CACFP Childcare Centers and Afterschool/Summer Program Specialist I

Strategic HR Client Job Openings; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

PTO & holidays

Parental leave

Education reimbursement

PSLF eligibility

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Children's Hunger Alliance in Cleveland is seeking a CACFP Childcare Centers and Afterschool/Summer Program Specialist I to support licensed childcare centers, afterschool and summer programs participating in CACFP and SFSP. This hybrid role involves training, monitoring, and technical assistance to ensure compliant, nutritious meals for children.

As the Specialist I, you will conduct staff trainings, coordinate site applications and food orders, perform monitoring reviews, provide outreach, and

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with structured childcare programs and training preferred.
• Valid State of Ohio driver’s license and reliable vehicle for regional travel.
• Knowledge of CACFP and SFSP regulations; ability to follow procedures.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational & time-management abilities.
• Proficiency with email, internet, and Microsoft Office; ability to train others.

Responsibilities

• Provide staff training on program regulations, agency procedures, and software use
• Coordinate the annual site application process and food order launch for afterschool and summer partners
• Conduct monitoring reviews of childcare centers, afterschool programs, and summer programs
• Provide technical assistance and customer service to ensure centers and sites meet program requirements
• Support out-of-compliance sites through technical assistance, re-training, corrective action, and closure of review
• Monitor and process center disallowances on monthly claims
• Review and adjust afterschool and summer food orders based on daily student participation
• Conduct and report outreach activities, building community relationships to increase program awareness
• Conduct and report resource distribution and special site visits
• Maintain an organized electronic file with all required documents for each center and site
• Stay current on CACFP and SFSP regulations of USDA, ODE, and CHA
• Distribute educational materials, provide ongoing check-ins and implementation support, and gather feedback on resource use, progress, and barriers
• Participate in regional, state, and team meetings and required staff training
• Follow Ohio law related to reporting suspected child abuse or neglect
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Organization

Customer service

Multitasking

Training adults

Education

Associate’s Degree in Nutrition, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Youth Development, or Social Work; or 2 years of relevant experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Email/Internet

Job description

CACFP Childcare Centers and Afterschool/Summer Program Specialist I

Cleveland, Ohio

Career Opportunity: CACFP Childcare Centers and Afterschool/Summer Program Specialist I with Children's Hunger Alliance in Cleveland, OH

Hybrid Role

Do you thrive on building relationships, solving problems, and helping organizations succeed? Do you have experience conducting and monitoring reviews of childcare centers? If so, this is the opportunity for you.

Children's Hunger Alliance (CHA) is seeking a CACFP Childcare Centers and Afterschool/Summer Program Specialist I to support licensed childcare centers, afterschool programs, and summer programs participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). As a trusted partner and primary point of contact for your assigned centers and sites, you will recruit, train, monitor, and support them in providing nutritious meals for the children in their care.

You will use your communication, organization, and problem-solving skills to help centers and sites understand program requirements, navigate challenges, and stay in compliance, so they can stay focused on caring for children.

As the CACFP Childcare Centers and Afterschool/Summer Program Specialist I, you will:

• Provide staff training on program regulations, agency procedures, and software use
• Coordinate the annual site application process and food order launch for afterschool and summer partners
• Conduct monitoring reviews of childcare centers, afterschool programs, and summer programs
• Provide technical assistance and customer service to ensure centers and sites meet program requirements
• Support out-of-compliance sites through technical assistance, re-training, corrective action, and closure of review
• Monitor and process center disallowances on monthly claims
• Review and adjust afterschool and summer food orders based on daily student participation
• Conduct and report outreach activities, building community relationships to increase program awareness
• Conduct and report resource distribution and special site visits
• Maintain an organized electronic file with all required documents for each center and site
• Stay current on CACFP and SFSP regulations of USDA, ODE, and CHA
• Distribute educational materials, provide ongoing check-ins and implementation support, and gather feedback on resource use, progress, and barriers
• Participate in regional, state, and team meetings and required staff training
• Follow Ohio law related to reporting suspected child abuse or neglect
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Associate’s Degree in Nutrition, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Youth Development, or Social Work; or 2 years of relevant experience
• Experience with structured childcare programs and training preferred
• Valid State of Ohio driver’s license and reliable vehicle for frequent regional travel
• Knowledge of USDA CACFP and SFSP regulations, child nutrition, early childhood education, and program implementation and evaluation; ability to follow federal, state, and agency procedures
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including comfort speaking to large groups
• Strong organization, time management, and multitasking skills
• Customer service skills, including problem-solving, flexibility, and active listening
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups
• Proficiency with email, the internet, and Microsoft Office, especially Excel; ability to use technology to train adults
• Positive, professional, and resilient mindset

We Offer:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Pre-tax savings options including FSA and HSA (with employer contributions)
• Employer-provided life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) with Safe Harbor contribution and employer match
• Generous PTO starting at 19 days, plus 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave and additional leave options (bereavement, jury duty, etc.)
• Tuition and continuing education reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness initiatives
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Optional benefits including supplemental life, disability, legal, and identity protection plans
• $20-$24/hour

Founded in 1970, Children's Hunger Alliance is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood hunger. CHA partners with childcare providers, afterschool and summer programs, and schools across Ohio to increase access to healthy meals and nutrition education, supporting the long-term health of children.

Children's Hunger Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and state employment laws. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, military status, or veteran status is prohibited.

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