Food Program Manager (5038)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is seeking a talented Food Program Manager who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

The Food Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Child Care Food Program for Day Care Homes, providing leadership to monitoring and administrative staff. This role ensures compliance with USDA Child Care Food Program guidelines and regulations, supports enrollment and eligibility processes, conducts training and technical assistance, and facilitates the successful operation of the program. Extensive interaction with the Day Care Home Providers, staff, and the larger community is required.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise monitoring and administrative staff, providing guidance, technical assistance, and support. Ensure staff is trained and equipped to perform their duties effectively.
• Oversee the enrollment and income eligibility processes for Day Care Home Providers. Assign tasks to administrative staff to ensure complete and accurate enrollment and eligibility data for purposes of payment processing and monthly eligibility for participation. Determine eligibility for tiering purposes, including Day Care Home Providers who claim their own child.
• Oversee the monitoring process, including corrective actions and addressing serious deficiency. Distribute review lists and maintain a comprehensive review database to ensure compliance with State requirements. Ensure all reviews are completed in accordance with State timeframes.
• Manage the monthly claim processing and review database to ensure compliance areas are met. Ensure accurate processing of claims and review of claim reports to maintain compliance with regulations.
• Assess the performance of Day Care Home Providers during on-site reviews, ensuring compliance with program regulations. Review monthly reports submitted to verify accuracy and adherence to program requirements.
• Ensure timely visits to Day Care Homes for reviews and compliance checks, in line with current Florida Department of Health Child Care Food Program guidelines and regulations. Ensure providers are aware of and adhere to program procedures and regulations.
• Plan and conduct initial and annual training sessions for staff and Day Care Home Providers to include, but not limited to, menu planning and meal pattern, meal counts and recordkeeping, claims submission and review procedures, reimbursement system, food safety and sanitation, nutrition education, and civil rights requirements. Document trainings and maintain records of attendance and content delivered.
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and conferences as required. Continuously review regulations and resources to keep stay informed of current trends and best practices related to the responsibilities of the job.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to Day Care Home Providers to ensure they understand and comply with program requirements. Offer support as needed to help providers successfully navigate program processes.
• Ensure program requirements are met within established regulatory time frames and guidelines.
• Provide resource materials to include, but not limited to menus, recipes, meal planning tools, and food safety guidelines, that support healthy practices and program compliance. ·
• Prepare program reports for the Director and assist in the development and administration of the program budget.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information related to children, families, providers, and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Lead outreach efforts to engage with local Day Care Home organizations, foster partnerships and promote program awareness within the community.
• Perform other similar duties as required to support the effective operation of the program.

Other Functions:

Note: The duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Regular sitting, working at computer keyboard and desk. Occasional bending, stooping and lifting. Must be able to drive to Center locations.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics, Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, Hotel and Restaurant Management or similar field.

Experience:

• Three years of supervisory experience required. Some experience in financial management and budgeting preferred. Previous food program experience is preferred. Experience in preschool-aged or child care setting preferred. Experience in human services program management, including program planning, operations and evaluation, and the use of management information systems.
• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.
• Also required, successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check and drug screening prior to hiring.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of Child Care Food Program rules, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of basic food safety in children and child care settings
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Computers and information management systems
• Budget preparation and control.
• Ability to plan, organize and oversee food program services; communicate Child Care Food Program and nutrition information in a manner easily understood by Day Care Home Providers; work with a diverse community and staff groups.
• Communicate orally and in writing using correct English usage, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation.
• Skill in making presentations to groups.
• Ability to develop a training plan and train adults.
• Ability to oversee the work of subordinate staff.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal daily guidance.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Successful experience working in a team setting.
• Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community.
• Leadership ability.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a team
• Knowledge of basic nutrition for children and meal patterns
• Ability to analyze and determine necessary corrective action if needed.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs. Possession of a valid Driver's License and reliable car.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Reports to Director of Nutrition Services.
• Team player with co-workers and Children and Head Start Services staff.
• Accurate, complete and timely submission of required reports and documentation.
• Adherence to LSF policies and management practices.
• Effective staff management and leadership.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
  • Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com