NUTRITION SPECIALIST
Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc. (4C), Florida, NY, United States
Job Title
NUTRITION SPECIALIST
Department Head Start/Early Head Start
Office Orlando
Reports To Senior Health and Nutrition Specialist
Background Screening Notice This position requires background screening through the Florida Care Provider Clearinghouse (Level 2), as mandated by law. For clear and straightforward information about the process—including Level 2 standards, live‑scan fingerprinting (including details on the process, vendors, locations, and potential costs), disqualifying offenses, and exemption procedures—please visit the State of Florida's education and awareness page here: https://info.flclearinghouse.com. Qualified applicants who receive a conditional offer will be provided with step‑by‑step instructions and timelines for completing the screening process.
General Description Supports the Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program by planning, administering, and overseeing the required Program for Nutrition Services delivered to children and families in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards.
Essential Job Functions
Ensures the implementation of all requirements regarding nutritional services in accordance with Head Start performance standards and USDA guidelines.
Oversees the nutritional program to ensure the nutritional needs and feeding requirements of each child, including those with dietary needs and children with disabilities, is being met. Also, ensures a variety of foods which consider cultural and ethnic preferences and broaden the child’s food experiences.
Collects relevant information related to nutritional needs of all children in the EHS/HS program and ensures proper medical documentation is provided.
Serves as the resource of information concerning major community nutritional issues, as identified by the Health Mental Health Services Advisory Committee or the local Health Department.
Establishes a system of ongoing communication with the parents of children with identified nutritional needs to facilitate the implementation of a follow‑up plan.
Conducts classroom visits to monitor classroom nutritional practices, including meal service, recommended USDA meal patterns, nutritional activities, and family style eating, etc. Provides technical assistance and follow‑up to staff and families and reports all findings to Site Manager and Senior Health and Nutrition Specialist.
Conducts regular assessments of children’s heights, weights, hemoglobin/hematocrit, and head circumference (for infants) to monitor their growth and development. Inputs information into Child Plus Data System throughout program year.
Provides parents or guardians with updates on their child’s growth and health status, including information about nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, and any recommended follow‑up actions.
Collaborates with parents or guardians to develop and implement individualized nutrition plans for children with specific dietary needs or concerns.
Submits monthly report of activities with the applicable Program Information Report (PIR) information to Senior Health and Nutrition Specialist.
Completes monthly meal count and attendance reports for agency operated sites and submits to the 4C Food Program.
Completes Second Harvest reports, including the end‑of‑month report.
In Agency operated sites, communicates with food catering vendors and school districts to resolve concerns related to contract compliance and daily operational activity. Assists in maintaining the food service contracts.
Coordinates and conducts parent education activities including opportunities to assist individual families with food preparation and nutritional skills. Promotes family involvement in the total nutrition program. Counsels families concerning nutritional needs and may refer families to a local nutrition professional.
Assists the Head Start and Early Head Start parents by providing guidance and support throughout the WIC sign‑up process. Educates parents about WIC’s various nutritional benefits, such as access to nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other health and social services.
Purchases and delivers food/formula not provided by vendor for agency sites in a timely manner as requested by sites.
Assists with the distribution of meals at agency‑operated sites.
Assists with front desk duties as needed.
Assures the nutrition services follow the USDA Child Care Food Program requirements and that the program meets the recommended dietary allowances of the National Research Council. Ensures menus are available to families and posted in classrooms.
Ensures nutrition lesson plans are developed and implemented by the Education unit. Purchases and provides food and other supplies for nutritional activities when requested. Ensures that the supplies are delivered in a timely manner.
Supports the Senior Health and Nutrition Specialist with the preparation and expenditure of the nutrition budget.
Collaborates with other staff to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women enrolled in the Early Head Start program and provides nutrition counseling and food assistance, if necessary.
Recruits eligible children into HS/EHS, including children with disabilities.
Collaborates with other Specialists to create a comprehensive approach to promoting the health and well‑being of the program's children.
Seeks in‑kind (donated time, services, products, cash) for the program and ensures in‑kind is documented accurately and timely.
Assists others on the nutrition team with the management of sites in the absence of a Nutrition Specialist staff.
Participates in the Agency’s Quality Improvement Program.
Minimum Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge of child nutrition, USDA guidelines, and safe food handling practices.
Ability to understand, process and facilitate the implementation of the requirements outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards and all other applicable laws and regulations related to the Head Start Performance Standards, including the Active Supervision of children.
Knowledge of curriculum design and the ability to train adults in a learning environment.
Ability to demonstrate skills in problem solving and organization.
Ability to interact with young children.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families, and other nutrition professionals.
Ability to operate a personal computer.
Ability to navigate the Internet. Ability to gain knowledge of Child Plus software.
Ability to gather and analyze data and make concise, accurate reports and recommendations.
Ability to work and communicate with people from various multicultural backgrounds and socio‑economic levels.
Sensitivity to the needs, abilities, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals within and outside the Agency, including but not limited to customers and co‑workers.
Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in related fields such as food and nutrition, dietetics, or home economics.
Two (2) years of experience in community nutrition including services to children 0‑6 years preferred.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Must meet criteria for background screening as required for childcare personnel in childcare licensing regulations.
Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License and daily access to reliable transportation to and from work and for travel to off‑site locations.
Commission on Dietetics credentials preferred.
Essential Physical Skills
Ability to set up meetings/trainings including moving tables, chairs, and cleanup.
Position requires bending, stooping, and kneeling.
May be required to perform moderate lifting, 30–50 pounds, for example in lifting children.
Required to stand and/or be in continuous motion for extended periods of time while performing job functions.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle for travel to off‑site locations.
Environmental Conditions
Office and off‑site work environment. Frequently travels and conducts business in classroom settings.
Exposure to communicable diseases, including blood‑borne pathogens.
May be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends.
Local travel required. Ability to travel in/out of state for training as needed.
Other Qualifications
The ability to perform essential job functions consistently, safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
The ability to maintain reasonable, regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
Compliance with all personnel policies of the Agency.
Starting Salary $50,710.40 to $52,956.80 per year
Equal Opportunity Employer / Vet / Disability 4C promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please see your supervisor should you have any questions about this policy or these job duties. This job description may not be all‑inclusive, and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.
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Department Head Start/Early Head Start
Office Orlando
Reports To Senior Health and Nutrition Specialist
Background Screening Notice This position requires background screening through the Florida Care Provider Clearinghouse (Level 2), as mandated by law. For clear and straightforward information about the process—including Level 2 standards, live‑scan fingerprinting (including details on the process, vendors, locations, and potential costs), disqualifying offenses, and exemption procedures—please visit the State of Florida's education and awareness page here: https://info.flclearinghouse.com. Qualified applicants who receive a conditional offer will be provided with step‑by‑step instructions and timelines for completing the screening process.
General Description Supports the Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program by planning, administering, and overseeing the required Program for Nutrition Services delivered to children and families in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards.
Essential Job Functions
Ensures the implementation of all requirements regarding nutritional services in accordance with Head Start performance standards and USDA guidelines.
Oversees the nutritional program to ensure the nutritional needs and feeding requirements of each child, including those with dietary needs and children with disabilities, is being met. Also, ensures a variety of foods which consider cultural and ethnic preferences and broaden the child’s food experiences.
Collects relevant information related to nutritional needs of all children in the EHS/HS program and ensures proper medical documentation is provided.
Serves as the resource of information concerning major community nutritional issues, as identified by the Health Mental Health Services Advisory Committee or the local Health Department.
Establishes a system of ongoing communication with the parents of children with identified nutritional needs to facilitate the implementation of a follow‑up plan.
Conducts classroom visits to monitor classroom nutritional practices, including meal service, recommended USDA meal patterns, nutritional activities, and family style eating, etc. Provides technical assistance and follow‑up to staff and families and reports all findings to Site Manager and Senior Health and Nutrition Specialist.
Conducts regular assessments of children’s heights, weights, hemoglobin/hematocrit, and head circumference (for infants) to monitor their growth and development. Inputs information into Child Plus Data System throughout program year.
Provides parents or guardians with updates on their child’s growth and health status, including information about nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, and any recommended follow‑up actions.
Collaborates with parents or guardians to develop and implement individualized nutrition plans for children with specific dietary needs or concerns.
Submits monthly report of activities with the applicable Program Information Report (PIR) information to Senior Health and Nutrition Specialist.
Completes monthly meal count and attendance reports for agency operated sites and submits to the 4C Food Program.
Completes Second Harvest reports, including the end‑of‑month report.
In Agency operated sites, communicates with food catering vendors and school districts to resolve concerns related to contract compliance and daily operational activity. Assists in maintaining the food service contracts.
Coordinates and conducts parent education activities including opportunities to assist individual families with food preparation and nutritional skills. Promotes family involvement in the total nutrition program. Counsels families concerning nutritional needs and may refer families to a local nutrition professional.
Assists the Head Start and Early Head Start parents by providing guidance and support throughout the WIC sign‑up process. Educates parents about WIC’s various nutritional benefits, such as access to nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other health and social services.
Purchases and delivers food/formula not provided by vendor for agency sites in a timely manner as requested by sites.
Assists with the distribution of meals at agency‑operated sites.
Assists with front desk duties as needed.
Assures the nutrition services follow the USDA Child Care Food Program requirements and that the program meets the recommended dietary allowances of the National Research Council. Ensures menus are available to families and posted in classrooms.
Ensures nutrition lesson plans are developed and implemented by the Education unit. Purchases and provides food and other supplies for nutritional activities when requested. Ensures that the supplies are delivered in a timely manner.
Supports the Senior Health and Nutrition Specialist with the preparation and expenditure of the nutrition budget.
Collaborates with other staff to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women enrolled in the Early Head Start program and provides nutrition counseling and food assistance, if necessary.
Recruits eligible children into HS/EHS, including children with disabilities.
Collaborates with other Specialists to create a comprehensive approach to promoting the health and well‑being of the program's children.
Seeks in‑kind (donated time, services, products, cash) for the program and ensures in‑kind is documented accurately and timely.
Assists others on the nutrition team with the management of sites in the absence of a Nutrition Specialist staff.
Participates in the Agency’s Quality Improvement Program.
Minimum Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge of child nutrition, USDA guidelines, and safe food handling practices.
Ability to understand, process and facilitate the implementation of the requirements outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards and all other applicable laws and regulations related to the Head Start Performance Standards, including the Active Supervision of children.
Knowledge of curriculum design and the ability to train adults in a learning environment.
Ability to demonstrate skills in problem solving and organization.
Ability to interact with young children.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families, and other nutrition professionals.
Ability to operate a personal computer.
Ability to navigate the Internet. Ability to gain knowledge of Child Plus software.
Ability to gather and analyze data and make concise, accurate reports and recommendations.
Ability to work and communicate with people from various multicultural backgrounds and socio‑economic levels.
Sensitivity to the needs, abilities, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals within and outside the Agency, including but not limited to customers and co‑workers.
Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in related fields such as food and nutrition, dietetics, or home economics.
Two (2) years of experience in community nutrition including services to children 0‑6 years preferred.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Must meet criteria for background screening as required for childcare personnel in childcare licensing regulations.
Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License and daily access to reliable transportation to and from work and for travel to off‑site locations.
Commission on Dietetics credentials preferred.
Essential Physical Skills
Ability to set up meetings/trainings including moving tables, chairs, and cleanup.
Position requires bending, stooping, and kneeling.
May be required to perform moderate lifting, 30–50 pounds, for example in lifting children.
Required to stand and/or be in continuous motion for extended periods of time while performing job functions.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle for travel to off‑site locations.
Environmental Conditions
Office and off‑site work environment. Frequently travels and conducts business in classroom settings.
Exposure to communicable diseases, including blood‑borne pathogens.
May be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends.
Local travel required. Ability to travel in/out of state for training as needed.
Other Qualifications
The ability to perform essential job functions consistently, safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
The ability to maintain reasonable, regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
Compliance with all personnel policies of the Agency.
Starting Salary $50,710.40 to $52,956.80 per year
Equal Opportunity Employer / Vet / Disability 4C promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please see your supervisor should you have any questions about this policy or these job duties. This job description may not be all‑inclusive, and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.
#J-18808-Ljbffr