Arizona Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES SPECIALIST

Job Location:

Health and Nutrition Services Division

Phoenix Location

Posting Details:

Salary: $64,000 - $70,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 01/29/2026

Job Summary:

• This position is on the Onboarding, Renewal, and Point of Contact Team and serves as a subject matter expert and point of contact for program operators and provides technical assistance and support to sponsors and school food authorities (SFA) statewide for all of the USDA child nutrition programs.
• The specialist reviews entity applications for participation and maintains all working documentation within established web-based technology systems. This position is responsible for reviewing budgetary, planning and service systems of new and existing program operators.
• This position is also responsible for learning, interpreting and applying technical program regulations to assure compliance, primarily during the application and renewal phases of program participation and through the duration of the year.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Job Duties:

• Effectively apply knowledge of program regulations and procedures to review highly technical and fiscal information on program applications using web-based technology systems; acts as authorizing official for state-level program participation approval
• Engage in a high degree of collaboration within the division to ensure high-quality services to operators and align the internal processes for program/grant application processing with other division initiatives and services, specifically in the areas of program improvement, growth, nutrition, budgeting and compliance; maintain awareness of program participation trends of program operators
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships to provide program guidance and technical assistance to program operators daily via phone and written communication
• Accurately and proactively compose professional correspondence regarding program information to assigned entities
• Occasionally travel statewide to conduct on-site visits to ensure entity processes align with the program application information submitted to the state agency
• Seek and absorb new information pertaining to technical program regulation/procedural changes, new funding opportunities, and recognize opportunities for program operators
• Initiate professional learning of new information by attending team and agency meetings and participate in professional learning or training sessions at the local, state, and national level

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:
• Federal regulations, state laws, and policies pertaining to all Child Nutrition Programs
• Grant application processes and funding objectives
• Federal or state-funded program administration
• Budgeting and business finance practices
• Programs and financial compliance for applications and budgets
• A Bachelor's degree with emphasis in nutrition, dietetics, or public health; or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.


Skills in:
• Simplifying complex regulatory language to provide differentiated technical assistance and support
• Interpersonal skills
• Verbal and written communication
• Intermediate skills in using Microsoft Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook
• Effective use of electronic file storage systems

Ability to:
• Manage a variety of different tasks and monitor progress
• Deliver courteous, helpful customer service, and approach work as service-minded
• Review, synthesize, interpret, and apply technical, specialized assistance
• Collaborate successfully in a team environment
• Perform to stated deadlines and produce expected results
• Absorb highly technical, specialized knowledge related to the USDA Child Nutrition Programs and other federal, state, and local programs

Selective Preference(s):

Prefer