Program Specialist

Summary

Located in the Deputy Administrator of State Support & Evaluations in one of our three Program Areas: - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Support and Evaluation - Community Nutrition Programs Support and Evaluation (Seeking individuals with experience in W.I.C., Food Distribution, Child Nutrition Community and Child Nutrition Schools programs) - Technology, Modernization, and Integrity Support and Evaluation

Duties

• •Evaluates comprehensive documents submitted by agencies for appropriateness, adherence to specific program rules, and general financial requirements.
• •Serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for program regulations and administrative policies in assigned area.
• •Leads negotiation of corrective action to address the findings and recommendations. Independently performs follow-up of the review report to bring findings to closure within agreed upon timeframe.
• •Researches appropriate sources and obtains needed information.
• •Researches and analyzes information to apply and provide timely and reliable program information, technical assistance, guidance, and training to internal and external customers.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-7 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Researching program policies (such as nutrition programs, compliance programs, service delivery programs, etc.) Evaluating programs for compliance with applicable policies Advising on the application of policy to solve compliance problems Developing written reports OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree or successful completion of two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or a LL.B. or J.D., if related; OR an appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Disclaimer: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

See the Qualifications section for education that may be qualifying for this specific grade level.