HS/EHS/EHS-CC Assistant Nutrition Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Early Head Start-Child Care (EHS-CC) Assistant Nutrition Specialist will help ensure that the LIFT CAA EHS-CC programs meet the objectives of the nutrition component as required in the following documents: Performance Standards, CACFP Regulations, DHS Licensing, State Fire Marshal, State Health Department and the LIFT CAA Nutrition Plans.

In accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, the Assistant Nutrition Specialist will provide nutrition support services to ensure adherence to USDA/CACFP regulations. Provide nutrition information and support to parents, children, and staff. Maintain and develop cooperative relationships with LIFT CAA EHS-CC families, staff, vendors/agencies and service providers. This is a safety sensitive position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Assist with annual review of menus for nutritional soundness and compliance with USDA/CACFP regulations before the start of the school year and as needed.
2. Assist with review of food service operations in all classrooms. Assist with center visits and folder checks.
3. Assist Nutrition Specialist in conducting trainings as appropriate.
4. Assist Nutrition Specialist in working with food vendors(s) to ensure compliance with USDA/CACFP standards assuring adequate nutrition for each child, to include providing appropriate substitutions for child with food allergies or intolerances, and to meet Performance Standards relating to cultural preferences.
5. Assist in conducting initial site review of new classrooms added to the program for baseline review of compliance with Performance Standards and to assess staff training needs.
6. Assist in conducting routine site monitoring reviews at each site three (3) times per school year as scheduled, and additional reviews as requested. Site reviews will monitor compliance with USDA/CACFP reporting and performance requirements; identify staff training needs; and maintain ongoing follow up for children with identified nutritional needs or risks.
7. Ensure integration of children with disabilities and special dietary needs.
8. Ensure and maintain accurate, up-to-date records according to HS Performance Standards and program procedures, with adequate provisions for confidentiality. Help ensure all child/family files are up to date and accurate, ensuring accurate data entry.
9. Provide up to date current information regarding USDA/CACFP policies and policy changes.
10. Act as a community liaison and assist with newsletter.
11. Attend Governing Board and Policy Council meetings as necessary.
12. Assist Non-English-speaking families.
13. Provide all information requested for program documentation in a timely manner.
14. Assist other staff with projects as requested. Perform other duties as assigned and reasonably within scope of duties listed above.
15. Report to work at scheduled times and maintain good attendance. Perform all duties in a timely and professional manner. Participate with a positive attitude and behavior in all program activities.
16. Keep all assigned records accurate and current as appropriate. Keep all records and family information confidential.
17. Continue professional growth by participating in classes, training programs, workshops and conferences as the budget allows. Attend and participate in staff meetings, in-service training, parent meetings and any other trainings, meetings or workshops as deemed necessary by the Nutrition Specialist, HS/EHS/EHS-CC Program Director or Executive Director.
18. Become knowledgeable and maintain an understanding and support the philosophies, theories and the mission of EHS-CC and LIFT Community Action Agency, Inc.
19. The listed job functions, duties and responsibilities do not necessarily include all activities that the incumbent may perform. Nothing herein restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REOUIREMENTS: 

Strong desire to succeed, patient, able to resolve conflicts, kind, creative, resourceful, detail and multi-task oriented; excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written/verbal communication skills as well as diplomacy and human relations skills; must be able to cope well with stress. Must have the ability to work as a part of a team, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and receive and provide feedback.

While performing the du