Texas Department of Agriculture

FOOD & NUTRITION SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW SPECIALIST

(Community Operations)

(Auditors/Internal Auditors/Enforcement/Compliance Reviewers/Inspectors)

 

Salary Information:        B25, $7,455.00.00 -7,7700.00/MO

State Classification:      Program Supervisor VII – 1588

FLSA Status:                    Exempt

Posting Number:             25-58576-1R

Location:                          **Austin, Lubbock, Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Waco, TX. This position will work across the state of Texas, as needed.  This position will be managed by the Food and Nutrition Community Operations division.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/551/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

 

WHO ARE WE

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 F&N; Complete all associated activities and reports in accordance with USDA and TDA F&N 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 F&N 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 F&N 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 F&N 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/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

Bachelor’s 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.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience serving in a supervisory capacity.

Work experience in managing or monitoring Child Nutrition programs, Food Service, or nutrition related field.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

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 & WORKING CONDITIONS

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. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed.

This position must reside in a location with a TDA office or must be able to commute to the assigned TDA physical location, as needed, for business purposes.  This workplace assignment is subject to change per the agency’s business needs.

 

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

TDA has a telework policy that will allow eligible positions to telework up to two (2) days per week after completing six (6) months of employment with the agency. The employee must meet eligibility criteria set forth in the Telework Policy.

 

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

ü  Retirement Plan	ü  Paid Group Health & Basic Life Insurance for employees
ü  Paid Holidays	ü  Paid Vacation Leave
ü  Paid Sick Leave	ü  Longevity Pay
ü  Dental	ü  Vision
ü  Dependent Optional Life Insurance	ü  Voluntary AD&D Insurance
ü  Dependent Health & Life Insurance	ü  Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

 

Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes.

 

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls.  If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

*A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the Military and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Program Management MOS Codes.