TDA - FND - Compliance Review Monitor (Auditors/Co

Agency Information: 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. Telework is not offered; all employees are required to be physically present for work. Core business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with limited customer service available between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

About the role

The Compliance Review Monitor will conduct on-site and off-site compliance monitoring reviews of contracting entities (CEs) operating the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (FFVP), After School Care Program (ASCP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) At-Risk Suppers, Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and Special Milk Program (SMP) to determine compliance with federal and state regulations. You will serve as a subject matter expert for these programs, providing complex technical assistance and collaborative compliance to CEs regarding federal nutrition program regulations and their implementation in Texas. This role operates under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct administrative reviews according to all federal and state rules and regulations for Food and Nutrition administered nutrition programs.
• Monitor and evaluate compliance, including internal control systems, financial viability, accountability, and capability by completing administrative and on-site reviews to determine compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Notify contracting entities (CEs) of required corrective actions; evaluate and approve corrective action plans for compliance with state and federal program policies, procedures, and regulations; and recommend adverse actions up to and including contract termination.
• Make training recommendations and/or require training for deficiencies, as appropriate based on trends analysis of program findings and statewide training needs.
• Assist with complaints investigations to resolve and any subsequent activities related thereto.
• Prepare appeal documents and testify at appeal hearings.
• Provide complex technical assistance and assist with staff and contractor/provider training, as needed.
• Communicate with management and team members the results from required monitoring reviews, including significant trends, problem areas, or potentially controversial circumstances.
• Use program expertise to carry out special assignments and projects, including representing the assigned area at planning sessions, committees, workgroups, meetings, training delivery, and conferences.
• Provide input in the development and implementation of Food and Nutrition procedures and standards for TDA.
• Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a State of Texas Application through CAPPS or WIT. Experience listed on the CAPPS application must state how each of the following qualifications are met:

• Bachelor's Degree (One year of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for one year of college).
• Two (2) years of work experience in program or contract management, evaluation, monitoring, or administration.
• Work experience in compliance monitoring, analyzing, and evaluating budgets, fiscal documents, or accounting control systems.
• Work experience preparing accurate, concise reports and interpreting rules and regulations.
• Valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience making presentations to groups.
• Work experience in areas such as food service management, school food service operations, nutrition education, compliance reviews for federal grants, and/or audit.
• Work experience conducting Administrative Reviews in child nutrition.

Skills

• Knowledge of federally funded child nutrition programs; compliance monitoring; accounting principles; and risk management practices.
• Skill in critical analytical thinking; providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers; and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; maintain effective working relationships; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; provide guidance to others; gather, analyze, evaluate, and monitor programs for compliance with program requirements and with applicable federal and state rules and regulations; interpret and accurately apply the regulations of federal and state programs administered by TDA; interpret, accurately evaluate, and apply review data to generate detailed, reliable, and valid recommendations; make presentations one-on-one or in group settings; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Location

This position will report to one of the following TDA locations: Austin (HQ), Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, San Antonio, San Juan, or Lubbock, TX. This position will work across the state of Texas, as needed.

Working Conditions

Requires working in a 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 activity.