Health and Nutrition Specialist

ECS4KIDS•Thomson, GA

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors 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 our Head Start program, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Georgia to promote children’s well-being. This enables 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. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Health & Nutrition Specialist is responsible for delivering comprehensive health, nutrition, and food program services across assigned Head Start locations in the Georgia region. This position ensures compliance with Office of Head Start Performance Standards, CACFP/USDA regulations, Georgia Department of Health requirements, and ECS4Kids policies, while promoting the overall wellness, safety, and school readiness of all children and families served.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in health, nutrition, public health, nursing, health administration, or related field required.
Experience with CACFP or food program compliance preferred.
Experience working with Head Start programs and OHS Performance Standards preferred.
Knowledge of maternal and child health and safety services available to families.
Knowledge of OHS Performance Standards and Head Start program requirements.
Knowledge of food management principles and Department of Health regulations.
Familiarity with CACFP, USDA nutrition regulations, and relevant state standards.
Ability to track, monitor, synthesize, and analyze data.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, families, and community partners.
Ability to work with other employees and the public in a tactful and diplomatic manner.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity in crisis and normal situations.
Commitment to strengthening families, with ultimate commitment to the well-being of the child.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data systems (e.g., Child Plus).
Flexibility to adapt to new laws, decisions, or changing circumstances.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage.
Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy).
Phlebotomy certification preferred (or willingness to complete within 6 months of hire).
Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
Complete TB screening and physical before having direct contact with children; renew every 5 years.
Complete 15 hours of in-service/professional development training hours each fiscal year (July–June) in topics related to child health, nutrition, food safety, and program operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with CACFP or food program compliance
Experience working with Head Start programs and OHS Performance Standards
Phlebotomy certification preferred (or willingness to complete within 6 months of hire)

Responsibilities

Provide ongoing support and technical assistance to staff and families in all areas of child health, nutrition, and safety; coordinate and/or provide education and training.
Coordinate and provide health screenings to ensure necessary referrals to appropriate outside agencies are made and follow-up services provided; maintain required certifications related to health screenings.
Ensure up-to-date physicals, well-child checks, and immunizations are completed within 30 days of enrollment and ensure ongoing compliance with OHS Performance Standards.
Ensure health screenings are completed within 45/90 days of enrollment; ensure necessary referrals to outside agencies are made and follow-up services are provided.
Review health and nutrition questionnaires within 90 days for all HS/EHS files and determine need for follow-up.
Coordinate dental services and ensure follow-up services are provided; assist families with accessing dental and medical appointments.
Ensure compliant documentation for children with chronic health conditions including food allergies, asthma, diabetes, and seizure disorders.
Monitor accident and illness trends at assigned centers and provide training as needed based on results.
Assist with summer health screenings at assigned centers.
Ensure compliance with CACFP contracts, USDA regulations, and Head Start Performance Standards; report any incidence of noncompliance to the Child Wellness Manager.
Process and track CCFP applications for assigned centers each fiscal year.
Complete day-to-day record keeping tasks required by the USDA.
Review all CCFP end-of-month (EOM) documentation monthly for accuracy.
File CCFP reimbursement claims in the state MIPS reporting system monthly.
Monitor meals at assigned centers a minimum of three times per year to ensure compliance with CACFP regulations and Head Start Performance Standards.
Review menus for compliance with CACFP meal patterns.
Review and verify accuracy of individual meal counts against each center’s Monthly Meal Count.
Process all nutrition paperwork and reports accurately and on time.
Review and revise CCFP/Nutrition forms annually.
Implement policies and procedures supporting the nutritional needs of children, meal service operations in center-based programs, and food safety.
Ensure efficient operational procedures for food production and distribution.
Track and maintain an accurate log of all children with food allergies and special dietary needs.
Support parents in obtaining appropriate food for children with allergies or special dietary needs.
Secure food purchases for children with special dietary needs and submit purchase orders as needed.
Prepare and distribute nutrition materials for centers as needed.
Assist with food service preparation and delivery as needed.
Monitor all documentation related to supporting children with medical and nutrition needs in the classroom environment and the administration of medication.
Ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy in Child Plus and other program data systems.
Responsible for entering all required health screenings and events for assigned centers into Child Plus for compliance tracking.
Assist with Program Information Report (PIR) data at the close of each school year.
Participate in case management meetings and file reviews for assigned centers.
Develop health and nutrition education materials and provide education to parents, teachers, and children on a regular basis.
Provide ongoing health and nutrition training including medication administration, universal precautions, and handwashing; provide health and nutrition-related training to teachers throughout the year and during preservice.
Provide and/or coordinate training for staff related to the individual health needs of children in their care, including food allergies, asthma, diabetes, and seizure disorders.
Train all kitchen and center staff personnel annually and as needed on CCFP, DCF, and DOH requirements pertaining to food purchasing, handling, CACFP requirements, safety and sanitation, civil rights, and ECS4Kids policies and procedures.
Support ECS4Kids staff with maintaining CPR compliance as requested.
Assist the Child Wellness Manager in establishing and implementing policies and procedures that support children with medical and nutrition needs in the classroom, respond to medical and dental emergencies, address short-term exclusion and medication administration, and ensure safe practices are followed.
Assist the Child Wellness Manager in establishing relationships with health, dental, and nutrition providers; help secure contracts and community organization agreements to provide services to children and families.
Assist the Child Wellness Manager in facilitating Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) meetings.
Communicate directly with Food Service Vendors and the Department of Health.
Establish and maintain community partnerships to provide additional resources and services to staff and families.
Collaborate with education, family services, and leadership teams to ensure integrated service delivery for children with complex health and nutritional needs.
Attend all staff and community meetings regularly.
Support Child Wellness Manager and agency-wide health and nutrition initiatives as directed.