CACFP and SFSP participants' business operations to determine their fiscal viability. This involves conducting an annual analysis of each organization's financial viability, administrative capability, and program accountability (VCA). This analysis includes examining bank statements, projected budgets, Profit & Loss, and similar fiscal documentation for CACFP and SFSP providers, such as childcare centers, nonprofit organizations, and schools.
• Reviewing financial records, such as receipts, accounting records, and procurement documentation, to ensure they are in compliance with state and federal Child Nutrition Program regulations and that program funds are being spent on allowable costs to operate the child nutrition programs.
• Creating and providing in-person or web-based training and written resources for CACFP and SFSP providers on all aspects of financial management within these two programs, and answering questions via phone and email about these topics.
• Working with other team members to onboard new organizations into the CACFP and SFSP. 
• Developing and updating internal procedures and resources related to financial management monitoring. 
• Depending on workload and skills, the position may also involve data analysis related to program reporting requirements, reviewing contracts of food service management companies entered into by CACFP and Summer Food Service Programs operators. 

Applicants should have a strong background in auditing and accounting. While experience with the federal child nutrition programs and CACFP and SFSP is helpful, program-specific training is available. Those without specific experience with these programs are still encouraged to apply. Experience with financial management in other federal programs, interpreting federal regulations, and conducting training for adult learners is also beneficial.  

Most work is conducted in an office setting. After training, this position offers the option to be remote up to 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor. In-state travel is required to conduct some administrative reviews and training, and occasional out-of-state travel may be required to receive training.

Who May Apply

Class Definition

Entry-level planning, administrative, consultative, and monitoring work at a professional level in providing education services in Child Nutrition Programs. This is the first of four levels supporting the Agency of Education Child Nutrition Program. Provides support to other Department staff members, local school officials, school food service directors, managers and staff, and other education professionals.

Environmental Factors

Normal office working conditions generally prevail, however site visits to schools and programs throughout the year are required. Incumbents must be able to interact, work, and deal with department staff, educators, state, federal, and local officials, and the general public. Evening and weekend work may be required. Considerable travel is necessary for which an incumbent must possess private means of transportation.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree or higher in nutrition, dietetics, culinary arts, business, accounting, or related field. 
OR
Four (4) years or more of experience in the field of child nutrition programs, food service management, auditing, accounting, or grants management.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
Experience working in federal Child Nutrition programs at a state or federal level.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.