Nutrition Coordinator (2026 - 2027) School Year

Nutrition Coordinator

POSITION DESCRIPTION

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: This position requires a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Service or a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Experience is preferred but not required. Proficiency in various computer programs in Microsoft 365, including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint Publisher, Word, and a variety of other program wide software.

QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires to perform the duties outlined in this job description and have a working knowledge of the developmental and nutritional needs of children; knowledge of USDA requirements and the Child & Adult Food Program (CACFP); able to work closely with a registered dietitian, other professionals, Head Start staff, parents and volunteers; have an interest and concern for the philosophy and concept of the Head Start Program. Head Start children and families will always come first, in this Head Start Program, above all defined duties, perceived responsibilities and/or personal priorities!

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position must be able to sit in front of a computer for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs. and occasionally heavier items. Extensive driving to each site is required.

WORK ENVIORONMENT: Work is generally performed in an indoor, office setting, well-lit, well-ventilated, heated, and air-conditioned environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but during class time, it can become noisy. This position will also travel extensively in a Head Start vehicle to other sites. The coordinator will also work in the kitchen setting, train and develop dietary staff.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is expected to work a total of 8 hours per day Monday through Friday in accordance with the Head Start calendar.

SUPERVISION: This position is accountable to the Executive Director, as their direct supervisor and will be responsible for the supervision of all dietary staff, which includes cook and cook assistant.

EVALUATION: The Executive Director will evaluate this position. They will conduct a 90-day review upon hire and yearly, thereafter.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To assist the Health Manager with hearing and vision screenings during screening and at sites when needed.

2. To work with the parents, staff and a Registered Dietitian to develop and maintain a healthy and well-balanced nutritional menu that is multi-cultural and meets USDA requirements for the children.

3. To monitor the effectiveness of the menus to ensure that the special nutritional need of each child is being met.

4. To provide high quality nutritional information for the parents so they can better meet the nutritional needs of their family at home.

5. To develop and train all dietary staff.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Key Result Area #1: Nutrition Planning and Assurance of Health Services

• Work with the Health Services Manager and Family Service Coordinators and families to arrange for referral and follow-up services for children with nutritional needs.
• Assist the Health Services Manager and Education Coordinators to ensure environmental and health and safety requirements are met.
• Meet monthly or as needed with the Family Service and Education Coordinators and Managers to evaluate health and safety needs for the Head Start children.
• Develop menus, with input from cooks and parents that are approved by a Registered Dietitian. Distribute monthly menus to parents and staff.
• Observe mealtimes at the Centers and Home Base Units.
• Develop articles for the monthly newsletters that are distributed to parents and staff.
• Plan meetings with all the cooks to discuss ideas and share information.
• Collaborate with the Health Services Manager to record and monitor the heights and weights of Head Start children.

Key Result Area #2: Nutrition Monitoring

• The Nutrition Manager will meet with the cooks regarding amounts and types of foods needed for future meal planning making certain that all meals conform to the regulations of the Child and Adult Nutrition Program.
• The Nutrition Manager will visit the classrooms and participate in breakfast, lunch and snack to observe that the food being served is not only nutritious but also aesthetically appealing.
• The Nutrition Manager will work closely with Education staff to ensure that nutrition is being implemented in classroom activities.
• Complete the Center Food Monitor and Home Base Food Monitor three times per year.
• Review Food Purchase Order weekly.
• Review monthly Home Base snack menus to ensure they meet the Child and Adult Nutrition requirements.

Key Result Area #3: Nutrition Training

• To attend parent meetings and group meetings to educate/train families and Head Start staff on age-appropriate nutrition principles, dietary planning, food selection and handling, preparation, and parent and child physical activities.
• Coordinate with Family Service Coordinators to enlist community agencies to assist eligible families to participate in food assistance programs.
• Identify and involve community resources for training and technical assistance as well as providing nutrition services.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Education Coordinators on training new kitchen staff. This position is responsible for all kitchen training, on-going training, follow-up and continued training and development.

Key Result Area #4: Administrative Responsibilities

• Consult with the Registered Dietitian regarding menus, special diets and other dietary questions/concerns.
• Prepare the Child and Adult Nutrition Agreement each year.
• Maintain monthly Child and Adult Food Program reports and reimbursements.
• Collaborate with HR and be part of the hiring process for dietary staff.
• Work with the Education Manager, Health Services Manager, and Education Coordinators in reviewing the Education and Health Services written plan.
• Be a member of the Health Advisory Committee.
• Complete the appropriate portions of the PIR (Performance Information Report).
• Work with other Head Start Managers, Coordinators, Policy Council and the Board to conduct the annual self-assessment.

Key Result Area #5: Professional Development

• Will participate in monthly staff in-service meetings and training, attending with a healthy attitude, bringing solutions and ideas to each meeting.
• Attend meetings, training courses, seminars as deemed appropriate; this may include out-of-town / state travel.
• To read all related directives, standards and plans.
• The Nutrition Coordinator will strictly follow, and then lead by example, in all Head Start Policy and Procedures daily.

**This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and/or other management as required.**

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Aberdeen, SD 57401 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Aberdeen, SD 57401: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $24