07/08/1999 21250

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES ADVISER 1

DEFINITION: This is professional and technical work that involves reviewing the child and adult care nutrition programs in schools, institutions, and child and adult care centers to ensure that programs at the local level are operated in conformance with federal regulations and state policies.

Employees in this class are responsible for the review of state and federally funded child and adult care nutrition programs in schools, institutions, child and adult care facilities, day care home sponsor organizations and emergency shelters to ensure compliance with federal regulations and adherence to state guidance, policies and standards. Employees are also responsible for the provision of advisory, technical and training services to local food service management professional personnel and local organizations in the improvement, implementation, expansion and promotion of new or improved child and adult nutrition programs. Work involves providing technical assistance and consultation to food service provider operations in the maintenance of proper records in compliance with federal and state regulations. Work is performed in accordance with established policies and regulations under the general supervision of a regional supervisor, however, the employee is responsible for applying independent judgment and discretion in resolving problems encountered in the field.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts administrative reviews of federally funded child and adult care nutrition programs such as the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, in schools, institutions, and child and adult care centers to ensure that programs are in conformance with regulations. Determines corrective action that must be taken and/or financial disallowance that must be imposed as a result of non-compliance found during reviews.

Reviews and analyzes statistical and financial data to determine if fiscal actions must be implemented.

Reviews meal counts to determine correctness of income eligibility and verifies this data against related claims documentation for reimbursement.

Visits food service facilities at schools, institutions, and child and adult care centers and observes preparation and service of meals to ensure that food service is conducted in compliance with generally acceptable health and sanitation practices.

Reviews work standards and procedures and evaluates menus to ensure compliance with nutritional standards. This involves conducting a nutrient analysis of menus using approved software. Provides recommendations for improvement, as needed.

Prepares corrective action plans, which describe problems found during reviews, and works with sponsors to develop suggested actions to correct the problems.

Provides training and technical assistance for program sponsors. This includes developing and conducting training sessions for school superintendents, business managers, school food service staff, dietitians and other food service personnel and assisting local administrators in planning and implementing new or improved child and adult nutrition programs.

Assists in informing food service personnel of recent developments in food service techniques or nutritional requirements through participation in the development and dissemination of informational materials. This includes providing workshops and presentations when requested.

Promotes/advocates the importance of child and adult care food programs to local administrators and food service personnel.

Attends meetings of governmental agencies and other organizations involved in child and adult care food programs.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of nutrition and large-scale food preparation and service.

Knowledge of federal regulations related to various child and adult care nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Ability to apply nutrition principles and practices to food service programs in schools and child and adult care facilities.

Ability to use a computer, including software, to effectively conduct mandated reviews and nutrient analysis of menus.

Ability to train and instruct food service personnel in program requirements and to interpret policies, procedures and techniques to individuals and to groups.

Ability to develop basic training materials.

Ability to apply nutrition principles and practices to food service programs in schools and child and adult care facilities.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Division of Food and Nutrition colleagues and local school officials and program administrators.

Ability to travel extensively in order to conduct on-site reviews and provide training and technical assistance to program sponsors.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of professional experience in nutrition services or school food service management and a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, food service administration, or hotel and restaurant management.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.