JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for ensuring that all food service and nutrition related tasks for the Head Start program, serving children 0 to 5 years of age, are carried out. Designs and monitors systems to ensure compliance with meal preparation, nutrition, and food service related Head Start Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines and other applicable federal and state regulations. Provide food service leadership, training and technical assistance to staff and parents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates with all components, and writes, revises and implements food service and nutrition related policies and procedures in order to ensure effective quality service delivery and that Head Start Performance Standards, Child & Adult Care Food Program guidelines and all other relevant federal and state regulations are met.
• Under the direction of the Services Manager, works as a member of a team to directly support site staff in the provision of high quality, family-friendly and community/culturally appropriate Head Start services to children and families.
• Ensures that all sites and the Child Development Center are in compliance with the Child & Adult Care Food Program guidelines to ensure quality nutrition for the children and total food cost reimbursement.
• Is responsible for supporting the Registered Dietician in creating menu plans and food orders for rural sites and ensuring delivery to sites and monitoring local food purchases for Child & Adult Care Food Program compliance.
• Coordinates food orders, purchases, and deliveries with outside vendors.
• Provides or arranges for and documents required, requested or necessary food service related training and technical assistance to site staff and Head Start parents.
• Advocates for responsive and effective nutrition and food services for children and families.
• Submits required written reports and information necessary for quarterly reports, federal and state Program Information Reports, and other reports as requested in a timely manner.
• Participates in weekly staff meetings, regular supervisory meetings and all required training.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in all appropriate training functions: developing and leading weekly calls and regular trainings, presenting at conferences, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Develops and maintains constructive and cooperative working relationships with organizations, agencies and families, which support the goals of the Child Development Division programs.
• Instructs, coaches, mentors, or otherwise helps others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Analyzes and evaluates information to choose the best solution and solve problems; and to develop, design or create new ideas, systems, or products.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Listens to, reads, and understands information and ideas presented, taking time to understand the points being made and asking questions as appropriate.
• Ability to select and use training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow established policies and procedures.
• Possesses judgment and decision making abilities to evaluate the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Ability to establish excellent rapport with people of diverse cultures and belief systems.
• Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Observes, receives, and otherwise obtains information from all relevant sources and translates or explains what that information means and how it can be used.
• Communicates effectively orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of a diverse audience Ability to select and use training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation.
• Ability to endure and balance work fluctuations, deadlines, and interruptions; must be able to work weekends, and long hours during occasional peak work periods.
• Ability to sleep on the center floor in communities where no other lodging is available.
• Ability to carry out job responsibilities in rural areas without, or with limited, running water, sewer systems and internet services.
• Ability to manage work time well, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment, professional boundaries, ethics, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK: This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or hours vary with location. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

TRAVEL: Travel is primarily local during the business day. Moderate travel to and in rural Alaskan communities, including travel by small airplane, boats, and alternative ground transportation is expected.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Bachelor degree in nutrition-related field preferred, plus three years of experience or seven years of equivalent experience.
• Must successfully pass state and federal background checks for convictions of violence and child abuse and/or neglect, including fingerprints.
• Responsible work ethic with reliable attendance.
• Must pursue an ongoing professional development plan including formal training certification or college degree as recommended by the program.
• Must attend 15 hours of professional development training annually.
• Proven ability and willingness to be self-directed in problem solving and decision-making and perform basic assignment with little or no direct supervision while also working effectively as a team member.
• Knowledge of 0 to 5 years of age growth and development.
• Knowledge of developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum and materials.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills including giving and receiving feedback on quality of services.
• Experience in developing and delivering trainings for adults.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Effective organizational and time management skills to maintain daily workflow and meet project deadlines.
• Intermediate level of computer skills necessary in order to use and create professional business documents and letters, spreadsheets, training materials, enter data into intricate database programs and proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
• Must keep all matters concerning participants in strictest confidence as required by HIPAA privacy and the 42 CFR, Part II confidentiality regulations.
• Must provide a TB screening and basic physical exam within thirty (30) days of hire with follow-up every three (3) years at employee’s expense.
• Must be able to provide own transportation to meet work schedule requirements.
• PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Masters in related field with experience.
• Knowledge and experience with the Head Start program.
• Knowledge and experience in rural Alaskan life styles with strong competence in multi-cultural environments.
• Experience with Child Plus.
• Experience in developing and delivering trainings for adults.

BENEFITS: As a full time, regular employee, you will be eligible to participate in our competitive benefits programs on the first day of the month after your 60th day of employment, including but not limited to:

Medical, Dental & Vision
Life & Supplemental Insurance
401K/Pension Plan
Flexible Spending Account/Health & Dependent Care
Health Savings Account
Employee Assistance Program
20 days (160 hours) of accrued Paid Time Off
12 Established paid holidays
Monthly Wellness Reimbursement

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person