CACFP Compliance Specialist - California

Learning Care; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 44,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Childcare discount

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Learning Care is seeking a CACFP Compliance Specialist to oversee implementation and compliance of CACFP/Federal Food programs across assigned states. You will guide field operators to ensure USDA and state regulations are met, acting as the compliance SME for CACFP matters.

Responsibilities include state regulation updates, training, audits, and monitoring visits, with travel estimated around 50% to sites and districts. A strong background in nutrition or child care is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
• Experience working Early Childhood Education, Food Service, Nutrition, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Keep current on changes regarding governmental/state regulations and advise management.
• Prepare, process, and manage annual Federal Food (CACFP) plans and contracts.
• Train Directors/School management on CACFP paperwork and claim filing requirements.
• Conduct trainings on health and safety, nutrition, and CACFP requirements.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Independent work

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Excel

Job description

Join a strong community where all we do is care-for the children and families we serve every day, as well as for our dedicated team members. Our people are our best asset. We listen and we know what you're looking for:

• You want benefits. We support you with a minimum 50% childcare discount, immediate access to benefits, innovative health programs, 401(k) company match, and much more.
• You want balance. We offer flexible schedules that work for you, no nights or weekends, the ability to bring your children to work with you, and paid time off.
• You want opportunity. We invest in your future with ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, credential assistance, and our unique Master Teacher Program.
• You want recognition. We provide a positive, fun workplace where employees are appreciated.

Job Summary

The CACFP Compliance Specialist will be responsible for all implementation and compliance related to the Child & Adult Food Care Program (CACFP)/Federal Food programs across their assigned area. This position will provide guidance and expertise and knowledge to our field operators ensuring we are complaint with all USDA and state's regulation guidelines.

Essential Functions

• Keep current on changes regarding governmental/state regulations, act as compliance subject matter expert in assigned states relating to the CACFP/Federal Food Program and advise, Dept. Director, Manager, DM's, school management staff of these changes. Ensure compliance with any other state mandated requirements.
• Responsible for preparing, processing, managing annual Federal Food (CACFP) management plans and contracts. Maintain records related to CACFP claims and reimbursements according to state and company requirements.
• Apply state CACFP regulations to standard training and deliver training to Directors/School management teams on paperwork and claim filing requirements relating to records maintenance and billing for the Federal Food (CACFP) Program.
• Conduct training with District Managers, Directors and staff members on the health and safety requirements surrounding sanitary food handling, nutrition, monitor visits, civil rights and other CACFP required trainings.
• Conduct required monitor visits and follow up at each assigned school to ensure compliance with CACFP/Federal Food state regulations.
• Ensure billing statements meet guidelines and that CACFP/Federal Food reimbursements are received. Track amounts billed vs. amounts paid through established edit check/FFAST system. Communicate credits or debits to manager and appropriate accounting support staff.
• Audit and perform compliance edit checks on monthly paperwork prepared by the school for accuracy and completeness, including Enrollment and Income Eligibility Forms.
• Uses financial analysis to extrapolate, evaluate, and manipulate claim data to create reporting for schools and District Managers and act on strategic options and opportunities.
• Facilitate State, Governmental and internal company audits/administrative compliance reviews for site visits, meal counts, attendance, time and labor, menus, training, billing documentation and money distribution.
• Establish and maintain Corrective Action Plans for non-compliances found in all areas of the CACFP holding assigned schools accountable for program compliance.
• Build positive rapport and partner with state CACFP representatives in each assigned state, as well as school staff and field mgt.
• Attend state mandated CACFP trainings and workshops-in person and virtual. Communicate new policies/changes to manager and ensure documentation is kept on file.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
• Experience working Early Childhood Education, Food Service, Nutrition, or a related field preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills with both internal and external customers.
• Capable of working with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Effective communication skills, written, verbal and interpersonal.
• Proficient time management, organizational skills, and ability to meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to effectively mentor/train school leadership and ensure program implementation meets state and program requirements.
• Familiarity with CACFP/Federal Food rules and regulations in each state.
• Familiarity with CACFP audit and billing procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to build sound working relationships with external business representatives.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficient working knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel, including the reviewing, formatting, and updating of spreadsheets.

Travel

Approximately 50% drivable and/or overnight travel

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation based on position, education and experience. Bi-weekly paid.
  • $31.71-32.20 hourly rate.
  • This position is also eligible for our Support Central bonus program which is based on annual achievement of company performance.
• Health and Wellness Benefits
  • Employees are eligible for a variety of health and welfare benefits based on their Full-time or Part-time status on their date of hire, which include medical, dental, vision, healthcare & dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs), life insurance, disability, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, pre-paid legal, pet insurance and identity theft protection.
  • Employees are eligible to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan after 30 days of employment. Participating employees are also eligible to receive a company provided match on their elective deferrals once they reach 1 year of employment with the company.
• Employee perks/discounts
  • Education assistance including tuition reimbursement
  • Childcare discount available to all employees
  • Corporate partner Discounts
• This position is eligible for paid time off. All Corporate employees are enrolled in our Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) plan. This plan allows for flexibility and discretion between employees and managers in taking time off - with no set accrual for vacation or sick time. Employees can use Flexible PTO for any reason and is compliant with the Colorado Healthy Families Work Act.
• Applications accepted through 10/9/26.

Learning Care is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.