Nutrition Services Specialist-EHS

About UPO

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, DC, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents.” Our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.” Our Promise: Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

About the Office of Early Learning (OEL)

OEL’s Mission

In collaboration with Family and the community, we will educate, empower, and support children by providing continuous high quality comprehensive services to achieve successful parent engagement and positive child outcomes. The UPO Office of Early Learning has a special focus on helping children from birth to age 3 to grow and thrive in a healthy, supportive environment. Our Early Head Start programs provide infants and toddlers with the tools needed to develop their social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language skills—steering them in the direction of happiness and success.

POSITION: Nutrition Services Specialist -EHS (1)

PROGRAM/DIVISION: Office of Early Learning

BULLETIN No: 03022025

SALARY RANGE: $75,000 $85,000 (Commensurate with Education and Experience)

OPENING DATE: February 19, 2025

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

MAJOR DUTIES:

Assist Lead Nutrition Specialist and assess all enrolled children and families for nutritional needs; review menus; coordinate food service operations; develop and oversee nutritional training to staff and parents. Monitor centers for compliance with USDA CACFP and Early Head Start grant.

Coordinate and plan activities and areas of discussion, with the Health Services Specialist, for the quarterly Health Advisory Committee meetings. Develop and implement nutrition programming for families and staff. Create and maintain relationships with community partners to provide nutrition and food resources to families and children. Responsible for carrying out goals, policies and activities designed to implement objectives and program standards; update annual and as needed nutrition policies and procedures in compliance with regulatory agencies standards.

Manage CACFP RFP for food vendor and serve as one of the point of contacts with caterer. Send most recent meal counts and Allergy/Special Dietary needs to caterer.

In collaboration with the lead nutrition services specialist, monitor food service cost, equipment and operations including distribution and inventory in compliance with local and state health, sanitation, and safety standards. Monitor on a quarterly basis EHS centers and slot purchase partners.

Assist the Lead Nutrition Specialist to coordinate classroom cooking activities.

Collaborate with lead nutrition services specialist to conduct monthly nutrition meetings for all food service staff. Design and teach Food Service and Nutrition trainings to staff in compliance with CACFP guidelines and maintain staff training monitoring schedule.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in nutrition, Health and Human Service or related field and two years of experience; food handler's certification, and experience working with a Head Start or Early Head Start program. Knowledge of rules, and regulations related to food service, USDA guidelines. Food handler's certification. Reliable transportation must be able to travel to various sites. Excellent working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point) and ability to use/learn electronic time-keeping program. Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree in nutrition, Health and Human Service or related field and two years of experience; food handler's certification, registered dietitian and experience working with a Head Start or Early Head Start program. Knowledge of rules, and regulations related to food service, USDA guidelines.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

Competitive Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Matching Plan 100 % Vested

Annual Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period

Sick Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period

2 Personal Days

Paid Holidays

Ongoing Professional Development

J Job Type/Schedule: Full-Time Monday- Friday

Jo Job Location Type: In Person

Ap Apply Today: Submit a resume, and a copy of your Degree/or Transcripts to our Career Center

This position IS in the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer