About This Role: 

The Department of Applied Human Sciences, within the College of Health and Human Sciences, is seeking a Food Program Specialist to join their team at the Center for Child Development (CCD). This position is responsible for running an efficient and cost-effective food program with policies and procedures that follow state licensing, national accreditation, and CACFP regulations. The Food Program Manager will design healthy menus that meet CACFP standards, maintain the food program budget, and ensure proper sanitation and food handling practices are followed. This position reports to the CCD Director.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop menus following current FDA recommendations for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to qualify for meal reimbursements
• Design healthy menus that meet CACFP meal patterns for school-aged, preschool, toddler, and infant age groups, as well as substitution menus for children with special diets due to allergies and/or lifestyle choices
• Maintain organized files and documentation of all forms, payments, income, menus, newsletters, and other documents, as required by the state CACFP program
• Attend CACFP training as needed to fulfill program requirements
• Train and supervise student kitchen aides to ensure organization, efficiency, cleanliness of kitchen and equipment, safe food handling, and timely and accurate delivery of food to classrooms
• Oversee preparation of meal substitutions for children with allergies and/or lifestyle choices
• Develop and conduct training for teaching staff on topics such as family-style dining, infant feeding, special diets, etc.
• Develop and monitor the food program budget
• Work with Program Managers to oversee gardening and nutrition curriculum    

Why Join Us: 

The Department of Applied Human Sciences is dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives through research, teaching, engagement, outreach, service, and clinical intervention. Our faculty, staff, and supervised student specialists provide direct services and outreach to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families through many programs, including the Center for Child Development (CCD).

The Center for Child Development (CCD) serves as the clinical training site for students enrolled in the state-approved and nationally accredited undergraduate preservice teacher education program in early childhood education; provides quality childcare to K-State and the larger campus community; is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); is licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE); and meets high-quality food service standards of the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

For more information on the Department of Applied Human Sciences and the Center for Child Development: https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/ahs/ and https://www.k-state.edu/ccd/.

The College of Health and Human Sciences is home to six academic departments (Applied Human Sciences; Food, Nutrition, Dietetics & Health; Hospitality Management; Interior Design & Fashion Studies; Personal Financial Planning; and Kinesiology), the Center on Aging, Physician Assistant program, and a Nursing partnership with Wichita State University. The College enrolls roughly 2,800 students (undergraduate and graduate) and employs more than 105 full-time faculty members in teaching, research, and Extension positions (https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/). The College is committed to promoting research, scholarship, creative activity, and discovery with a strategic and cohesive focus on health and human behavior.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays). To see what benefits are available, please visit https://www.k-state.edu/hsc/benefits. 

We Support Diversity and Inclusion: 

Kansas State University embraces diversity and promotes inclusion in every sector of the institution. The university actively seeks individuals whose commitments and contributions will advance the University's dedication to the Principles of Community. 

What You’ll Need to Succeed: 

Minimum Requirements:

• One year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of relevant experience
• One year of experience at the supervisory level
• Knowledge of food-borne allergies, food intolerances, and dietary restrictions due to lifestyle choices
• Knowledge and understanding of child nutrition programs or CACFP regulations, including experience in monitoring early learning programs for CACFP guidelines and applying performance standards
• Food service background with an understanding of how ingredients meet associated nutrition program regulations
• Experience with writing newsletters/articles
• Experience with planning gardens and early education lessons
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work under pressure and with distractions
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and departmental policies and procedures
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse population of people

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
• Ability to pass a name-based and fingerprint background check, KDHE health assessment, and TB test 

How to Apply: 

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Three professional references 

Screening of Applications Begins: 

Immediately and continues until the position is filled.   

Salary Range/ Pay Rate: 

$14.25 - $21.38/hour 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 

Background Screening Statement: 

In connection with your employment application, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.