Child Care Food Program Specialist presso ECS4KIDS

Description

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

At ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services), we honor young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout the Savannah River Region.

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The Child Care Food Program Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and supporting nutrition services across assigned Head Start locations. This role includes monitoring food service operations, training staff, and maintaining accurate documentation to promote child wellness and food safety. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Ensure compliance with Head Start performance standards, ECS4Kids policies and CACFP contracts. 
• Communicate directly with Food Service Vendors and Department of Health. 
• Process and track CCFP applications for assigned centers. 
• Complete USDA-required record keeping tasks. 
• Monitor meals at centers at least three times annually for CACFP and Head Start compliance. 
• Train food service and center staff on food program requirements, safety, sanitation, and civil rights. 
• Review and verify accuracy of meal counts and monthly reports. 
• Process nutrition paperwork and reports accurately. 
• Review menus for compliance with CACFP meal patterns. 
• Implement policies supporting nutritional needs and food safety. 
• Prepare and distribute nutrition materials. 
• Support parents in obtaining appropriate food for children with allergies. 
• Track and maintain logs of children with food allergies and special dietary needs. 
• Ensure efficient food production and distribution procedures. 
• Secure food purchases for children with special dietary needs and submit purchase orders as needed. 
• Attend staff and community meetings regularly. 
• Support agency nutrition initiatives and provide technical assistance. 
• Assist with food services preparation and delivery, when needed. 

(These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.) 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School Diploma or GED with 1-3yeras related work experience. 
• Experience with CACFP or food program compliance highly preferred. 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of food management principles and Department of Health regulations. 
• Understanding of nutrition services available to families. 
• Familiarity with Head Start, CACFP, and other relevant standards. 
• Ability to track, monitor, and analyze data. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Flexibility to adapt to new laws and circumstances. 

CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years. 
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. 
• 15 hours of annual training?(January–December) 
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage 
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy) 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

• Works in classroom, kitchen, and office settings. 
• Local travel to multiple sites required. 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: 

• Prolonged sitting, bending, stooping, and stretching. 
• Manual dexterity to operate office and kitchen equipment. 
• Normal range of hearing and vision. 
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.