] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → SENIOR DFNS SPECIALIST, MENU & INNOVATION

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Senior DFNS Specialist, Menu & Innovation

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Senior DFNS Specialist CODE: 0744 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Senior DFNS Specialist, Menu & Innovation GRADE: J MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the Director of the Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS), supports the goals and objectives of the division and provides technical and supervisory expertise to staff. This position supervises and leads a centrally based DFNS team in successfully planning to serve meals year-round to students through the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, Afterschool Snack and Supper Programs, Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, Summer Food Service Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and serving food and meals that meet MCPS needs outside of the child nutrition programs. This position has the responsibility of development of all DFNS menus, procurement of all DFNS items including maximizing use of USDA Foods, training for all DFNS operations, community and stakeholder engagement, and wellness activities. Serves in a leadership role, engaging in the planning, development, implementation, and measurement of strategic goals and initiatives. Responsible for administration of the MCPS supporting service professional growth system (SSPGS). Employees in this class serve on the facility's on-site-emergency-team (OSET).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Strong leadership skills and extensive communication (written and verbal), mediation (conflict resolution) and facilitation skills necessary. Extensive knowledge of child nutrition programs, nutrition and dietetics, allergens and dietary accommodations, food safety and HACCP, food service operations, federal procurement practices, USDA Foods (commodities), large quantity food production techniques, recipe development, training methodology, and food service software. Ability to analyze processes and programs and develop and implement methods for efficient and effective services. Ability to develop operational performance measures, analyze and implement action plans. Ability to develop and maintain a professional, trusting, and positive work relationship with all staff. Ability to maintain an energetic work environment and, through mentoring and coaching of the staff, develop and maintain high functioning teams. Ability to train personnel in nutritional requirements of food service programs and to present in front of large group gatherings. Highly skilled in organizing high-profile programs with a demonstrated ability to manage the work and staff collaboratively and effectively in stressful work situations with time demands. Demonstrates ability to use standard office equipment, various software, and MS Office Suite, efficiently and effectively. Knowledge and application of the MCPS Professional Growth Systems (PGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in one of the following areas: food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family or consumer sciences, culinary arts, nutrition education, or business administration with a focus on hospitality, distribution, or supply chain management. Considerable progressively responsible experience in food service production or management, child nutrition programs, including extensive work in a supervisory capacity. Experience in the development and collection of data to support data-based decision making and continuous improvement. Ability to implement systemic approaches focused on continuous improvement. Experience in developing menus, writing bid specifications, providing employee training programs, performing nutritional analysis, developing budgets and maintaining cost controls. Staff development and training experience is desirable. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid driver's license. Certificate in Food Safety desirable. Registered dietitian strongly preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary for meeting deadlines or attending Board of Education, committee or other meetings.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participates in the formulation of current and long-range strategic plans for DFNS. Responsible for developing standard operating procedures, identifying and implementing process improvement projects, and leading special projects related to the operation. Responsibilities includes leading and supervising a team, monitoring fiscal stability of programs, serving as liaison to other offices within MCPS and external partners, providing training and technical support to DFNS staff; and implementing program changes to meet all federal, state, and local regulations.

Leads and oversees nutritional parameters of food service programs to include menu planning, recipe development, and nutrient analysis to meet and exceed federal and local nutritional requirements, meet student dietary needs, and improve general acceptability of school food. Develops and communicates menus and nutrient and allergen information for use by parents of student with special nutritional needs.

Researches and develops specifications for food, beverages, and supplies. Provides technical advice, oversight and recommendations concerning product, menu, and dietary functions. Participates in the testing of new products to be served or used in schools. Provides feedback to vendors as to acceptability and appropriateness of product of MCPS.

Ensures MCPS maximizes the USDA commodities program including ordering of food, monitoring USDA Foods usage, and preparation of reports.

Maintains liaison with the Division of Procurement. Works with staff to develops bid specifications, terms and conditions. Evaluates bid submissions and makes recommendations for awards.

Develops, implements, and monitors food safety policies and procedures.

Recommends enhancements to meal program operations.

Establishes and maintains quality control for food and supplies. Develops an action plan in response to product recalls.

Utilizes USDA approved nutrient analysis software to plan and store all DFNS item specifications including but not limited to Child Nutrition Labels and Product Formulation Statements, recipes, menus, production records. Liaises with software development team to enhance and customize software to meet DFNS needs.

Leads strategy for stakeholder engagement regarding school meal menus and nutrition including community organizations, parents, students and staff. Organizes test panels to assess student acceptability of new products to be served or used in schools. Responds to inquiries/concerns from community, staff and student groups. Oversees communication and social media initiatives for the division.

Develops and implements procedures for introduction of new products and establishes procedures for product evaluation in schools.

Leads strategy for DFNS training programs, ensuring staff members have the training and tools needed to meet federal and local regulations (including school nutrition Professional Standards), succeed in their roles, and support internal career development. Works with staff in development, planning, conducting training programs for DFNS employees. Provides training and technical assistance to cafeteria managers and staff regarding programs, safety, operations, nutrition, and menus.

Oversees the planning, developing and implementation of wellness activities as part of the district Wellness Committee.

Oversees, maintains and prepares required MCPS, USDA and MSDE reports.

Provides positive and constructive feedback and performance evaluations to employees in order to reward, coach, and motivate through the MCPS Professional Growth System.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Class Established: 10/2024
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.