TITLE: EARLY HEAD START- NUTRITIONIST

BASIC FUNCTIONS: Provide education regarding nutrition to achieve an optimal level of health for children, the families of the children, and staff.

REPORTS TO: Family Service Coordinator

FLSA: Hourly

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Early Head Start Nutritionist is responsible for ensuring that all nutrition services provided to infants, toddlers, pregnant women, and families enrolled in EHS meet the requirements from the Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), state licensing regulations, and program policies. The Nutritionist promotes healthy growth and development through nutrition assessments, education, menu planning, and collaboration with families and staff.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Expectations

• Providing basic nutrition education to children through multiple routes, including, but not limited to, new food introduction, nutrition lessons and verbal interactions with children.
• Developing content for newsletter to distribute to center.
• Providing nutrition-related education to other staff members at monthly meetings as needed or desired.
• Assist in reviewing menu and development for meal services.
• Providing information regarding nutrition to families of students and providing resources, as able, to obtain optimal nutrition in the home.

Family Engagement and Education

• Support families in developing healthy eating habits and making nutritious food choices.
• Assist families in accessing community nutrition resources such as WIC, SNAP, and healthcare services.
• Promote breastfeeding and provide resources and support for breastfeeding families.

Collaboration and Program Support

• Work collaboratively with teachers, family advocates, health staff, mental health consultants, and community partners.
• Assist with program self-assessment, monitoring reviews, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Provide training and technical assistance to staff on nutrition-related topics.

Recordkeeping and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records and reports related to nutrition services.
• Track nutrition goals and outcomes for children and families.
• Prepare reports for program management, governing bodies, and federal monitoring review as required.

Working with Colleagues

• Strive to assume a fair share of work.
• Communicate directly and avoid gossip.
• Approach criticism with a learning attitude.
• Solve conflict independently.
• Share ideas and materials.
• Be friendly and respectful.

Professionalism and Growth

• Attend and participate in workshops and other meetings to acquire and disseminate information.
• Seek skill improvement and sets goals for personal and professional growth.
• Behave in a professional and ethical manner.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Assure that health and safety policies are implemented with consistency.
• Complete and maintain all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with State licensing and other regulatory bodies.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, or a related field required.

2. Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) preferred

3. Minimum of two years of experience in nutrition services, public health, early childhood programs, or community-based nutrition programs.

4. Knowledge of Early Head Start/ Head Start and CACFP regulations preferred.

5. Shall be at least 18 years of age.

6. Ability to work effectively with diverse families.

7. Ability to work in a fast paced environment.

8. Must possess a desire to learn new skills.

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid orientation
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person