What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nutrition Consultant position at Head Start of Rockland, Inc.?
Part-Time Nutritionist Consultant
Head Start of Rockland, Inc. | Rockland County, NY
Job Type: Part-Time Consultant
Schedule: Flexible, based on program needs and consulting agreement
Location: Rockland County, NY | On-site visits required
Join Our Team – Help Shape Healthy Futures!
Are you a nutrition professional passionate about improving the health and well-being of young children and families? Head Start of Rockland, Inc. (HSOR) is seeking a knowledgeable, dedicated, and collaborative Part-Time Nutritionist Consultant to support our comprehensive early childhood education programs.
For more than 60 years, HSOR has provided high-quality early childhood education and family support services throughout Rockland County. Serving over 1,000 children and families annually, our programs promote school readiness, healthy development, and family well-being.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting healthy eating habits, ensuring nutrition program compliance, and working alongside dedicated early childhood professionals.
Position Overview
The Part-Time Nutritionist Consultant provides professional nutrition expertise, consultation, monitoring, and technical assistance to HSOR's Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership programs.
The consultant works closely with the Health & Nutrition Director, food service personnel, program staff, and community partners to ensure that nutrition services meet the 2024 Head Start Program Performance Standards, USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, and applicable New York State guidelines.
Key Responsibilities
Nutrition Planning and Program Compliance
- Develop, review, and evaluate nutritious, age-appropriate menus for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
- Ensure menus meet CACFP meal patterns, nutritional standards, portion requirements, and food crediting guidelines.
- Provide guidance on food allergies, special dietary needs, medical dietary accommodations, and culturally responsive meals.
- Review and update nutrition policies, procedures, and service plans.
- Support compliance with Head Start nutrition requirements and applicable federal and state guidelines.
CACFP Monitoring and Quality Assurance
- Conduct periodic monitoring visits to HSOR-operated centers and Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership locations.
- Review food production records, menus, meal documentation, and related nutrition records for accuracy and compliance.
- Identify areas requiring improvement and provide recommendations and technical assistance.
- Assist with preparations for CACFP reviews, Head Start monitoring, audits, and corrective action activities.
- Collaborate with program leadership to strengthen nutrition service delivery and documentation.
Child Nutrition and Family Support
- Review child nutrition assessments and growth-related information, including height, weight, and BMI, as appropriate.
- Provide individualized nutrition consultation for children identified with nutritional concerns.
- Collaborate with health professionals and families to support children with special dietary requirements.
- Promote healthy eating habits and positive mealtime experiences.
- Develop culturally responsive nutrition education materials and resources for families.
Staff Training and Collaboration
- Provide nutrition education and technical assistance to teachers, food service personnel, and other program staff.
- Conduct training on CACFP requirements, food safety, sanitation, infant feeding, and nutrition best practices.
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and health advisory activities as requested.
- Support program self-assessment, continuous quality improvement, and monitoring activities.
- Maintain accurate records and submit timely consultation reports and recommendations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science, or a closely related field.
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN).
- Demonstrated knowledge of USDA CACFP requirements, including meal patterns, food crediting, and documentation.
- Experience in nutrition planning, assessment, education, or consultation.
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and special dietary accommodations.
- Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
- Ability to travel to program locations throughout Rockland County.
Preferred Qualifications
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN).
- Experience working with Head Start, Early Head Start, CACFP, childcare centers, or early childhood education programs.
- Familiarity with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
- Experience conducting nutrition compliance reviews, monitoring, and staff training.
- Knowledge of ChildPlus or similar early childhood data management systems.
- Bilingual communication skills are a plus.
Why Work With Head Start of Rockland?
At HSOR, nutrition is an essential part of supporting children's growth, development, and lifelong success.
As a Part-Time Nutritionist Consultant, you will have the opportunity to:
- Make a positive impact on the health and well-being of young children and families.
- Collaborate with experienced early childhood and health professionals.
- Support meaningful improvements in nutrition quality and program compliance.
- Contribute your professional expertise to a mission-driven nonprofit organization.
- Enjoy a flexible part-time consulting opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through Indeed or submit a résumé and cover letter along with relevant professional credentials to:
job@headstartofrockland.org
Head Start of Rockland, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment for children, families, and staff.
Help us build healthy beginnings and brighter futures for Rockland County's children!
Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour
Expected hours: 18.0 – 20.0 per week
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Haverstraw, NY 10927
Salary : $30 - $40