Training and Compliance Specialist

The Training & Compliance Specialist supports the Greater Chicago Food Depository's network of food access partners by conducting compliance monitoring, delivering training and technical assistance, ensuring adherence to Food Depository, Feeding America, federal, state, and local program requirements, and promoting equitable, dignified food distribution practices.

This position serves as a subject matter expert for multiple food assistance programs and is responsible for conducting site visits, identifying compliance concerns, providing corrective action support, delivering required trainings, maintaining audit-ready documentation, and assisting partners in achieving operational excellence.

The Training & Compliance Specialist works collaboratively with Partner Relationship Managers, Partner Services, Neighbor Services, Government Programs, and other internal departments to strengthen partner capacity and ensure program integrity throughout Cook County.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Compliance Monitoring & Site Visits

• Manage an assigned geographic caseload of partners and programs throughout Cook County.
• Develop and maintain annual monitoring schedules to ensure all required site visits are completed within established timeframes.
• Conduct announced and unannounced compliance monitoring visits in accordance with Food Depository policies and procedures and applicable federal, state, local, and Feeding America requirements.
• Conduct required monitoring visits for assigned programs, including but not limited to:
• Evaluate partner compliance with food safety, food handling, civil rights, client choice, intake procedures, operational requirements, and program regulations.
• Document monitoring observations, findings, recommendations, and corrective actions in approved systems and forms.
• Develop and monitor corrective action plans and provide technical assistance to support resolution of compliance findings.
• Escalate significant compliance concerns to department leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to monitoring activities.
• Promote equitable access, neighbor dignity, and best practices during all monitoring activities.

Training, Education & Technical Assistance

• Coordinate, develop, facilitate, and evaluate partner trainings in both virtual and in-person formats.
• Deliver required partner trainings
• Track training participation and completion to ensure compliance with program requirements.
• Support development and maintenance of training materials, presentations, resources, and learning content.

Program Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain audit-ready records and documentation for assigned partners and programs.
• Support preparation for internal audits, Feeding America Network Standards Reviews, state monitoring visits, USDA reviews, and other compliance assessments.
• Review and maintain required partner documentation, including certifications, agreements, licenses, and compliance records.
• Support annual partner agreement and training acknowledgement processes.
• Assist with collection, tracking, and maintenance of required compliance documentation through approved systems and platforms.
• Ensure timely follow-up on missing documentation and compliance requirements.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate monitoring, training, and compliance records in agency systems.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to monitoring activities, corrective actions, training participation, and compliance trends.
• Track partner compliance status and assist with identifying areas requiring additional support or intervention.
• Support departmental performance tracking and reporting initiatives.
• Analyze monitoring findings and identify opportunities for continuous improvement across the partner network.

Technology & Systems Administration

Utilize and support agency systems including:

• Link2Feed
• StratusLive
• CERES
• Audit App
• Trakstar Learn
• SharePoint
• DocuSign
• Microsoft Office Suite

Other agency-approved systems

• Support partner onboarding, account management, and troubleshooting activities related to assigned systems.
• Collaborate with Information Technology and other departments on system enhancements and process improvements.

Collaboration & Partnership Development

• Collaborate with Partner Relationship Managers and Partner Services staff to support partner success and compliance.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings, projects, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support onboarding and assessment of prospective partners.
• Share monitoring observations and recommendations to inform partner support strategies.
• Foster positive working relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
• Represent the Food Depository at community meetings, trainings, partner events, and other external engagements as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in compliance, monitoring, training, nonprofit operations, food assistance programs, social services, public administration, or related fields preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal nutrition assistance programs and food distribution operations preferred.
• Experience conducting compliance reviews, monitoring visits, audits, or quality assurance activities preferred.
• Experience facilitating adult learning and training programs preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a field-based environment.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Ability to analyze information, identify trends, and recommend solutions.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and neighbor dignity.

Requirements

• Local travel throughout Cook County is required.
• Valid Illinois driver's license and proof of insurance required.
• Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends.
• Food Protection Manager Certification required within six months of hire.

Work Environment

• Combination of office, virtual, and field-based work environments.
• Frequent travel to partner sites throughout Cook County.
• Regular interaction with Food Depository staff, volunteers, community partners, government agencies, and members of the public.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and transportation of training and monitoring materials.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• On-site gym
• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
• $250 employee referral bonus