Nutrition Specialist

JOB TITLE:  NUTRITION SPECIALIST                            

LOCATION:  ORLANDO, FLORIDA

*Travel required in the tri-county area              

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

Supports the Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program by planning, administering, and overseeing the required Program for Nutrition Services are delivered to children and families in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Ensures implementation of all requirements regarding nutritional services has been met in accordance with Head Start performance standards and USDA guidelines.
2. 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 which broadens the child’s food experiences.
3. Collects relevant information related to nutritional needs of all children in the EHS/HS program and ensures proper medical documentation is provided.
4. Serves as the resource of information concerning major community nutritional issues, as identified by the Health Services Advisory Committee or the local Health Department.
5. Establishes a system of ongoing communication with the parents of children with identified nutritional needs to facilitate the implementation of a follow up plan.
6. Conducts classroom visits to monitor classroom nutritional practices, including, meal service, recommended USDA meal patterns, nutritional activities, and family style eating, etc.
7. Complete heights, weights, hemoglobin/hematocrit and head circumference (for infants) family contacts and follow-ups.
8. Coordinates and conducts parent education. Promotes family involvement in the total nutrition program. Counsels families concerning nutritional needs and may refer family to a local nutrition professional.
9. Ensures nutrition lesson plans are developed and implemented by Education unit.
10. Supports the Health and Nutrition Coordinator with the preparation and expenditure of the nutrition budget.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language.
• Knowledge of child nutrition, USDA guidelines, and safe food handling practices.
• 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 gather and analyze data and make concise, accurate reports and recommendations.
• Ability to work and communicate with people from various multi-cultural backgrounds and socio-economic levels. Sensitivity to the needs, abilities, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a related area such as foods and nutrition, dietetics or home economics;
• Two (2) years of experience in community nutrition including services to children 0 – 6 years preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Commission on Dietetics credentials preferred.
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License and daily access to reliable transportation to and from work for travel to off-site locations.