Position Summary/Objective

Must be dedicated to the Mission and Vision of UETHDA and Purpose of the Head Start Program. Must be willing to make decisions that are in the best interest of UETHDA and the Head Start Program.

As part of the nutrition team, under the general direction of the Nutrition Coordinator, the Nutrition/Health Monitoring Specialist monitors compliance of the CACFP Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) rules and regulations to meet high standards of quality in food production, sanitation, and safety practices. Also assists with family health monitoring.

Capable of incorporating technology into daily activities to be efficient at performing tasks, capturing, and measuring data, making decisions, and communicating effectively.

Our Culture

The Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency has been a strong force in the community since 1964. Our mission can be summed up with “Helping People. Changing Lives.” We are looking for staff who are passionate about helping people and making a difference in their community.

The Purpose of the Head Start Program is to instill School Readiness in children and families. This is accomplished through providing high quality teaching and education experiences, superior health and nutrition guidance, establishing relationships and giving support to families in order to achieve self-sufficiency by providing guidance and assisting in setting goals, fostering growth and development through maintaining adequate classrooms and spaces, and continuously improving the operation of the Head Start program through measuring Program strengths and weaknesses in order to more effectively achieve the goal of School Readiness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Monitor each classroom site at least three times per year to ensure state environmental, HSPPS and CACFP guidelines are met.
• Follow CACFP Policies and Procedures including meal type and times, meal components, meal counts, menu review, and meal preparation and served following safety and quality guidelines and complete documentation required by CACFP.
• Work with Operations staff and Nutrition Coordinator to ensure kitchen facilities and equipment are maintained and scheduled for regular maintenance.
• Review and monitor Child Plus around attendance to ensure accuracy and compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards. Review attendance and meal counts entered by teaching staff and adjust, as necessary.
• Participate in the programs self-assessment and delegate monitoring process.
• Serve as back-up to cook, when needed.
• Review and monitor Child Plus around health events to ensure compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Review and analyze classroom and program data to ensure nutritional and health needs are being met.
• Support efforts to provide resources and aid for children, families, and staff wellness.
• Provide assistance and consultation to ensure that written policies and procedures are current.
• Collaborate with outside agencies to advocate for the needs of Head Start families.
• Administer required health related screenings as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Leadership Competencies

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job may require lifting objects that exceed fifty pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Must possess a minimum of 20/40 vision with or without corrective lens. Hearing range must be within normal limits with or without hearing aids. Other physical demands that may be required are as follows: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, and reaching.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position and is paid hourly. Typically, this position will work 37.5 hours per week and normal Agency working hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. This position has a temporary summer lay-off of 5-6 weeks from late-May until early-July. Employees are eligible to apply for unemployment during temporary seasonal lay-off. Benefit coverage continues during this temporary lay-off.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate degree in an area related to nutrition, dietetics, health, or mental health field.
• Bachelor’s Degree in nutrition or related (preferred)
• One year’s experience working with preschool children.
• Two years’ experience in a commercial cooking environment.
• Experience in working with culturally diverse clients.
• Ability to keep timely, clear, and accurate documentation.
• Ability to follow all Federal, State, and Local guidelines regarding food service.
• Ability to think and problem-solve creatively.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Programs.
• Proficient written and verbal communication.
• Must possess the physical ability to lift furniture, equipment, and children weighing up to (50) pounds.
• Must pass background screening.
• Must pass a physical examination.
• Must pass drug and alcohol tests.
• Valid Tennessee Driver's License/ Proof of auto insurance.

EOE Statement

UETHDA hires high quality staff from a variety of fields and education levels who have a passion for changing the lives of others. UETHDA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Salary is strictly based on education/certifications.