Hybrid NUTRITION SPECIALIST at Matrix Human Services

Description

I. JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTIBILITY:

The Nutrition Specialist applies professional expertise in coordination with the Assistant Manager, Nutrition /Registered Dietician in monitoring, consultation, training, and daily oversight of Nutrition Services. Generate and follow-up on referrals for Nutrition. Responsible for monitoring Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) site reviews according to state and federal guidelines. Collaborate with all members of the Health and Nutrition team to assure that Performance Standards and Nutrition policies and procedures are implemented consistently across the entire program.

II. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree from an accredited college in a Health and or Nutrition focus preferred
• At least one year of related experience, with emphasis on training and knowledge of community nutrition resources, and one-year experience providing direct services to children and families in a health setting
• Knowledgeable of USDA guidelines and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) 
• Ability to work effectively with minimal daily supervision and guidance
• Strong working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Michigan Childcare Licensing Regulations
• Effective in an environment of cultural diversity; comfortable in a collaborative, team-based work setting
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 
• Reliable transportation is required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

III. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Ensure compliance with requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program; monitor each site 3 times per year and as needed and complete 5-day reconciliations.
• Complete Nutrition orders including food and EHS Nutrition supplies weekly.
• In coordination with the manager, assist with completion of monthly Fiscal Reports.
• Ensure compliance with monitoring and recordkeeping of all CACFP documentation
• Send out menus weekly to staff in compliance with USDA and CACFP requirements
• Participate in all required CACFP training, workshops, conferences, etc.
• In coordination with the Manager /Assistant Manager use a multidisciplinary team approach to provide nutrition services to children, families and staff
• In coordination with the team, assist with 45-day Mandate screenings and all health screenings, data collection, data entry and follow up
• Provide information, referral, and coordinating efforts to link staff and families to appropriate community resources
• Provide clarification and technical support to all staff in implementing all Nutrition task, policies and procedures
• In coordination with Managers / Assistant Managers design and deliver training to staff, parents and volunteers in these specific areas: (additional topics may be designated by Manager or Assistant Manager
• o USDA/CACFP training
• o My Plate
• o Safe Food Handling
• o Oral Hygiene
•  In coordination with the Manager and Assistant Manager, maintain relationships and collaboration with the community partners
•  Discuss with Family Advocate and other staff any relevant nutrition related assessment data including height, weight, lead, and l hemoglobin/hematocrit
• In coordination with Manager and Assistant Manager review and analyze data from the adopted agency software, including quarterly monitoring of individual family and classrooms to ensure nutrition needs
• Monitoring of cooking, satellite kitchens and EHS supplies (Bi-weekly and as needed) for inventory, and health and safety purposes.
• Ensure that the inventory of EHS and HS Nutrition materials is tracked and accounted for monthly.
• Model the values of good health and nutrition
• Maintain adequate safeguards for the privacy and confidentiality of information.
• Complete required documentation of relevant activities and submit records and reports in a timely and accurate manner
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• Stay abreast of current issues and trends by participation in grantee-sponsored training, center pre-service and in-service trainings, a Provide direct support to Food Service Staff
• Participate in and contribute to all case management, parent education planning, supervisory management team, and staff meetings. Also, attend interagency meetings, the agency's board meetings, Parent Committee and Policy Committee meetings and other meetings, as appropriate
• Continuing education, career and professional development opportunities; read and review regulations and other resources
• Perform other duties as assigned

IV. WORKING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Works in a normal office environment with usual pressures of managing personnel and dealing with time constraints. Because of multiple sites within the department and the need to meet with others within the community, it is common to drive to several locations, sometimes in inclement weather. 

V. CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND ETHICAL CONDUCT:

• All staff will use data to help achieve program goals; apply techniques and strategies that promote a culture of learning; identify and address gaps that continuously improve our programs
• All personnel of Matrix must adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and incorporate Continuous Quality Improvement efforts into their everyday performance. 
• All Head Start employees must adhere to the federal regulations and requirements for Head Start operations including the Program Performance Standards, licensing regulations, and the NAEYC Code of Conduct
• Demonstrate and actively promote an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of Matrix Human Services