Head Start Nutrition Aide

Position Summary

Under supervision of the Health Services Coordinator, the Nutrition Aide is responsible for the overall maintenance of the assigned site’s kitchen in accordance with Head Start performance standards, State Licensing, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations. The Nutrition Aide will treat all individuals with dignity and respect, make necessary referrals for clients, and exemplify the agency’s commitment to empowering people to reach their potential.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Nutrition Program Services

• Receive meals from food service providers, ensuring food arrives and is maintained at the proper temperature.
• Maintains accurate records
• Implements the infant to toddler meal pattern schedule and the three- to five-year-old meal pattern schedule for all classrooms at assigned site.
• Cleans, disinfects, and maintains the kitchen in a clean and sanitary manner at assigned site daily.
• Assists in organizing supplies for nutrition experiences.
• Responsible for transporting food and supplies to outlying sites.
• Keep proper and up-to-date inventory of all kitchen equipment and products. Communicate with the health and nutrition assistant items needed for food service and delivery.

Work Habits and Practices

• Will not leave children unattended or unsupervised, in accordance with SCCAP policies and procedures, while children are in the care of SCCAP employees. Failure to comply with this would be considered child neglect and endangerment.
• Ensure that the reporting of any and all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect; as required by law, is done in the accordance with SCCAP policies and procedures.
• Participate in and supports at least four program events annually hosted or sponsored by SCCAP, including parent events, parent committee, open houses, and community fairs.
• Attend various training sessions, meetings, seminars, and workshops.

Skills & Education Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Complete a food safety training course;
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing; have the ability to write reports and business correspondence; have the ability to effectively present information; Spanish speaking ability a plus;
• Cooperate successfully as a member of a team;
• Possess good organizational skills, with sensitivity to details; and
• Proficiency with computer operations, and possess skills preferably with MS Office.

Additional Job Requirements

• Must possess a valid drivers license and have access to a personal vehicle with required liability insurance for use in business related travel.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Must ensure efficient operations and present a professional image in conduct, attitude and attire.
• Must be philosophically compatible with the mission of SCCAP and the Office of Head Start.

Childcare Requirements

• Free from Child Abuse and Neglect
• Pre-employment drug test & physical examination certification
• Physical examination recertification every four years

Physical/Mental Demands

Ability to use departmental  equipment, tools, and materials.

Ability to exert physical effort in light to moderate work involving lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying, pushing, and pulling; ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; ability to climb and balance tasks require perception and discrimination. Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

Must be able to handle diverse work problems on a daily basis. Requires ability to set priorities and work schedule, yet adjust to changes necessitated by last minute assignments and deadline requests that may prove stressful. Consistent pleasant attitude is necessary with personal maturity as an important attribute. Must relate and interact with people at all levels of the company and in a culturally diverse environment.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by the Executive Director, their Department Head, and/or their immediate Supervisor. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications in order to be reasonably accommodating to individuals with a disability.

SCCAP is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. Contact Human Resources to request a reasonable accommodation.