Nutrition Assistant

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

SUMMARY

Assists Nutrition Services Manager in the organization and operation of the nutrition and food services program. Assists in monitoring and implementation of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Develops classroom nutrition and food services program. Develops classroom nutrition education activities and materials. Aids in monitoring effectiveness of overall nutrition program in compliance per Head Start Program Performance Standards, philosophy and mission and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations.

Assist in achieving the agency’s vision, “For Those We Serve,” by empowering individuals who thrive as healthy, self-sufficient and contributing members of our communities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Monitors, maintains and compiles documentation required for the CACFP and Head Start Program, including monthly Management Information System reports (MIS), meal counts, menus, menu planning worksheets etc.

Provides training for center base staff on CACFP principles.

Assists RD/Nutritionist to prepare the Dietetic Interns.

Prepares purchase order requests, processes invoices and maintains filing system for purchase orders/invoices.

Maintains inventory system for equipment and supplies.

Monitors Head Start 0 to 5 centers/sites to ensure compliance with overall nutrition program guidelines in accordance with Head Start and CACFP regulations.

Assists in planning for nutrition services delivery system.

Prepares monthly menus for use by Head Start 0 to 5 staff, including specialized menu planning for medical nutrition therapy, meal management correspondence in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and CACFP regulations.

Assists in ordering food for Head Start classrooms.

Develops and maintains positive relationships with peers, support staff, HS parents and community agencies.

Develops nutrition education materials and resources for staff training and orientation and use in classrooms and home visitations.

Works with classroom staff to develop ways to involve parents in nutrition education and develop informative and effective education workshops for parents and children.

Provides nutrition counseling to Head Start parents under the supervision of Registered Dietician/Nutritionist.

Adheres to the American With Disabilities Act (ADA-2010) which prohibits discriminatory actions toward children and/or adult with disabilities. In particular, children with disabilities are enrolled in the classroom as mandated by Federal Law.

Maintains strict compliance with universal precautions.

Maintains confidentiality of records and information on Head Start 0 to 5 staff, children and families.

Ensures budgetary compliance by monitoring expenditures for assigned Center Base and Home Base Areas.

Collaborates with all service areas to ensure all program goals are met.

Develops and/or implements nutrition projects as assigned by the Nutrition Services Manager.

Models professionalism for staff, parents, children, clients, and community members. Promotes a collaborative environment within the service areas, program, and agency.

Actively encourages and embraces diversity

Attends and participates in conferences, meetings and trainings, as required.

Travels for agency business using reliable transportation.

Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.

Works evenings and weekends as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To execute this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or GED.

Associate’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly Home Economics), Health Science, Nutrition or Dietetics, required.

EXPERIENCE:

Two (2) years’ experience in a food service or nutrition education program meeting CACFP, public health government guidelines required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suites and related business software.

Effective presentation, written and verbal communication skills.

Perform simple math with accuracy and operate a ten-key calculator.

Bilingual in English and Spanish or other secondary language preferred based on the needs of the clients and the program.

Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, adequate auto insurance as required by State law, and insurability by agency carrier for those driving agency vehicles. Proof of insurance will be required.

Infant/Child CPR/First Aid certification with at least 15 hours of training on preventive health practices required within 6 months of employment.

Physical examination, TB screening clearance and signed federal criminal record declaration are required within 7 days after employment.

Obtain a valid AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Certification prior to first day of employment.

Pass and maintain Basic Pest Management in a Child Care Settings annual certification as required by the California Healthy Schools Act (HSA).

Immunized against influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough) and measles. The influenza vaccination must be obtained annually during flu season, August 1 through December 1. A person is exempt from the immunization requirements for the following circumstances:

1. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician declaring that because of the person’s physical condition or medical circumstances, the immunization is not safe.

2. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician providing that the person has evidence of current immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) and/or measles.

3. The person submits in writing declaration that he or she has declined the influenza (flu) vaccination. This exemption only applies to the influenza (flu) vaccine.

Pass required reference checks and fingerprint clearance under Title 22 regulations: Department of Justice/FBI, Criminal Record Statement Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) and background investigation as needed prior to employment.

Former Head Start 0 to 5 parents preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside Weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Fresno EOC.

Rev. 7.6.21