Program Specialist - State of Idaho

Description

Idaho Department of Education

This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.

The principal function of this position is to perform a variety of professional financial duties, including accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial analysis, financial reporting and professional duties in the areas of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Oversee CACFP Institution level financial management tasks as assigned. Provide technical support for programs and organizational activities to convey information, determine compliance, and resolve controversial situations. This position functions as a liaison between the USDA/FNS, Child and Adult Care Food Program Institutions, and Child Nutrition Programs to provide technical assistance and program guidance.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· Read and interpret Federal Regulations for processes pertaining to the CACFP;

· Review CACFP Institutions annual budgets and validate projected expenditures and revenue are necessary, reasonable, allowable per program regulations, and that budget workbooks are complete and ready for approval.

· Provide technical assistance to Institutions on the CACFP budget process and completing the budget workbook, quarterly reports and any other financial records.

· Review Institutions quarterly expenditure and revenue reports and validate data is accurately reported based on supporting financial records. Assist Institutions with quarterly report and financial audit review adjustments as needed. Determine unallowable expenditures, admin payment year-end carry over and assist with recovery of funds.

· Audit Institutions expenditure and revenue financial records as part of the Institutions administrative review and assess compliance with financial management requirements.

· Assist with training development and review training materials for CACFP budget process and financial management requirements.

· Perform data entry and financial analysis;

· Prepare and maintain a variety of spreadsheets and related financial documentation;

· May assist in the administration and tracking of federal, state, and other public and private sector grants, including providing information on grants, assisting with applications, reviewing applications, collecting performance data, tracking funding and disbursements, monitoring deadline and timeline compliance, and preparing periodic performance and financial reports, as required;

· Collect and maintain information, reports, and documentation;

· Format any public documents for ADA accessibility per SDE policies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· High school graduation or a GED equivalent is required and an associate degree is preferred;

· Good knowledge of accounting principles and practices;

· Experience using Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint;

· Experience monitoring record systems to identify and correct errors;

· Experience interpreting, explaining, and applying laws, regulations, and complex policies for multiple and highly specialized programs;

· Experience dealing with individuals from varying cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, often in stressful situations;

· Experience entering, retrieving, and tracking data using computerized records systems; experience using spreadsheet and database software; experience compiling information in report format using database software;

· Experience composing and proofreading business correspondence;

· Experience conducting sensitive fact-finding interviews;

· Experience working with sensitive or restricted data;

· Experience with program or project planning and implementation and coordinating workloads for multiple projects, collecting and organizing data;

· Experience handling a budget beyond personal finances;

· Must have the ability to communicate well, orally and in writing; possess good customer service skills;

· Knowledge and implementation of federal regulations;

· Experience utilizing problem solving strategies;

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (with or without accommodation) 

· Dexterity to operate office tools and equipment;

· Ability to perform standard office administrative functions, including but not limited to: typing, filing, answering phones, processing documents, collating and preparing office materials as needed;

· Good vision to review hard copy and electronic documents; operate standard office equipment, including, but not limited to: computer, copier/scanner, multi-line phone system; navigate website resources; greet and direct patrons; identify safety concerns;

· Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time;

· Mental acuity to comprehend, communicate, monitor and ensure adequate program support;

· Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time;

· Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, and kneeling;

· Occasional lifting may be required, frequently less than 5 lb., but may be up to 20 lb.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: 

This position requires approximately 10% travel time throughout the state for training and monitoring of sponsors, as well as some professional conferences and trainings in other locations in the nation. Reliable personal transportation is required to carry out applicable assignments within the State of Idaho.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency. 

Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

TO APPLY: 

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application. 

Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted. 

EEO/ADA/VETERAN:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.