Head Start Nutrition Specialist

General Description: The Nutrition Specialist prepares healthy and nutritional meals. As well as keep the kitchen area clean and sanitary according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations.

Essential Job Responsibilities and Performance Indicators:

• Cook and serve assigned meals per specified menu and schedule to meet the nutritional needs of children to help promote school readiness
• Work with Head Start Staff to provide scheduled meals and snacks per the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program.
• Encourage parent engagement by creating a welcoming environment, role-modeling sanitation, and healthy eating habits.
• Ensure appropriate quantities of food are prepared and served in accordance with the CACFP meal requirements.
• Assist in maintaining accurate, current, and organized documentation and records on all nutritional matters. (i.e., milk inventory, meal count, delivery tickets, all receipts, etc.
• Assist in any food-related classroom activities. Ensure a clean, organized, and sanitary food service area by cleaning the kitchen, stove, and refrigerator and washing pots, pans, and dishes ensuring local and state regulations are met. 
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Skills and Experience:

• High School Diploma or General Education Development Diploma (GED).
• Experience with food preparation.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to pass background checks and health screening.
• Must be able to communicate (verbal and written) effectively and appropriately with others.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general culinary recipes and safety rules.