The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is a diverse team of passionate, education-focused professionals responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of education for each of Ohio’s 1.7 million students. The Department provides the resources and supports essential to raising student achievement and accelerating learning opportunities, advancing the connectivity between K-12 and postsecondary learning, creating programs to support and expand workforce experiences, and students have the necessary supports to be ready each day to learn.

As the governing body responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of education within the State of Ohio, the Department of Education and Workforce is dedicated to promoting educational excellence and ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for all students. The Department is committed to collaborating with schools, districts, educators, students, families, businesses, nonprofits and all stakeholders to achieve our educational goals.

Ideal candidate resides in Mahoning County. This is a repost, if you previously applied for this position, you would need to reapply to be considered the position.

The Ohio Department of Education, Office of Nutrition, is seeking an Education Program Specialist to participate in the implementation and oversight of programs and initiatives of the National School Lunch Program.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Acts on behalf of the Office for Nutrition by independently providing specialized program assistance & guidance to monitor Nutrition Programs with emphasis on National School Lunch Programs (NSLP) and affiliated sub-programs throughout assigned areas within the state:

- Interprets state and federal regulations accurately in order to approve or disapprove agreements and applications.
- Monitors and approves program sponsors administrative budgets.
- Conducts onsite reviews of sponsors to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Evaluates food products, meal quality, compliance with nutritional requirements, and maintenance of records.
- Makes appropriate recommendations based on findings.
- Assists, reviews, and monitors sponsor claims submissions.
- Provides customer focused technical assistance to maximize program usage in schools, daycare homes, daycare centers, food service operations, non-profit organizations, and other entities.
- Plans and develops tools, training materials and conducts program trainings.
- Accesses and utilizes web-based software to monitor and manage customer accounts.

Performs other related Child Nutrition duties as assigned:
- Conducts research.
- Writes reports.
- Consults with federal, state, and local agencies responsible for licensing and certification.
- Assists with special projects (e.g., grants management, event planning, develops presentations).

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

6 years' experience in a specific or related content area, educational program or service; current valid driver’s license or ability to secure transportation when travel is required.

-Or completion of undergraduate core program in a specific or related content area, educational program or service; 4 years experience in a specific or related content area, educational program or service; current valid driver’s license or ability to secure transportation when travel is required.

-Or completion of graduate core program in a specific or related content area, educational program or service; 3 years' experience in a specific or related content area, educational program or service; current valid driver’s license or ability to secure transportation when travel is required. B. In identified programs: Master’s degree and 3 years of education experience in a specific or related content area, educational program or service; current valid driver’s license or ability to secure transportation when travel is required. For both options: The official position description and vacancy/job posting will reflect the required education and related experience. Only those applicants possessing the required education and related experience are to be considered for any vacancies posted.

Job Skills: Educational support

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check as well as other investigative reviews. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position, unless restricted under state or federal law or federal restrictions. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
The final applicant for this position will be required to submit urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to an appointment. The State will decline to extend a final offer of employment to any applicant with a verified positive test result. Also, an applicant with a positive test result will not be considered for any position with the State of Ohio for a period of one year. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that values diversity and seeks talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Office of Human Resources (human.resources@education.ohio.gov).

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.