Nutrition Specialist, Head Start-Part-time

Primary Purpose:
To monitor Head Start nutrition services according to Head Start Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, and National School Lunch/Breakfast
Program guidelines. To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.) and local Head Start policies in providing children and families with Head Start services.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification
? Bachelor's Degree in nutrition or related field required
? Current registration or eligible for registration with the Commission on Dietetic
Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics preferred

Skills
? Displays a drive to be of service to others
? Demonstrated ability to set goals and use them to guide daily activities
? Exhibits ability to build mutual support within a team
? Service oriented with ability to set goals and problem solve required
? Demonstrated ability to manage time, calendar, and job responsibilities
? Demonstrated ability to problem solve in a creative manner

Working Conditions:
? Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
? Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and standing
? Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching, occasional driving
? Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
? Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate frequent regionwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise
? Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
? Regular Attendance is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success and family well-being
2. Trains and mentors new nutrition staff on nutrition documentation procedures, nutrition packets, parent communication, and Head Start nutrition requirements.
3. Provides guidance and training to health and nutrition staff regarding nutrition related health concerns, including food allergies, obesity, special diets, and failure to thrive.
4. Assists with onboarding and competency development of nutrition staff to ensure individualized nutrition services are implemented appropriately for children.
5. Provides training and oversight to staff on identification, documentation, follow-up, and referral procedures for high-risk children.
6. Conducts meal service observations and coaches staff to ensure compliance with CACFP, Head Start Performance Standards, meal patterns, portion sizes, sanitation practices, and food service regulations.
7. Serves as a nutrition resource and mentor for new staff by providing coaching, support, and follow-up training as needed.
8. Assists with the development of training materials, checklists, procedural guides, and nutrition education resources for staff and families.
9. Provides training to the new nutrition specialist in monitoring meal service at the Nelson Street Center to ensure that food orders, staffing in the center kitchen, meal patterns, portions, and menus meet regulations
10. Provides training for staff and parents concerning nutrition and related subjects
11. Serves as liaison between Women, Infants and Children (WIC), County Extension Agents, Food Banks, and other nutrition agencies and resources
12. Assists with of the menus of Head Start Programs
13. Provides technical assistance and support to the Head Start program related to menus, meal service, special diets, food allergies, feeding concerns, nutrition-related health conditions, dietary accommodations, and other child nutrition and wellness needs.
14. Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges such as ongoing monitoring and continual improvement in services
15. Maintains licensure through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
16. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the director A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly
17. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities
18. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region
19. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters
20. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan
21. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program
22. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures
23. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines
24. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor
25. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor
26. Performs other duties as assigned