Dietitian / Nutritionist Consultant

Peers & Partners Inc•Washington, DC

About The Position

Peers & Partners, Inc. is seeking an experienced, credentialed Dietitian / Nutritionist Consultant to provide specialized nutrition expertise in support of a potential federal contract with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS). The consultant will support the delivery, assessment, and improvement of nutrition services in Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving children from birth through age five and their families. The position focuses on promoting child health and development, maintaining continuity of nutrition services during program transitions, and providing technical guidance on nutrition practices, meal planning, dietary accommodations, and applicable federal and state requirements. The work may involve virtual consultation, technical assistance, nutrition program assessments, and occasional travel to assigned program locations; significant travel may be required. Consultants are expected to maintain applicable professional credentials and licensure and provide services within their authorized scope of practice.

Requirements

Current Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN/RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration; alternatively, a nutritionist may qualify with a degree in nutrition or a closely related field and qualifications appropriate to the assigned duties under 45 CFR 1302.91(e)(8)(iii).
Bachelor's degree or higher in dietetics, nutrition, food and nutrition science, or a closely related field.
Ability to hold or obtain any state-required license or certification for nutrition services where services are provided (for example, LD or LDN), and maintain it as active and unrestricted throughout the engagement.
Demonstrated professional experience in pediatric nutrition, maternal and child nutrition, community nutrition, or early childhood nutrition services.
Experience working with or directly supporting early childhood education or childcare programs serving children from birth through age five, expectant mothers, and their families.
Knowledge of infant and young child nutrition, breastfeeding support, developmental feeding practices, food allergies, and special dietary accommodations.
Knowledge of CACFP and USDA meal pattern requirements, which Head Start meals must meet under 45 CFR 1302.44.
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices in group care settings.
Experience providing nutrition consultation, training, technical assistance, or program assessments.
Strong analytical, communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
Maintain applicable professional credentials and licensure and provide services within authorized scope of practice.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with Head Start, Early Head Start, or other OHS-funded programs.
Working knowledge of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, including requirements for nutrition services (1302.44), child health status and care (1302.42), family support services for health, nutrition, and mental health (1302.46), and nutrition qualifications (1302.91(e)(8)(iii)).
Experience with CACFP administration, compliance reviews, menu planning, and monitoring.
Experience supporting federally funded early childhood nutrition or public health programs.
Experience developing nutrition policies, conducting program assessments, and supporting corrective action plans.
Experience with WIC, maternal and child health programs, or community-based nutrition initiatives.
Experience supporting nutrition services during organizational transitions or periods of program stabilization.
Fluency in a language other than English, especially Spanish.
Ability to provide consultation both on site and remotely.

Responsibilities

Provide nutrition consultation and technical assistance to Head Start and Early Head Start programs during grant recipient transitions.
Assess nutrition services, meal planning practices, food service operations, and related program policies to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Support compliance with applicable Head Start Program Performance Standards related to child nutrition, health, and family services.
Advise on age-appropriate nutrition, feeding practices, and healthy growth and development for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
Review meal plans and menus for nutritional adequacy, dietary variety, and compliance with applicable Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements.
Advise on food allergies, special dietary needs, medically prescribed dietary modifications, and coordination with healthcare providers.
Support nutrition education initiatives for staff, parents, caregivers, and families.
Assist programs in developing or strengthening nutrition policies, procedures, and quality improvement activities.
Identify risks to continuity of nutrition and meal services during program transitions and recommend mitigation strategies.
Collaborate with program administrators, health services teams, food service personnel, family services staff, and community partners.
Provide training and technical assistance on nutrition services, food safety, infant feeding, and healthy eating practices.
Prepare written assessments, recommendations, technical guidance, and documentation for program monitoring and continuous improvement.