TDA - FND Senior Administrative Review Specialist (Community Operations) (58576)

Food Nutrition Senior Administrative Review Specialist

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

What You'll Do

The Senior Administrative Review Specialist will work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment performing highly advanced administrative and supervisory program work. You will be responsible for providing training and technical assistance to the Administrative Review Specialists (ARS) in all areas of an Administrative Review (AR) Procurement Review (PR). This includes the AR PR processes and procedures, site selection, off-site and on-site activities, the Corrective Action Document (CAD) development and review, the exit conference, and closing activities as outlined in Federal Guidelines. Work involves ensuring consistency across the state, reviewing letters, preparing and submitting reports, reviewing AR / PR documents to ensure all findings have correctly been identified, any fiscal action is correctly calculated, in addition to conducting general quality assurance on ARs / PRs.

You will work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Primary Responsibilities

Supervise the work of ARS staff and provide consultative services and high-level technical assistance. Review, assess, verify, and ensure the completeness, timeliness, and quality of ARs, site selection and CE correspondence, Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), and the closeout process. Conduct, lead and / or participate in performing follow-up ARs (including complex and / or controversial), as well as complaint-related and close out reviews of CEs participating in the CNPs administered by TDA FN; Complete all associated activities and reports in accordance with USDA and TDA FN rules and regulations. Accompany / observe ARS and / or AFRS staff for on-site activities to assess efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of training, tools, processes, and procedures related to the AR and report results to section management team, as needed. Serve as point of contact (off and on-site) for Education Service Center (ESC), USDA, and Office of Inspector General (OIG) staff attending, observing, reviewing, and / or participating in a TDA FN conducted ARs. Provide consistent, accurate and timely mentoring to ARS and AFRS staff to assist them in determining and ensuring all applicable rules and regulations, processes and procedures are followed as instructed and division expectations are met. Provide input in the development and implementation of TDA FN policies and procedures, materials, training, and tools related to AR functions. Assist the AR Training staff with the development / implementation / maintenance of the AR training program, including techniques, tools, and strategies to increase team productivity, provide guidance in integrating new audit / review methods, rules and regulations, policies, and procedures, promote excellent product quality, consistency and to enhance team morale, as needed. Provide program technical information and assistance to division staff, contracting entities, food management companies, vendors, Education Service Center (ESC) other agencies and the public, as needed. Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for federal and state regulations applicable to administrative and procurement reviews. Identify significant trends, problem areas or potentially controversial circumstances; provide assessments, justifications, and recommendations to improve processes, communication, and policies, as well as efficiency of work processes and effectiveness of collaborative efforts. Review, evaluate and recommend changes to AR questions, tools, forms, processes, and other procedures to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency. Assist with the review of Single Audit submissions to determine compliance with applicable USDA and TDA FN rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Stay abreast of the rules and regulations of Food Nutrition Programs to conduct and provide feedback on an AR / PR. Develop tools and monitor time management, multifaceted programs, and professional development. Follow all TDA policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications / Requirements for the Position (The application must state how each of the following qualifications are met - resumes do not take the place of the required state of Texas application which must be completed in CAPPS or WIT.)

Bachelors degree (One year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college). Five (5) years work experience in monitoring or evaluating programs or financial compliance. Experience coordinating the work of others or serving in a team leader / senior role or related. Valid Texas drivers license and an acceptable driving record. Preferred qualifications include experience serving in a supervisory capacity. Work experience in managing or monitoring Child Nutrition programs, Food Service, or a nutrition-related field.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; of public administration and management techniques; of statistical analysis processes; of budget processes; research techniques; and of program management processes and techniques. Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program and staff performance; in providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers; in preparing concise and accurate reports and recommendations that are accurate, timely, and based on sound judgment; in the use of a computer and applicable software. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to establish goals and objectives; to devise solutions to administrative problems; to develop, evaluate and interpret administrative policies and procedures; to supervise the work of others; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality. Physical requirements include normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Involves periods of sedentary work alternating with periods of work that may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds. Involves traveling by plane and / or car, frequently driving for long distances and frequent overnight travel up to 25% travel. Must be able to complete individual travel, as well as traveling with a group, for assignments.