Head Start Nutrition Assistant

Sieda Community Action•Centerville, IA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nutrition Assistant position is responsible for implementing the center’s meal service and nutrition program. This role involves preparing, substituting, and serving meals and snacks, ensuring compliance with nutritional requirements and special dietary needs under the direction of a dietician and the Head Start Nutrition Coordinator. The position also includes maintaining nutrition service records, ensuring kitchen sanitation standards, planning and participating in nutrition activities for the classroom, and serving as a substitute in Head Start classrooms when necessary. The role requires a high level of confidentiality and adherence to agency and Head Start standards.

Requirements

Requires completion of high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
Requires one year work experience.
Requires basic level computer knowledge and experience to perform basic data entry functions.
Must complete required training hours annually, per Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Center regulations & Head Start Performance Standards.
All staff are considered mandatory reporters of child abuse and required to hold a valid training certificate.
All staff coming in contact with children are required to have up to date training in CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions.
Must pass a Pre-Employment state criminal record check, then successfully pass a state criminal record check every 2 years while employed in the Child Development unit.
Must pass a federal criminal record check with-in 6 weeks of employment, then successfully pass a federal criminal record check every 4 years while employed in the Head Start Program.
Proof of auto insurance and valid driving license is required.
Ability to speak comfortably and effectively one-to-one or in group settings.
Ability to demonstrate good listening skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret most complex documents.
Ability to respond effectively to customer/staff complaints.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and take appropriate action based on compliance with established rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to convey information to staff, parents and members of the local community.
Must uphold the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethics and Head Start Standards of Conduct.
Accepts responsibility as a member of the team and works cooperatively with all staff for the benefit of children and their families to meet identified goals.
Must pass a Pre-Employment Physical and TB Screen, then successfully pass a physical exam and TB screen every 3 years while employed in the Head Start Program.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a food service setting and/or Preschool or Child Care setting is preferred.
Current ServSafe certification also preferred.

Responsibilities

Carries out the requirements of the center’s meal service and nutrition program with the support of the Head Start Nutrition Coordinator.
Implements nutritional requirements; prepares, substitutes and serves meals/snacks including meeting any special dietary needs of children, under the direction of the dietician and the Head Start Nutrition Coordinator.
Maintains nutrition service record keeping for center including inventory, requisitions, and the purchasing of supplies. Completes and submits daily meal attendance records and weekly food production records.
Assures compliance with food and kitchen sanitation standards as prescribed in DHS licensing regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, and CACFP regulations.
Maintains a safe, sanitary kitchen and eating area and completes monthly cleaning checklist.
Plans and participates in nutrition activities for the classroom, working with staff, volunteers, parents and children.
Is responsible for meal and table prep and clean up after each meal.
Communicates regularly with other center staff, Supervisor, and Nutrition Coordinator to ensure the highest quality services to children and families.
Serves as a substitute in Head Start classrooms when necessary.
Requires the ability to work in a highly confidential setting.
Other duties determined necessary to support the Child Development Team in achieving goals for the Head Start Program.