Field Representative (Food Assistance Representative) (Permanent) - Multi County

Are you searching for a fulfilling profession that entails ensuring essential food aid initiatives run smoothly and securely for your locality? The Department of Agriculture is on the lookout for a candidate to take up the role of a Food Assistance Representative, whose primary responsibility is to guarantee that programs adhere to both federal and state regulations. Do not hesitate to apply now and become a part of our team!

In this position, you will develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the relevant USDA and state regulations governing the programs managed by the Bureau. This knowledge is essential for effectively advising recipient agencies and vendors on program requirements and ensuring compliance. Additionally, you will need to grasp accounting and auditing procedures to assist these entities in meeting their obligations. A solid understanding of Foods and Chemistry regulations is also crucial, as it enables you to identify products that may be compromised and to recognize potential issues related to the storage and handling of food products at contract warehouses, distributors, and recipient agencies. When necessary, you will observe the disposal of any products deemed unfit for consumption. Regular reviews of recipient agencies, warehouses, distributors, and processors contracted with the Bureau will be conducted to assess their adherence to regulatory standards. You will perform quarterly audits, as directed, of the supporting documentation for monthly inventory reports submitted by contract warehouses and distributors to facilitate verification processes. Annual physical inventory counts and reconciliations of products stored at these facilities will also be part of your responsibilities. Furthermore, you will assist recipient agencies and vendors in addressing any programmatic or regulatory deficiencies, as well as aid authorities in investigating instances of theft, fraud, and misuse of government commodities. Your role will involve examining SFPP inventory and distribution records to ensure compliance with regulations, which includes reviewing invoices to confirm that state funds are exclusively used for purchasing nutritional foods in household-compatible sizes. You will also verify that all grant funds were utilized in accordance with program guidelines by examining checks and related invoices, and you will tag any assets acquired with SFPP funding. Lastly, you will conduct compliance reviews of vendors participating in the FMNP, which will involve addressing inquiries and ensuring adherence to established standards.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Position will be home headquartered if applicant lives in one of the listed Region 5 or 7 counties. If applicant does not live in one of the the listed Region 5 or 7 counties, the assigned state vehicle must be parked in one of these counties and the work day will start at 7:30 AM at the location of the assigned state vehicle.
  • Region 5: Cambria, Clearfield, Centre, Blair, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, Bedford, Fulton, Franklin
  • Region 7: Berks, Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Three years of experience in public contact work, which included one year of verifying the accuracy of financial or transactional records; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training, which included one year of verifying the accuracy of financial or transactional records.

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

• You must be able to read and interpret federal and state laws/regulations/policies.
• You must be able to drive for prolonged periods of time, including in adverse weather conditions.
• You must utilize current technology to perform daily tasks.
• You must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).