Position Type:
Child Nutrition Program

Date Posted:
8/23/2021

Location:
Child Nutrition

   Process for Applying:
Online Application
Updated:
Resume
2 Letters of Professional Reference (within the last year)
Copy of Certification or Proof of Credentials

East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Position Description

Job Title: Purchasing Specialist, Child Nutrition Program
Reports To: Purchasing Coordinator/ Area Supervisor, Child Nutrition Program
Prepared By: Dr. Nadine Mann
Board Approved: June 15, 2017
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Summary
Primarily responsible for acquiring food and other goods for the Child Nutrition Program and for managing USDA commodities received from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture. Areas of work include: All functions of procurement; Menus for East Baton Rouge schools; Nutrient analysis of menus; Recipe development; Special diets; USDA Commodities; Specification writing; Bids and bid processing, Promotional and Grant projects; Testing of new items, Extra sales items, Invoice problem resolution, Small equipment, Paper goods and cleaning supplies; Office supplies for schools; Special Projects, Catering, and Local procurement for the Child Nutrition Program. High standards must be maintained in all areas of work. Other specific and additional duties may be assigned by supervisor in addition to those listed below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

A. Develops menus and completes a nutrient analysis for all Child Nutrition program menus to ensure they meet USDA guidelines.

• Develops menus and process a nutrient analysis for each week of menus for all Child Nutrition Programs to ensure that menus meet USDA guidelines.Enters all nutritional data and menus in the approved Child Nutrition computer program.Oversee the distribution of menus to school cafeteria staff and others throughout the school year and train staff on the implementation of menus at the school level.Develops new recipes for menus, as needed.

B. Ensures that all food, supplies, small equipment, and other goods are procured, according
to local, state, and federal laws, and distributed to schools on a regular basis.

• Practices sound, ethical purchasing procedures that conform to all district policies, local, state, and federal laws.Proficient in procurement procedures, especially in the processing of written quotes and the processing of formal bids.Keys Requisitions to order goods, verify deliveries, and send paperwork into the Accounting Department for payment.Checks requisitions for accuracy before approval of requisitions is completed.Manages the inventory of goods using good accounting practices.Manages contracts to determine that schools are receiving the products that were awarded on bids and to resolve any problems associated with the contract and vendors.Works closely with vendors and school cafeteria managers to communicate all information related to the procurement of food and supplies for school cafeterias.Visits to schools from time to time.Works with local procurement as needed.

C. Manages USDA Commodities and distribution of commodities to East Baton Rouge schools.

• Responsible for USDA Commodity foods received by the school district.Manages computer inventory of commodities.Ensures that schools receive commodity deliveries on a regular basis keying commodity orders from schools in the computer according to the appropriate schedule.Assists with the Commodity Diversion Bid process for the processing of USDA commodities.Processes commodity losses, end of month reporting, and end of year reporting. Work with any USDA recalls of commodity products.

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• Trains school managers twice each year on commodity practices and policies.Communicates regularly with CNP warehouse staff and cafeteria managers communicating all pertinent information related to USDA commodities.

D. Ensures that students with special diet needs have revised menus to meet special diet orders
from a medical professional and to meet USDA regulations.

• Manages special diets for students in East Baton Rouge schools. Obtain orders from a professional medical authority, and revise menus as needed to meet special diet order requests.Communicates with cafeteria managers, parents, medical staff, and school staff as needed to ensure that all involved have a good understanding of student special diets.Purchases any foods needed for special diets with approval from the CNP Purchasing Coordinator/ Area Supervisor and distribute them to schools as needed.Maintains an organized filing system for all special diets. Resolve any problems that may occur in relation to student special diet needs.

E. Tests new food, supply, and small equipment products to ensure that quality products are
purchased for school and student use.

• Coordinates and conduct testing of new food, supply, and small equipment items to determine if the products are acceptable for use in schools.Researches information about new products and complete the appropriate testing forms to process new products.Writes new or revise current specifications for products, as needed.Communicates with vendors on a regular basis about the testing process.Determines if products meet smart snack compliance and can be sold as extra sales items in schools.

F. Work to resolve invoice problems and accounting issues that the central office accounting
department cannot resolve, so payments can be made to vendors.

• Researches any invoice problems with cafeteria managers and vendors as needed to resolve any invoice issues so vendors can be paid.Works with the computer lab if required to resolve any computer issues related to invoice problems.Obtains documentation as needed for the accounting department and for Child Nutrition files.

G. Coordinates and prepares documents for promotional projects and grants for the Child
Nutrition Program.

• Enters promotional information into the appropriate computer program and prepare documents needed to complete the promotional program.Works with Grant coordinators to create and implement grants according to grant guidelines meeting deadlines as required.

H. Creates and implement a plan of action for special projects as needed.

• Develops, organize and implement special projects that arise throughout the school year.Special project topics may vary in nature and may require research and creative thought to develop

a plan of action for implementation.

I. Assists with catering projects as needed to ensure that projects run smoothly.

• Assists the catering manager when assigned with catering events to ensure the event is successful.Helps may be needed to prepare and/or serve food, attend events, clean up after events, and other tasks as needed.

J. Assists cafeteria managers and others with needs to ensure that school cafeterias have what
is needed to serve the students of East Baton Rouge schools.

• Communicates regularly with cafeteria managers to fulfill any needs, to help solve any problems, and to answer any questions they may have.Serving the students of East Baton Rouge schools shall be a primary focus of Child Nutrition Program employees.

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K. Maintains a required system of accountability.

• Forms, records, and documents shall be prepared, maintained, and updated routinelyGood organizational skills are essential and a calendar should be kept with tasks that are performed each year.All work must be filed and kept in a very organized, accountable manner, ready for audit at any given time.

L. Implements a professional growth plan and obtains Professional Standards Credits.

• Initiates a plan for continuing self-development, education and for obtaining professional standards credits.Attends job-related training and participates actively in professional association activities.Encourages professional growth through membership in professional organizations.Maintains written records of professional standards credits earned and the professional growth plan.

M. Follows procedures in personnel matters including grievance, leave, etc.

• Follows office and departmental regulationsPerforms responsibilities and uses correct lines of communication within the office and school districtMaintains strict confidentiality for all personnel matters.Discusses complaints using the correct chain of command, beginning with the Purchasing Coordinator/Area Supervisor.

N. Follows procedures for personal habits.

• Wears appropriate office attire adhering to business casual work attire on a routine basis. Set an example and enforce standards of personal hygiene and grooming, including dress, appearance, habits, etc. among co-workers, and perform personal grooming habits only in the restroom.

• When working at a school kitchen in the production area, appropriate attire shall be worn. Low heeled rubber soled shoes, polish free nails, no sculptured nails, only stud type earrings, no stones, dangles, or loops and only one earring per ear shall be adhered to. May wear watch and wedding band as long as there are no stones. Hair to be restrained.

O. Physical abilities that are necessary.
Must have the ability to push or pull equipment such as food carts and reach above head when placing items on shelves. Must be able to forward bend or squat when lifting items. Required to work in an environment that may include exposure to or contact with hot, humid areas, water, detergents and sanitizer, drastic temperature changes when entering and exiting walk-in refrigerators and freezers, hard floors, high noise level, strong odors (cleaning materials or food i.e. onions), and potentially dangerous equipment. Must be able to travel to various locations as required. Must have sufficient visual acuity to be able to work with computer monitors, read and interpret computer printouts, and hand written documents. Mobility skills are necessary to access a variety of work locations. Essential Functions and Qualifications The essential functions for the position of the Child Nutrition Program Purchasing Specialist include the physical and mental involvement requirements noted in this position description in addition to regular reliable attendance given the limited number of employees available to perform the essential functions of this position.
Must have the ability to communicate well with school personnel, parents, and central office staff while complying with confidentiality requirements. It is also essential that the Child Nutrition Program Purchasing Specialist be able to follow the directives of superiors in ensuring the harmonious operation of the department.
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EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate or Bachelor's Degree in a food related field, such as: Dietetics, Food System Management, or other related field. Five (5) consecutive years of work experience may be substituted for a college degree. Working abilities include use of email, internet, Microsoft Word and Excel programs, and the ability to master CNP software programs as well as any additional required software programs.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles for publications that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and the school board.

REASONING ABILITY
Have general knowledge of computers, computer commands and various operating systems.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to make decisions and solve problems as they occur using school data and other information. Ability to prepare and/or maintain various files and reports for audits.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to solve problems as they occur.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must possess the ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds without assistance and up to 45 pounds with assistance as required, and stand or walk up to 7 hours per day.

MENTAL INVOLVEMENT
The Child Nutrition Program Purchasing Specialist must respond positively to supervision and be able to accept suggestions for improvement. Must possess the ability to complete math problems involving fractions, decimals, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Must be able to do data entry on a computer, exchange currency, and must be able to understand and interpret written and verbal instructions from the Purchasing Coordinator/ Area Supervisor. Must possess sufficient interpersonal skills to function compatibly with others.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Professional Conduct
Employee acknowledges that he/she is required to maintain a high standard of professional conduct. Breach of said professional conduct includes, but is not limited to neglect of duty, dishonesty, and engagement in acts that are contrary to East Baton Rouge Parish School System policy, unlawful activities, or any other conduct which is seriously prejudicial to the school system.

Classification under Fair Labor Standards Act(s) (FLSA)
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System in compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act(s) considers this position EXEMPT from any and all overtime payments.

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Funding Source
Child Nutrition Program

Salary Scale
12 months: NU127

9 months: NU327
Stipend: $1500/Year

Terms of Employment
12 Months; 8.5 hours per day 9 Months; 8.5 hours per day My signature on this job description indicates that I have read it, had an opportunity to discuss it and I have received a copy of the document. Additionally, my signature indicates that I have the ability and agree to perform all duties as listed. This document will be placed in your personnel file. You have fifteen (15) days to respond. Your response will be attached for placement in your personnel file.

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Employee Name Employee ID #

_____________________________________________ ________________________________
Employee Signature Date

Summary
Administrative and professional work in carrying out the direction of the Child Nutrition Program departments of Purchasing and Commodities, including organization of entire process of determining the need for and purchasing of food, supplies, small equipment, and commodities. Monitor the performance of and provide assistance and on-the-job training to managers in approximately ten (10) school cafeterias. Any other additional duties may be assigned by supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Performs duties

• Supervises clerical personnel responsible for purchasing and commodity activities.Coordinates development of menus to meet Federal and nutritional guidelines and maintains files on all food with appropriate nutritional information.Develops bid specifications for food, supplies and small equipment and set up bid process according to Federal, State and Parish Guidelines. Advises warehouse personnel in determining stock levels of supplies.Orders and makes available for direct diversion USDA commodities.Coordinates all Child Nutrition Program catering events.

1. Follows procedures for personal habits.

• Adheres to established personal hygiene and sanitation practices.Presents clean, neat appearance.Performs personal grooming habits only in the restroom.

C. Demonstrates the ability to work with school community.

• Relates and communicates positively with students, co-workers, school staff and parents creating good feelings about the Child Nutrition Program.Accepts special assignments when necessary.Adapts and willingly accepts changes in routine.Listens and readily accepts constructive criticism.Displays initiative and enthusiasm about the job.Displays loyalty to school system and immediate supervisor.Displays integrity, honesty and dependability.Maintains self-control over emotions.

D. Follows procedures in personnel matters including grievance, leave, etc.

• Follows school and departmental regulations.Performs responsibilities and uses correct lines of communication within the school and school district.Discusses complaints using correct chain of command.

1. Displays willingness to upgrade job knowledge and skills.

• Attends and participates in job-related training.Applies knowledge and/or skills obtained from in-service training to performance on the job.Relates training to personal health and job responsibilities.Participates in job-related professional activities in School Food Service Association.

Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition or Institution Management and must hold a Manager Certification from the State of Louisiana. Must have a minimum of 5 years work experience in a food related field. Ability to plan, organize, assign, direct and inspect the work of subordinates, to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions, to speak before various groups and organizations. Must have ability to work with numbers and do detail work. Working abilities to us email, internet, and Microsoft word, and excel programs. Ability to master CNP computer system programs.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System and all of its entities (including Career and Technical Education Programs) does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, national origin, disability or gender in its educational programs and activities (including employment and application for employment), and it is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of gender by Title IX (20 USC 168) and on the basis of disability by Section 504 (42 USC 794). The Title IX Coordinator is Andrew Davis, Director of Risk Management ( ADavis6@ebrschools.org ), - phone (225)929-8705 . The Section 504 Coordinator is Elizabeth Taylor Chapman, Director of Exceptional Student Services ( ETaylor@ebrschools.org ) - phone (225)929-8600 .