Food Service Program Consultant

Description

Pay Grade: L

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Who we are. We protect lives.The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.

What we offer. As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can:

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia Residents
• Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team– Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengths
• Achieve Career Longevity – Countless opportunities for continuous learning/development that support a long-term career
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like you

Job Responsibilities

• Provides oversight to Department review and approval/denial process for food service HACCP plans and variances.

• Serves as a technical expert in Specialized Food Processes of a complexity that require a HACCP plan and/or Variance under state and/or federal guidelines (FDA Food Code).
• Assess Environmental Health (EH) food service program needs of the target population.
• May assist with budget preparation and monitoring in assigned EH program area.
• Compiles reports of findings and submits in appropriate format.
• Coordinates environmental health program services with other providers, organizations, regulated communities, and the general public to promote optimal implementation of program services.
• Establishes effective communication with district/county EHS in assigned program area.
• Develops long-term (five year) and short-term (one year) objectives and plans for the environmental health food service program.
• Develops policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines for the development and implementation of the EH food service program statewide.
• Assists with monitoring, assessing, and evaluating the food service program.

• Assists with monitoring, assessing, and evaluating the performance of inspections to determine compliance with departmental policies/procedures, state and/or federal guidelines.

• Plans, supervises, coordinates, and implements educational and training programs for
  district/county EHS in food service regulations/inspections.

• Plans, supervises, coordinates, and implements educational and training programs for
  district/county EHS in other EH programs as needed.
  
• Provides technical assistance and advice to district/county EHS to develop, implement and improve EH food service inspection programs.
• Provides technical assistance and advice to district/county EHS to develop, implement and improve other EH programs as needed.
• Maintains professional knowledge of current laws, policies, trends, and developments in the environmental health field and applies knowledge to the performance of other responsibilities.
• Research, prepares and administers grant proposals, and contracts for EH services.

• Provides technical expertise to district and county EHS in the review and interpretation of state and federal laws, regulations and policies related to the environmental health food service program.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of experience performing work related to the area of assignment, which includes two (2) years in a managerial or supervisory role or one (1) year of experience at the lower level Healthcare Prgm Consultant 3 (HCP092) or position equivalent

Additional Information

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently recognized as a Georgia Standardized Food Inspection Training Officer and actively serving as a District Standard Trainer within one of Georgia’s 18 public health districts, with a minimum of 3–5 years of experience standardizing Environmental Health Specialists (EHS) in food regulatory inspections;
  OR
• Currently or previously recognized as an FDA Standardized Inspection Training Officer, with 1–2 years of experience standardizing federal or state regulatory staff on the FDA Food Code (2013 or later).
• Technical expertise and/or experience reviewing complex plans and documents involving advanced plumbing systems and specialized food service equipment.
• Experience evaluating food safety management systems, including but not limited to:
  • HACCP Plans
  • Variance Requests
  • Emergency Operations Plans (e.g. water interruptions, power outages, etc.)
  • Standard Operating Procedures
• Experience reviewing public health variance requests and petitions related to deviations from established food service inspection rules and regulations.
• Experience analyzing microbiological lab reports and challenge studies related to food safety.
• Experience developing and delivering training (both in-person and virtual) on food service laws and regulations for district inspection staff.
• Experience designing and facilitating educational sessions specifically for industry professionals and/or external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Georgia's Food Service Rules and Regulations (Chapter 511-6-1).
• Familiarity and practical experience with at least one version of the FDA Food Code (2013, 2017, or 2022).
• Understanding of Georgia’s Environmental Health Standardization Procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with the FDA’s Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards.