Nutrition Assistant

NOTICE OF VACANT POSITION

Nutrition Assistant - HEAD START – FAYETTEVILLE, NC

Closing Date:  Open until filled
Employment Type:  Full-time/Non-exempt

Starting Pay: $34,000

Amount of Travel Required:  40%

OVERVIEW OF GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Assist in the coordination of activities and services of the Head Start/Early Head Start nutrition and foodservice section in collaboration with other Head Start services and Action Pathways programs. Assists the Nutrition Manager in ensuring the nutrition focus area meets all Head Start Performance Standards, USDA (CACFP) regulations, health and daycare licensing requirements, and agency policies by performing the following duties as directed by the Nutrition Manger and/ or Head Start Deputy Director/ Director.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Confers with nutrition consultant, Nutrition Advisory Committee, food preparers and other personnel to ensure cyclic menus in accordance with CACFP regulations and Head Start Performance Standards are provided.
• Maintains accurate documentation and of pertinent health information on children regarding special nutritional needs and physician confirmed food allergies.
• Collaborates with families, providers, and staff as needed and directed by the Nutrition Manager regarding children with special dietary needs.
• Keeps and accurate inventory of supplies and distributes to centers in a timely manner.
• Assists in inspection of facilities, food and food preparation areas to maintain quality standards and sanitation regulations at Head Start kitchens.  Maintains a clean, safe and healthy environment.  Uses equipment and supplies conscientiously.  Notifies supervisor of needed repairs or replacement of equipment.
• Coordinates nutrition education training and materials for Head Start staff, children, and families.  Prepares and distributes appropriate resources for parents to use at home.  May transport meals to various sites.
• Enters nutrition data into Child Plus software. Monitors progress toward objectives to ensure compliance toward planned objectives within regulations and time frames. Submits activity reports to supervisor as required.
• Participate in all required training including pre-service, in-service, staff meetings, and external seminars or workshops. May provide catering services for agency functions.
• Collaborates with program staff to provide catering services utilizing agency culinary staff, for occasions such as meetings, family engagement activities, staff events, etc.
• Works with culinary staff to provide informational and instructional material on healthy eating/food preparation via multiple media and print outlets (i.e. recipes, cooking demonstrations, instructional videos, etc.).
• Adheres to and upholds the Employee Code of Conduct and Parent Code of Conduct.
• Other duties as requested.

PLEASE NOTE

All child care providers and household members who have incurred any pending charges, indictments or convictions (other than minor traffic offenses) since the last qualification letter was issued by the DHHS Criminal Background Check Unit must notify the operator of such charges within five business days or before returning to work, whichever comes first. The operator must notify the Criminal Background Check Unit within one business day of being notified. 10A NCAC 09 .2703. 

Any new charges or convictions could result in disqualification. In addition, if the individual has been placed on the Responsible Individual List (RIL), Child Maltreatment Registry (CMR), or the Sex Offender Registry (SOR), this will result in disqualification.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Associate's Degree (two-year college or technical school) in Food Services or Nutrition.

A person registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association or eligible, registered and ready to take the examination or a person with a Bachelor’s Degree from an approved program in public health nutrition is preferred.

Experience:

Two to four years related experience in providing nutrition services to children 0 - 5.  A high school diploma or equivalent and four years experience in foodservice specifically for young children.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Knowledge of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a plus. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Certificates & Licenses 

It is the employee's responsibility to obtain and keep current all certifications, licenses, physicals, etc., at all times. 

Must have a valid driver's license and own transportation. Must provide proof of and maintain vehicle liability insurance and annual state vehicle inspection. 

The employee must obtain and maintain up-to-date First Aid and CPR certification.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

 Must have experience with a variety of computer software programs, such as Microsoft Office, Excel, etc. 

Must be able to communicate effectively and get along with a wide variety of people. 

Ability to speak Spanish as a second language is preferred. 

The employee must be able to complete a criminal background check and maintain an active Criminal Background Check (CBC) Qualification letter through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

Background check with state and Federal law enforcement agencies required. Selected applicants must submit to a pre-employment substance abuse screening test and receive a negative result for the use of drugs and alcohol as specified in agency policies. Must submit and receive negative results for random testing of same. The employee must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License.  Must be able to pass a post-offer physical examination.

Action Pathways, Inc. is an “at-will” employer. Either the employee or Action Pathways, Inc. may terminate the employment arrangement at any time, with or without cause.

Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The job description or announcement is not an employment agreement or contract.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• Zero cost health, vision, dental, short-term disability & life insurance
• Retirement plan with 100% employer matching
• Paid vacation, personal & sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Professional development training
• Education financial assistance
• Auto mileage reimbursement for official travel

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must apply online at www.actionpathways.ngo