Job Description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) :

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview :

As a Regional Food Safety Specialist with the Indiana Retail Food Program at the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Food Protection Division (FPD) you will support and coordinate the standardization of the state-wide retail food establishment (RFE) inspection process. You will take a data-driven approach to develop action plans and to evaluate program development progress. This position will aid in strengthening the Food Protection Division and Indiana's capabilities to better direct food safety and regulatory activities in advancing the Indiana Retail Food Inspection program.

Salary Statement : 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

​The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Serve as a liaison between IDOH and local health departments, representing the Retail Food Program; work with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure that program objectives are modified and updated as needed.
• Coordinate with the other staff to develop and implement program training activities that may occur or are assigned.
• Perform public speaking activities as requested and/or assigned. 
• Act as the editor and publisher of the program newsletter and is responsible for its development for quarterly dissemination through the website and mail for the public, food industry and local health departments.
• Develop interpretations of food law and formal letters for the supervisor to provide to the food industry, public and local health departments.
• Provide consultation, technical assistance, and program information when appropriate or requested to field staff, industry, consumers, local health departments, and other agencies.
• Interpret state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing food protection to field staff, industry, consumers, and local health departments.
• Provide consultation to staff, local health departments on investigations concerning hazardous events, such as fires, floods, tornadoes, and truck/train wrecks or food processing equipment breakdowns and assures the disposal of dangerous, mislabeled, or contaminated foods. 
• Conduct inspections of food establishments on state property, collects food samples, conducts complaint inspections, and utilizes inspection tools to produce reports and track data.
• Review blueprints and specifications for food production/storage facilities and provides consultation for potential new food businesses in conjunction with the retail food program manager.
• May testify in administrative hearings and courts of law about the status of facilities subject to our food protection rules and laws.
• Conduct special sampling or surveillance initiatives.
• Effectively uses electronic forms of communication and reporting tools. 
• Maintain updated electronic schedule and communicate any deviations to the central office. 

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment: 

• Bachelor’s degree, preferred in public health, business administration, public administration, agriculture, or related field
• Team-player who can also work independently
• Extreme attention to detail, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, strong analytical skills, able to create written documents, letters, and reports
• Considerable knowledge of the organizational function of state and local health agencies
• Ability to communicate, verbally and in writing with individuals and in group situations;
• Ability to use good interpersonal skills to establish harmonious relationships with industry, local, public and private agencies;
• Ability to maturely and professionally handle verbal abuse, and threats to life, limb and personal property;
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Broad knowledge of food safety inspection processes and procedures, preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected] .

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