JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/Objective:
The Nutrition Specialist coordinates, monitors, and supports nutrition services for the Head Start, Early Head Start, and Foundations for Learning programs. The position coordinates the program’s CACFP, USDA responsibilities; monitors compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and applicable federal, state, and local requirements; The Nutrition Specialist oversees food service operations, reviews meal-vendor menus, documentation, meal service, delivery performance, and corrective follow-up. The Nutrition Specialist provides comprehensive training, technical assistance, and nutrition education to staff and families to promote healthy development and wellness and coordinates individualized nutrition services for children with allergies, special dietary or disability-related needs, feeding concerns, or identified growth concerns. The position performs duties within the employee’s qualifications and professional scope and coordinates consultation, review, or approval by a Registered Dietitian or other appropriately credentialed professional when required.
Essential Functions
- Coordinate and monitor compliance with HSPPS, CACFP, and applicable federal, state, and local nutrition requirements; identify concerns and track corrective action.
- Conduct ongoing monitoring of nutrition services, including classroom meal service observations, vendor meal quality checks, and CACFP compliance reviews; maintain accurate documentation in the program’s data management system, including screenings, nutrition plans, allergy lists, and follow-up actions.
- Ensure compliance with Head Start requirements for height, weight, and growth assessments; conduct screenings when necessary and upload all documentation into the program’s data management system.
- Identify children with nutritional risks, coordinate follow-up, and create, maintain, and track individualized nutrition plans and current allergy lists and meal modification documentation in classrooms and food service areas for children with allergies, special diets, or feeding challenges, based on documentation provided by a licensed healthcare provider when a modified meal pattern is required.
- Develop, review, and coordinate menus and substitutions that meet CACFP requirements and address children’s developmental, cultural, and documented dietary needs. Coordinate final menu approval by an appropriately credentialed nutrition professional, as required based on the employee’s qualifications and regulatory guidelines.
- Collaborate with the meal vendor to ensure meals meet quality, safety, and cultural relevance standards; coordinate ordering of meals, snacks, or supplemental food items as needed for program operations or events.
- Prepare and maintain CACFP documentation and claim-support records in coordination with the Health and Nutrition Manager and Finance; provide CACFP training (Civil Rights, Recordkeeping, Meal Service) for all staff in accordance with CACFP requirements.
- Provide ongoing technical assistance to Food Service Workers on meal service, food safety, portion sizes, allergy protocols, meal planning, and food ordering; support staff in implementing family-style meal service aligned with the Pyramid Model and HSPPS.
- Ensure staff are trained in and supported to follow all meal modification and allergy procedures.
- Design and conduct nutrition and wellness education programs for parents and staff.
- Collaborate with families, education staff, and outside providers regarding children with feeding issues; provide coordination of services and facilitate referrals for outside services when necessary. Provide nutrition services within the employee’s professional scope and refer clinical or complex nutrition needs to an appropriately credentialed provider.
- Establish and maintain an environment of cooperation and respect with colleagues.
- Maintain strong relationships across C&FS divisions and identify new opportunities to work together to mutual benefit and the benefit of the community.
- Maintain the highest degree of professionalism at all times, including, but not limited to: adherence to dress code, to NAEYC Code of Ethics, to Organizational and Divisional code of conduct, and to consistency of care through regular attendance.
- As a mandated reporter, recognize and report suspected abuse and/or neglect to the appropriate authorities as required by law.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times and communicate to others the importance of confidentiality.
Competencies
- At least three (3) years’ experience in nutrition
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written & verbal)
- Proficient computer skills
- Commitment to culturally responsive and strengths-based practices
- Takes responsibility for delivery of services as part of team effort in unit/department.
- Takes initiative in making suggestions for improvement of services.
- Meets deadlines without causing undue disruption.
- Utilizes human resources, time, and supplies efficiently.
- Incorporate organization mission, goals, and policies into daily work to foster an inclusive, supportive, and culturally responsive environment for families.
- Positively represents the Dimock Center in all interactions with visitors, families, colleagues, and community partners.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, Health/Nutrition Education, or related field required. Registered Dietitian (RD) or Licensed Dietitian (LD) preferred.
- Knowledge of CACFP and early childhood nutrition.
- Experience working with children ages 0–5 and their families.
- Bilingual preferred in Spanish/English, Haitian Creole/English or Cape Verdean/English.
- Certified in ServeSafe
Work Environment
This position is primarily in an office environment. Involves time in both indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Physical Demands
Duties may require sitting, standing, or walking for long periods of time. May require bending and lifting up to 40lbs.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Monday through Friday 7:30-3:30. Occasional evening work may be required.
Approved Salary: $28 to $38 per hour in line with formal education, experience and certification
Other Duties
Note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of duties that are required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
EEO Statement
The Dimock Center values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.
