Head Start Nutrition Aide

Hill Country Community Action Association•Fort Hood, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The HS Nutrition Aide is responsible for producing nutritious, child-friendly meals that meet Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements and completing related documentation. The role requires special attention to medically required diets and requests from Registered Dietitians. The aide also supports classroom staff in keeping children safe and assists with food-related activities and classroom coverage as needed. The position requires annual pre-service training. The work schedule is planned by the Center Director and follows the center’s operating hours, typically 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. During the Head Start school year, classroom staff may work an alternate schedule to coincide with center hours. Occasional duties outside that schedule, as well as some out-of-town and overnight travel, are required. The role is listed as 10½ months and non-exempt.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Some cooking experience and the ability to cook.
Annual pre-service training is mandatory.
Ability to speak, read, and write in English.
Warm, supportive, pleasant, and positive attitude toward young children and parents.
Dependability and flexibility in receiving assignments or adapting to program changes.
Willingness to accept supervision and adapt to improve work performance.
Professional manner and attire.
No conviction that would contraindicate employment.
At least 21 years of age.
Valid Class C driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current liability insurance, and insurability under HCCAA’s vehicle insurance policy.
Complete an initial Head Start physical screening within 30 days of hire.
Obtain or maintain CPR and First Aid certifications within 90 days of hire; these are collateral rather than primary duties.
Complete a Food Handlers Certificate upon hiring.
Comply with HCCAA policies and maintain confidentiality in all phases of agency operations.
Ability to operate a computer and office machines such as a fax machine, calculator, copier, and telephone.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, driving, carrying groceries, and sitting; normal hearing and vision; ability to react quickly, including running after a child.
Ability to manage new and diverse work problems, resolve problems and conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure.
Ability to listen objectively, identify the underlying problem, and help bring issues to a successful conclusion.
Ability to interact with employees at all agency levels.
Knowledge of basic math and literacy skills and ability to record data pertinent to Head Start Performance Standards.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills are encouraged.

Responsibilities

Review menus, estimate needed food quantities in food program management software, and arrange purchases of approved supplies.
Prepare purchase summaries and retain receipts; organize purchasing to avoid unnecessary daily trips to stores.
Check food labels for special-diet and CACFP requirements; inventory, label, and safely store food.
Prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks in a safe and sanitary manner and record food temperatures.
Complete required CACFP documentation and maintain current inventories of kitchen equipment and products.
Keep copies of food labels and Child Nutrition (CN) labels.
Clean and sanitize the work area, kitchen, and eating area as required by the Nutrition Procedure Manual, and remove trash daily.
Attend monthly staff meetings and share or receive information about special diets, edited menus, needs, and concerns.
Update special-diet requirements as required by Child Care Licensing.
Work with the team and assist coworkers as time allows.
Complete self-inspection checklists and correct identified findings.
Attend requested training and perform other duties assigned by the supervisor, content coordinator, or Head Start Director.
Assist teaching staff with child supervision or classroom coverage when teachers step out.
Support teaching staff with food and cooking experiences for children and involve children in appropriate kitchen activities.
Participate in special events requiring preparation or organization, including the art show, Christmas party, and graduation.