Under general direction from the Food Service Manager, supports and facilitates the delivery of quality nutrition services for Head Start and Early Head Start. Provides guidance in nutrition issues to parents and children. Oversees policies, procedures and tracking of nutrition services, and ensures compliance with nutrition regulations and Head Start/Early Head Start performance standards. Works independently and with the Food Service Department, and other service areas to support the vision, mission and goals of the College and the Child Development and Family Support programs.

Essential Duties

Provides training and technical assistance to staff and parents regarding nutrition issues, and trains staff and families on Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines and Civil Rights.
Partners with the Food Services Manager to support and facilitate the delivery of quality nutrition services. Provides input and recommendations for the development of nutrition services policies and procedures, and monitors and implements as appropriate.
Develops work plans for staff related to all aspects of nutrition services based on program guidelines, including observations, trainings, etc.
Develops and maintains adequate record keeping system for tracking data and ensuring nutrition information is in Child Plus.
Ensures completion of and provides support and guidance for referrals made by staff and parents.
Keeps current on best practices and trends in early childhood nutrition.
Partners with program’s contracted nutritionist to support menu development, referral completion, and other related tasks.
Ensures compliance with USDA regulations.
Maintains CACFP information in the state’s database.
Completes required CACFP site observations. Evaluates site compliance and reports to the education site manager on findings for follow up.
Acts as the point person for CACFP audits and reviews.
Works with CDFS fiscal department to process CACFP claims.
Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in nutrition or related field.
Two (2) years of progressive experience working in the field of child and family nutrition.
Experience working with diverse backgrounds of the College’s community, students, and employees; demonstrated commitment to promoting access and diversity.
Current driver’s license, insurance, and access to a reliable automobile during work hours for transportation to off-campus sites.
Must be able to frequently lift 50 pounds.

Desired Qualifications

Previous experience in Head Start or Early Head Start.
Bilingual skills: oral and written fluency in English with fluency also in Spanish, Russian or another language that meets community/department’s needs.

Additional Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Must be enrolled in the Oregon Central Background Registry prior to beginning employment and enrollment must be maintained throughout employment.
Post-offer fitness for duty evaluation, must be obtained within 30 days of hire date: TB screening, Health appraisal.
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect training must be completed within 30 days of hire date.
Introduction to Child Health and Safety training must be completed within 30 days of hire date.
Prevention is Better Than Treatment training must be completed within 30 days of hire date.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Thorough knowledge and application of local, state and federal laws governing public USDA regulations.
Working knowledge of CACFP Early Childhood nutrition requirements from Pregnancy to age 5.
High performance through creativity, positive spirit, and multi-tasking.
Project management and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate needs and make decisions.
Strong organizational, communication, human resource and interpersonal skills.
Skills in building collaboration and sustaining productive and respectful working relationships, both internally and externally.
Ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
High personal integrity and sound professional ethics.
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
Computer proficiency (preferably in Microsoft Windows environment) to effectively communicate, gather data and generate reports.
Knowledge of and commitment to the use of information technology to support advancement programs.

Mt. Hood Community College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation, sick and personal leave; medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance; optional short-term disability insurance; optional life, optional AD&D; retirement through Oregon PERS, including generous employer contributions; tuition waiver plan and access to professional development.

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Oregon Head Start Association jobs

Nutrition Specialist