Occ. Code 3129100

FOOD PROGRAMS EVALUATION SPECIALIST 1, GRADE 18	3129100
FOOD PROGRAMS EVALUATION SPECIALIST 2, GRADE 23	3129200
FOOD PROGRAMS EVALUATION SPECIALIST 3, GRADE 27	3129300
DIRECTOR CHILD FOOD PROGRAMS, M-4	3578800

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Food Programs Evaluation Specialists are responsible for providing oversight and technical assistance to schools and other providers of the various programs granting funding to and creating specifications for food programs aimed at children and agencies, such as schools, providing services to children.  Food Program Evaluation Specialists seek to ensure program integrity and program compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, standards, and best practices.  These positions only are found in the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Food Programs Evaluation Specialist 1: full performance level; implements and monitors school food service programs.

Food Programs Evaluation Specialist 2: first supervisory level; supervises Food Programs Evaluation Specialists 1.

Food Programs Evaluation Specialist 3: managerial level; supervises Food Programs Evaluation Specialists 2 under the general direction of the Director Child Food Programs.

Director Child Food Programs: directs and manages the school and child food program evaluation program under the general direction of an Assistant Commissioner.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

FOOD PROGRAMS EVALUATION SPECIALIST 1

Ensure provider compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, program requirements, and best practices.

· Evaluate a variety of providers (for example: schools, jails, child care facilities, and various summer locations) to ensure compliance and proper payment.

· Conduct comprehensive reviews of covered programs.

· Design procedures for program and compliance review.

·  Develop, prepare, and implement program agreements. Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate covered programs, to meet program priorities.  Provide written and verbal responses to provider representatives regarding inquiries related to covered programs.

· Develop and disseminate written guidance for providers.

· Recommend withholding funds, imposing special conditions (corrective action plans), and/or terminating programs.

· Review and monitor providers implementation of corrective action plans, by composing correspondence and conducting unannounced site visits.

· Perform analyses of the nutritional content of planned menus.  Evaluate that content against requirements.

· Evaluate and assess compliance to cost principles; audit requirements; civil rights requirements; and various other requirements and principles.

· Monitor federal and State program payments for accuracy and timeliness.  Recommend appropriate actions related to claims.  Correspond with various other operations to report irregularities.

· Monitor program payments for accuracy and timeliness.

· Administer electronic or manual recordkeeping and reporting instruments to maintain efficient and effective programs.

Assure timely approval of program applications and annual reviews.

· Review and approve new applications when they are received.

· Maintain integrity of CNMS data entering contractor/sponsor approval information.

· Correspond with contractors/sponsors regarding provider approval issues.

· Maintain database and monitor for provider duplicates.

Generate enrollment, payment and other program reports, as necessary.

Provide technical assistance, guidance and training to ensure nutritional standards are met. 

· Respond to and document requests for technical assistance with telephone consultation and written correspondence, as appropriate. 

· Facilitate on-site training sessions for new participants, and schedule training for new contractors/sponsors.

May perform special assignments related to this title.

May supervise staff as appropriate (especially temporary staff).

FOOD PROGRAMS EVALUATION SPECIALIST 2

Supervise Food Programs Evaluation Specialists 1 in the administration of the federal Child Nutrition Program, and other assigned activities.

· Schedule and assign work to staff and ensure completion.

· Review, edit, and approve all reports, correspondence, compliance materials, and other written products.  Ensure all such products are correct in form and content.

· Review draft child nutrition materials to ensure they are clear, concise, and comprehensive, and provide suggestions for improvements.

Provide direction to staff developing forms, written procedures, and memos for the website.

Oversee the annual provider review process, training, and appeal responses. 

· Supervise and conduct monitoring reviews of sponsors to ensure compliance with federal and State laws and regulations.

· Analyze all program reviews to ensure compliance with regulatory timelines.  Calculate reclaim amounts and ensure corrective actions are carried out.

· Provide technical assistance to sponsors and agencies by telephone, e-mail, correspondence, or on-site visits.

· Prepare School Meals Initiative (SMI) data reports to evaluate progress and/or status of State School Food Authorities

· Provide direction in planning workshops, meetings, and conferences

FOOD PROGRAMS EVALUATION SPECIALIST 3

· Plan, coordinate, and manage work assignments; establish priorities and deadlines; ensure reviews and other actions undertaken by subordinates are performed according to established protocols and practices, and laws, rules, regulations, and standards.

· Assess provider compliance with program requirements.

· Supervise regulatory monitoring and reporting requirements for assigned programs.

· Develop, recommend, and execute new policies, procedures, and internal controls.

· Approve new providers and participating schools.

· Update various compliance materials.

· Investigate program irregularities.

· Identify training needs for staff.  Oversee planning, scheduling, and delivery of training.  Develop and conduct presentations and trainings.

· Present and publicize the objectives of the program to the community and to subordinate staff. 

· Provide direction to the Director when it comes to media communication. 

· Prepare files and reports, as needed, for audits, reviews, and management evaluations.

· Manage and supervise larger scale programs within the purview of the operation.

· Act as an agent of the Director, manage the activities of the subordinate staff, and define and oversee the development of appropriate processes and procedures and protocols, to achieve all the various responsibilities and goals of the operation.

· Manage the development and dissemination of resource material and information on child nutrition to providers.

· Serve various liaison functions, or assist the director in that capacity.

· Identify programmatic and operational changes to improve efficiency and compliance.

· Identify and prioritize training for personnel, contractors, and providers.

· Provide recommendations and technical assistance on program policy, federal regulations, and program operations concerning child nutrition.  

· Recommend proposed actions such as fiscal holds, fines, terminations, and placement on the National Disqualification List.

· Analyze and assess data; develop reports applicable to child nutrition programs.

· Manage the development and execution of grants and contracts.

· Define and oversee the development of State processes and protocols to effectively achieve all federal and state goals and objectives related to administering federal nutrition programs.

· Manage the development and dissemination of resource material and information on child nutrition to School Food Authorities/Sponsors.

· Work with the Director to develop and enhance relationships with school food authorities, summer sponsors, legislature, professional associations, federal and State agencies, and advocates to promote the federal nutrition programs. 

DIRECTOR CHILD FOOD PROGRAMS

Oversee and direct all programmatic and administrative activities of the office.

Oversee the development, maintenance, and revision of the various programs within this area, to ensure maximum efficiency, availability, and compliance.

Develop and revise the expense plan of the office, and the State Administrative Expense Plan to expend SAE federal funds.

Oversee the development of policy, regulations, and proposed legislation affecting child nutrition.

Provide recommendations and technical assistance on program policy, federal regulations, and program operations to leadership staff at NYSED.

Serve as NYSED liaison with providers, sponsors, the State Legislature, professional associations, other governmental entities, and advocates, related to the areas of purview.

Ensure that New York State and providers are in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and practices.

Provide leadership, management, and accountability to staff to ensure the operations activities align with and support NYSEDs strategic plans.

Plan and oversee the development and execution of grants, contracts and other initiatives relevant to the Child Nutrition Programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

FOOD PROGRAMS EVALUATION SPECIALIST 1

A bachelor's degree* and completion of a two-year traineeship leading to this title.

Or, a bachelor's degree* and two years of nutrition or food program compliance experience.

Or, an associates degree*; two years of nutrition or food program compliance experience; and completion of a two year traineeship.

Or, an associates degree* and four years of nutrition or food program compliance experience.

Or, New York State certification as a Certified Dietitian, Certified Nutritionist, or Certified Dietitian Nutritionist; and two years of nutrition or food program compliance experience.

Or, New York State certification as a Certified Dietitian, Certified Nutritionist, or Certified Dietitian Nutritionist; and completion of a two-year traineeship.

* Qualifying bachelors and associates degrees must be either of the following: Nutritional Science, Nutrition Education, or Dietetics; OR, Food Service Management, Institutional Food Service Management, or Hotel and Restaurant Management, including at least three credit hours in nutrition.

FOOD PROGRAMS EVALUATION SPECIALIST 2

Promotion: one year as a Food Programs Evaluation Specialist 1.

FOOD PROGRAMS EVALUATION SPECIALIST 3

Promotion: one year as a Food Programs Evaluation Specialist 2.

DIRECTOR CHILD FOOD PROGRAMS

Promotion: one year as a Food Programs Evaluation Specialist 3.

Date:  12/17

NOTE:  Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent, and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.