Nutrition Coach
Status: Full-time (Exempt) or Contract (Non-exempt options available)
Department: Head Start / Early Head Start – Nutrition & Healthy Eating (NHE)
Reports To: Nutrition & Healthy Eating (NHE) Manager (or designee)
Location: South Carolina; mix of on-site (centers/home visits), community events, and limited remote; regular in-state travel within SCACAP service area
Compensation: $3,500 a month
Funding: Grant-funded, non-recurring
Position Summary
The Nutrition Coach provides one-on-one, culturally responsive coaching to families with dietary restrictions, chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), and/or obesity risk. The role focuses on practical behavior change, healthy meal planning on a budget, care navigation, and linkage to resources—while aligning with USDA Child Nutrition Guidelines and Head Start/EHS requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Individual Coaching & Care Navigation
- Provide 1:1 sessions (in person/telehealth/phone) using motivational interviewing and SMART goal-setting.
- Tailor guidance for food allergies/intolerances, medically prescribed diets, and chronic condition management plans in collaboration with families’ healthcare providers.
- Create simple family-friendly meal plans and shopping lists aligned to budget, culture, and preferences.
- Coordinate referrals to RDs/MDs, WIC, SNAP-Ed, community pantries, and local wellness resources.
- Education & Engagement
- Deliver brief, skills-based micro-sessions (label reading, portion sizes, sugar-sweetened beverage swaps, lunchbox ideas).
- Support parent engagement events and community wellness activities in partnership with NHE staff.
- Documentation, Data & Compliance
- Document encounters, goals, and outcomes in approved systems (e.g., ChildPlus or agency database); protect PII/PHI per policy.
- Track attendance, goal progress, referrals, and follow-up; contribute to monthly/quarterly reporting.
- Follow Head Start Program Performance Standards, USDA child nutrition requirements, and SCACAP policies.
- Collaboration
- Partner with the NHE Manager, Registered Dietitians, Family Advocates, Health/Nutrition staff, and community partners to align plans and avoid duplication.
- Surface family feedback and barriers (transportation, food access, language) and propose practical solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Health Education, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
- Experience: 1–3+ years in nutrition coaching, community health, health education, or related family-facing role.
- Skills: Motivational interviewing, goal-setting, cultural humility, strong communication, documentation accuracy, basic data entry/reporting.
- Licenses/Access: Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel in-state.
- Compliance: Ability to maintain confidentiality; familiarity with HIPAA/FERPA concepts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification/credential such as CHW, Health Coach, DTR, CNS/CNS-S, or experience working under RD guidance.
- Experience with Head Start/Early Head Start populations or pediatric/community nutrition.
- Familiarity with ChildPlus or similar data systems.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish or other prevalent language).
- Knowledge of food access resources, SNAP/WIC, and community partnerships in South Carolina.
Core Competencies
- Family-centered, strengths-based approach; trauma-informed and culturally responsive.
- Clear, plain-language communication and teach-back methods.
- Organization and time management across caseloads, travel, and events.
- Professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Collaboration and problem-solving.
Success Metrics (Examples)
- % of families with a documented coaching plan and SMART goals within 30 days of enrollment.
- Goal attainment (e.g., sugary drink reduction, fruit/vegetable servings, consistent breakfast).
- Referral follow-through and closed-loop feedback (WIC, RD consults, community resources).
- Attendance/retention in coaching sessions and satisfaction scores.
- Timely, accurate documentation and contribution to monthly/quarterly reports.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Frequent local travel to sites, homes, and community events; ability to lift/transport educational materials (~20 lbs).
- Occasional evenings/weekends for parent events and health fairs.
- Ability to maintain professional conduct in homes, centers, and community settings.
Background Check & Other Requirements
- Pre-employment background check, motor vehicle report, and reference check required per SCACAP policy.
- Proof of work eligibility in the U.S.
- Adherence to SCACAP policies, mandatory trainings, and safety procedures.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $3,500.00 per month
Work Location: In person
