INTRODUCTION:

The purpose of the USDA Coordinator position is to implement and ensure timely operation and record keeping of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in the Child Development Centers (CDC), School Age Care (SAC) programs, and participating Family Child Care (FCC) Homes.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The USDA Coordinator performs a combination of duties related to timely operation and record keeping of the USDA CACFP across Child and Youth Programs (CYP). Serves as the subject matter expert in accordance with CACFP and is responsible for the accurate implementation of regulations governing the food program. Duties are related to the record keeping and reporting, training and program support and compliance with the USDA program. These tasks are summarized below.

RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING:

Prepares, maintains, and submits reports, records and financial data pertaining to CACFP rates, meals, attendance and claim reimbursements. Ensures records are accurate, up-to-date, and readily available. Designs, implements, and maintains specialized and general office filing and record keeping systems. Provides input to visiting auditors representing USDA Headquarters. Initiates responses for audit findings. Provides input for the USDA administrative budget and maintains record of approved budgetary expenditures. Reviews budgets monthly to ensure accuracy and requests modifications from USDA headquarters to ensure the reimbursement is the maximum amount.

TRAINING AND PROGRAM SUPPORT:

Assists in the development of seasonal cycle menus for CDC and SAC and recommends menus for FCC providers. Develops nutritionally balanced menus to meet nutritional and dietary DoD as well as USDA standards. Creates menus for children with special diet restrictions. Develops standardized recipes and trains kitchen staff to implement menus. Participates on the Inclusion Action Team (IAT) meetings to ensure food allergies are addressed. Ensures kitchens utilize established recipes. Provides guidance and expertise to CYP kitchen professionals as needed.

Provides orientation, ongoing, and annual training to CYP Professionals in the areas of USDA, food handlers, nutrition, obesity prevention, and meal service.

Establishes contact with State, Federal, and local resource personnel to obtain current information and educational resources related to food, sanitation, and nutrition as related to CACFP. Liaisons with personnel at USDA headquarters for clarification and updates of policies and procedures. The USDA Coordinator disseminates information including but not limited to

CACFP; CACFP-related training; and family income regarding free, reduced, or paid meal status. Conducts training for CYP food service employees and FCC providers to ensure proper menus are being implemented according to USDA guidelines.

Monitors appropriate purchasing for quantities served as well as appropriate portion control during meal preparation and serving. Ensures food inventory is purchased and maintained at established limits at all times. Prepares, submits, and oversees food and formula orders and monitors invoices.

COMPLIANCE:

Ensures monthly inspections of all CYP kitchens and or food prep areas are conducted, and deficiencies corrected. Monitors each facility and participating FCC home by performing unannounced visits to ensure CACFP guidelines are being followed.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serves as a mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services as prescribed by local policy in the case of suspected incidences of child abuse and neglect. Performs other duties as assigned.

(1) Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in nutrition, biology, food service management or a related field appropriate to work of the position.

OR

(2) An appropriate combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of knowledge and skill equivalent to that gained in the above.

OR

(3) Three years of practical experience that demonstrates the ability to analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data and recognize solutions.

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, and possess strong interpersonal communication skills.

Must maintain current food handlers, CPR and First Aid certifications. May be required to obtain a government driver’s license.

Must be able to obtain and maintain TIER-1 Child Care (CNACI) background checks which are required for positions that involve working with children under 18 years of age.

Satisfactorily completes all background checks in accordance with DoD and MC policy for employees who provide childcare services. Must pass a pre-employment physical and annual physicals thereafter, provide evidence of immunization and be free from communicable disease. Must complete all DoD training requirements within the specified time including orientation, initial, and annual ongoing training requirements, and required certifications, if any.