Education Service Specialist

Who We Are:

The Connecticut State Department of Education is the administrative arm of the Connecticut State Board of Education. Through leadership, curriculum, research, planning, evaluation, assessment, data analyses and other assistance, the Department helps to ensure equal opportunity and excellence in education for all Connecticut students.

The Role:

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is currently recruiting for an Education Service Specialist (ESS) for the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) unit, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) team. The ESS is essential to the CSDE operating programs that meet regulatory requirements, supporting access to USDA nutrition programs, and maintaining program integrity. This individual will assist in administering the federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) CACFP. This position is located at the State of Connecticut office building at 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford. This is a 35-hour position that operates Monday-Friday.

What’s in It for You - Leading Comprehensive Benefit Offerings:

• Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage;
• Competitive market salary plans;
• Comprehensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings;
• Retirement healthcare offerings;
• Professional growth and development opportunities;
• Ability to serve the citizens of Connecticut in a strategic Education capacity.

Please watch the video below to see how you can make an IMPACT working for the State of Connecticut: 

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE NOTE: Please note that the SPECIAL REQUIREMENT listed at the end of the job announcement for an appropriate certificate issued by the State Board of Education is NOT required for this position.

 

This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

 

Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualifications for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the hiring agency. However, there are no attachments required at the time of application.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt and/or the status of applications during the recruitment process.

Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position. 

Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Catherine.Downey@CT.Gov .

In the Department of Education assists in planning and executing a program for the improvement of education in the State, responsible under supervision for carrying out specific assignments of limited difficulty and scope.

Assists in the development and administration of educational programs and services offered by the State; provides professional leadership and guidance to school authorities, professional organizations, students and various community groups and individuals; may personally administer certain phases of educational program within the framework of bureau policy; may assist in directing the routine functioning of the bureau; performs related duties as required.

This includes: providing extensive support, professional development, training and technical assistance to CACFP sponsoring institutions regarding access to CACFP, program integrity, and compliance with state and federal regulations; implementing training, oversight, and monitoring of CACFP sponsoring institutions, with specific responsibility for Family Day Care Homes (FDCH). The ESS will also support CACFP Centers and At-Risk institutions as needed. Responsibilities include: processing and providing technical assistance for CACFP applications, renewals, and agreements; conducting CACFP program monitoring and oversight, including administrative reviews and other audits; calculating claims revisions for meal reimbursements as needed; working collaboratively with Child Nutrition Programs' team to provide leadership, consultation and program and resource development, including Operational Memoranda, trainings, and resources to expand access to the CNPs; responding to external and internal CACFP data requests; collaborating with external and internal partners to increase access to CACFP while maintaining program integrity; supporting the CSDE's responsibilities to the State and USDA, including reporting, managing agreements and amendments for CACFP participation.

Bilingual candidates with the ability to speak, read and write in Spanish.

Knowledge of the philosophy and methods of education with particular reference to the field concerned; teaching skill; ability to prepare reports; ability to deal effectively with others.

A Master's degree and three (3) years' professional experience OR in lieu thereof an equivalent combination of experience and training as approved by the Board of Education.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following experience and training:

• 3 years of experience with complex government programs;
• 3 years of experience with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition programs;
• 3 years of program budget experience, including analyzing income and expenditure information;
• 3 years of interpreting, analyzing, verifying, and implementing policies and regulations;
• 3 years of experience in program evaluation, audits and management;
• 3 years of experience in presenting topics to a variety of audiences using various training strategies;
• Bilingual candidates with the ability to speak, read and write Spanish.

Must hold an appropriate certificate issued by State Board of Education.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.