child nutrition consultant

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Training and Administrative Support Section (TASS) is recruiting one Child Nutrition Consultant (CNC). The TASS CNC is responsible for a variety of complex tasks and activities. The consultant will work independently most of the time, may serve in a lead capacity, and maintain effective and ongoing communication with management.

The TASS CNC will work under the direction of the Child Nutrition Supervisor I (CNSI) and collaboratively with other program units and sections including the Nutrition Education and Training Section (NETS), Field Services Sections (FSS), Onboarding and Outreach Unit (OOU), and Training and Support Unit (TSU).

The following duties are specific to the CACFP CNC, but are not limited to:

• Prospective operator menu reviews.
• CACFP Meal Pattern Technical Assistance (TA).
• Development of nutrition-related community announcements
• Nutrition policy guidance.
• Development of nutrition-related web page content.

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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This work location is very convenient The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer's markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• CHILD NUTRITION CONSULTANT

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-498259

Position #(s):

Working Title:

Child Nutrition Consultant

Classification:

CHILD NUTRITION CONSULTANT

$5, $8,040.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.

About the CACFP Branch:

Our mission is to provide equitable access to nutritious meals for infants, children, and adults in the community by supporting our CACFP Operators through policy guidance, nutrition education, and training. Our vision is to ensure infants, children, and adults have access to healthy meals through the CACFP, and our Program Operators have the support and resources to successfully administer the program.

CDSS Guiding Principles

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.

We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.

Community Engagement

We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.

Empowerment

We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person has desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.

Quality Services

We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.

Data Defined Outcomes

We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Special Requirements

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position.

Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.

The SOQ is a narrative discussion (not a bulleted summary) prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant's skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training and experience qualify them for the position.

The SOQ's are read and serves as each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.

Cover letters, resumes, degrees and exam/test results do not take the place of an SOQ and should not repeat the same information.

Application packets that do not include a SOQ or includes a SOQ that does not follow the required format, will be regarded as incomplete and will not be reviewed for further consideration in the hiring process.

The SOQ should not be more than two pages, using Arial, 12-point font size. Please answer the following questions:

1. How will your background, experience, education, and training help you find success in this position?

2. Why do you want to work as a CNC in the CACFP Branch?

You may click the "How to" link for guidance and instructions on writing an SOQ. Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.

Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 11/21/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Social Services

California Department of Social Services

Attn: Classification & Pay Unit

P. O. Box MS

Sacramento, CA

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Social Services

California Department of Social Services

Classification & Pay Unit

744 P Street, MS

Sacramento, CA 95814

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) IS REQUIRED. Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Knowledge and understanding of nutrition and nutrition education
• Experience working in a community nutrition-related program
• Provide exceptional customer service
• Ability to interpret state and federal regulations
• Create and develop resource tools and trainings
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, MS Teams, and SharePoint
• Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Be flexible and open to change
• Contribute to a cohesive and fun team environment

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

• Public transit (mass transit) passes.
• 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders
• 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:

Michelle Nelson

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

EEO Office

California Relay Service: TTY), Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025

Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.

To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the examination announcement:

CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search

Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at:

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.