Nutrition Assistant

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Center Director, this position ensures the compliance of the performance standards and provides nutrition service/support for EHS/HS classrooms in the areas of food preparation, storage, service, clean-up and site sanitation. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for maintaining center compliance by following Agency Policy and Procedures and Nutrition Performance Standards and state licensing requirements.
• Responsible for preparing meals for Head Start children and serving a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack.
• Responsible for  serving a variety of foods in accordance with instruction provided by the Health and Nutrition Services Coordinator
• Responsible for maintaining food/supplies and submitting requests to the Nutrition Services Coordinator.
• Responsible for modifying meals to ensure that the needs of children with disabilities and children with food allergies are met.
• Responsible for coordinating with Center Director and teaching staff to develop methods of helping children understand the relationship of food and healthy eating habits.
• As requested, assists with training of staff and parents
• Responsible for ensuring food service area and equipment is maintained according to health standards.
• Responsible for ensuring all monthly Nutrition Reports are accurate and submitted to Nutrition Services Coordinator in a timely manner.
• Responsible for attending meetings, pre-service and in-service training, workshops and parent meetings to enhance job performance.
• Additional  duties deemed necessary by the Center Director to ensure the overall smooth operation of the classroom.

Parent and Community Engagement:

1. Work in association with the Center Director and Family Development Specialist to support the center recruitment activities/plans.

Compliance and Reporting:

1. Responsible for maintaining compliance with Agency Policy and Procedures, Administration for Children and Families Performance Standards, and North Carolina Day Care Rules and Regulations.
   1. Establish and monitor services that ensure program quality and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
   2. Responsible for reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (*whether witnessed or made aware of) to immediate supervisor (Center Director) and/or Head Start/EHS Director within one hour of activity.
   3. Responsible for maintaining training hours as directed by the Division of Child Development and Day Care Licensing requirements through Agency pre-service and in service, workshops, conferences, etc. (as applicable to position).
   4. Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality, seamless customer service.

Environmental Health and Safety:

1. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of a safe, clean, health and productive work environment.
2. Responsible for adhering to NC Sanitation regulation (i.e. floors cleaned, trash cans covered, water temperature maintained,  and equipment sanitized)
3. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate procedure for mixing sanitation solution (*If applicable)
4. Demonstrate knowledge of center safety requirements (tornado, fire drills, fire extinguisher inspection, and fire inspections).
5. Responsible for following emergency preparedness plan and procedures

Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance (ERSEA):

1. Works in association with the center  to support  recruitment plans to assure full enrollment at the center

Professional and Ethical Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for adhering to professional development plan including renewal of annual credentials (*which may be  required for continued employment in this position)
2. Follow all agency, program and state/federal guidelines
3. Must be able to periodically attend out of town conferences and training sessions as required

Qualifications:

Minimum:  High School diploma (or equivalent), 2 years’ experience in food preparation, good written and oral communication skills and working knowledge of Child Nutrition Guidelines and Head Start Performance Standards, valid driver’s license & reliable transportation.

Preferred: NC Early Childhood Credential;  training in child nutrition and 3 years’ experience in child nutrition services