Primary Purpose:

• To develop, implement, monitor and coordinate the nutrition and food services areas, to train, mentor and support staff to achieve program goals, and to promote culturally and developmentally appropriate nutrition practices.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Nutritional Sciences, Dietetics, Human Nutrition, Food Sciences or related field
• Registered/Licensed Dietitian preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Ability to identify and solve problems
• Ability to effectively coordinate services for young students and their families
• Ability to interact with diverse populations
• Proficiency with a variety of software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking skills preferred

Experience:

• Three to five years of experience in community, public health or school nutrition or related nutrition practice
• Experience with pre-school, toddler and infant nutrition
• Food service experience desired

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Model HCDE and Head Start’s mission, vision, and values.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to ensure integration and consistent delivery of all Head Start services.
• Implement and monitor the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
• Coordinate and implement all aspects of the program’s food services component, including menu and special diet development, permits, licenses, equipment and vendor relations; use and maintain the program’s food services software.
• Develop written procedures for implementing the nutrition and food services components of the program; assist with development of the annual food budget and maintain ongoing tracking of food service expenditures.
• Conduct nutrition assessments of students and provide follow-up services to families, as applicable.
• Provide training, technical support and guidance to staff on nutrition, food service, and program procedures; provide nutrition education to students, staff and families.
• Provide on-site mentoring to food service staff on a regularly scheduled basis; provide ongoing feedback on performance objectives, to ensure the effective delivery of services to students and families.
• Regularly review program reports to monitor compliance in Nutrition Services and other program areas, compile information for required program reports.
• Develop relationships with service providers and community members to maximize program resources and secure nutrition-related community resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned.