COMMUNITY ACTION, INC. OF CENTRAL TEXAS
JOB VACANCY NOTICE # 24-32
Page 1 of 3
Date Posted: April 1, 2024
Program: Early Childhood Education
Position: Nutrition Specialist
Location: Head Start Office - San Marcos, Texas
Status: Regular Full-Time
Schedule: Mon.- Fri. ; 7AM - 3PM
Salary: $11.04 - $19.80 Hourly
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Mission:
Helping Central Texans improve economics self-reliance through a wide range of services and community partnerships.
Strategic Function:
Assists the Nutrition Coordinator in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the Nutrition Component in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards and the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the Minimum Standards for Child Care Licensing.
Reports to:
Nutrition Coordinator
Operating Principles:
A. Lifelong Learning: Seeks innovative opportunities to expand knowledge, skills, and experiences.
B. Effective Communication: Provides well thought-out, concise, and timely oral and written information.
C. Teamwork: Considers group effort more important than individual effort.
D. High Personal Standards: Sets challenging goals and continuously seeks feedback and opportunities to improve performance.
E. Flexibility: Accepts other viewpoints, shifts strategies if necessary, and adjusts to changing work priorities.
F. Concern for Accuracy and Effectiveness: Considers how work impacts both short term and long term operating efficiencies.
G. Initiative: Is proactive rather than reactive.
H. Courteous and Respectful: Ensures all business dealings and relationships are conducted fairly and honestly.
Duties/Responsibilities:
1. Interact with staff, volunteers, children, and families in an effective, pleasant, and respectable manner.
2. Train and monitor kitchen staff on the CACFP meal patterns, minimum amounts, required paperwork and food preparation.
3. Coordinate with the Family Advocates and Site Supervisors in providing enrolled families educational opportunities related to nutrition and physical activity/fitness, recipes for nutritious snack and/or main dishes, MyPlate and other nutrition and physical activity recommendations.
4. Train and monitor staff at all sites to ensure Mealtime Service Procedures and Nutrition Policies are followed.
5. Be familiar with the Head Start Performance Standards in all components, the state licensing standards for child care, CACFP regulations, Caring for our Children recommendations, and the Texas Food Establishment Rules. Assist Nutrition Coordinator in interpreting and communicating standards and regulations to staff and parents.
6. Attend professional meetings/workshops and continue to read and study in the field of nutrition. Meet regularly with the Nutrition Coordinator for sharing information that is nutrition-related.
7. Follow the Agency Purchasing Procedures.
8. Follow the Agency Transportation Procedures.
9. Report all suspected child abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400
10. Prepare meals and assist with kitchen duties at the centers in the event kitchen staff are out or in the event the kitchen has a vacancy for cook/cook aid.
11. Assist in writing the menu which conforms to the Head Start Performance Standards and the USDA CACFP requirements.
12. Conduct monitoring on a regular basis to ensure centers are in compliance with all standards and regulations.
13. Follow up on Nutrition Concerns, provide nutrition counseling/education to staff and parents.
14. Assist the Nutrition Coordinator in developing Meal Production Records, Nutrition Policies and Procedures, and other required documentation.
15. Assist the Nutrition Coordinator in writing a Training and Technical Assistance plan in the area of nutrition.
16. Works the staff and local businesses to assure effective purchasing in all nutrition and kitchen related transactions.
17. Mange nutrition and kitchen supplies and equipment.
18. Assure staff maintain both accurate and up to date records in nutrition and health areas.
19. Coordinate, implement, and assist center staff in planning nutrition education topics and activities for the children and parents at all sites.
20. Assist Nutrition Coordinator in training all staff members in Food Safety and Sanitation Procedures.
21. Assist Nutrition Coordinator with planning and development of preservice and annual training.
22. Travel to each center regularly to communicate/train staff to ensure the nutrition plans and USDA guidelines are being implemented.
23. Assist the Nutrition Coordinator in working with staff for the purpose of long and short term goal setting and evaluating the ongoing implementation of nutrition services for the children served.
24. Work closely with the Health Advisory Committee and refer to the Community Assessment to stay informed on Community-Wide Nutrition and Health issues.
25. Assist in recruiting and supervising Texas State students and Dietetic Interns.
26. Takes part in the screening and hiring process for new staff.
27. Arrives on time and works designed hours (unless otherwise specified by immediate supervisor).
28. Flexibility with work schedule and location as needed based on program needs.
29. Develop and maintain communicating partnerships with public schools, food banks/pantries, WIC, libraries and other local businesses.
General Indicators:
1. Submits time sheets accurately and on time to supervisor.
2. Submits mileage accurately and on time to supervisor
3. Attends all staff and other meetings as assigned
4. Manages time effectively.
5. Is a positive role model
6. Maintains confidentiality: records, client services, and staff.
7. Adheres to Agency’s best practices related to time and leave.
8. Dress is appropriate to work environment.
9. Maintains a safe, orderly and clean environment.
10. All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Preferred:

• Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

• Bachelors in Nutrition, Nutrition and Food, or Food Service Management

Experience

• 3 years Food Service Experience
• 1 year Child Care Experience

Required:
Education

• Bachelors in Nutrition, Nutrition and Food, or Food Service Management

OR

• Non-related Degree with 1 year CACFP Experience and 1 year Food Service

Experience

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in the use of computers and a variety of software including Microsoft Word and Excel

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 25-40 pounds

Other Requirements:

• At least 21 years old
• Initial Health Exam required for all Head Start staff at the agency’s expense
• Initial and annual TB screening are required for all Head Start staff at the agency’s expense
• Criminal Background Check required for all Head Start staff at agency’s expense
• Fingerprinting required for all Head Start staff at the employee’s expense
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and reliable transportation
• Vehicle Insurance (Personal injury and liability)

For additional information about Community Action, Inc. visit our Website at www.communityaction.com.