Head Start Nutrition Aide (10.5 months)

Hill Country Community Action Association, Inc.

JOB TITLE: Nutrition Aide I (10 ½ months) FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Teacher/Director ASSIGNMENT DATE: _____________

DESIGNATED HEADQUARTERS: ______Rockdale Head Start______________________

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Nutrition Aide will be responsible for the Nutrition Component for the center, and record information as required by the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The Nutrition Aide will also learn all aspects of the functions of the Head Start Classroom, such as completing assigned paperwork and reports, supervision of children, and sharing in the implementation of lesson plans.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for transporting food to the Head Start Center, or preparing meals and snacks in the centers that cook.
• Responsible for the nutrition component by making sure all guidelines are being met, records kept, and enough servings are provided for each child and adult.
• Follow Head Start guidelines in family style meal service.
• Follow Head Start guidelines in sanitation and cleaning of kitchen and removal of trash daily.
• Keep proper and up-to-date inventory of all kitchen equipment and products. Responsible for purchasing groceries and non-food items on a weekly and/or monthly basis (strive to be well organized to avoid daily trips to the store).
• Ensure that food preparation routines are carried out in a manner that is prompt, hygienic, safe, and consistent with good child development principles. Ensure that all health and safety requirements are met.
• Work as a member of a team to ensure continuity of curriculum and high standards of equality in the classroom; assist in overall cleaning of classroom as time allows.
• Observe, record, and report any child's behavior, sharing information appropriately with other staff members.
• Assists the Head Start Teaching Staff with Nutrition Education in the Classroom.
• Attending all trainings and meetings as requested by supervisor.
• Required to have current health cards certifying their status. Head Start staff and volunteers may be called upon to administer first aid to children/staff at any time in the program. The incidental nature of this circumstance effectively establishes first aid as a collateral duty rather than a primary one.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Center Director, Content Area Coordinators, or the Head Start Program Director.
• Will serve as an escort on the transportation van while transporting children to and from the Head Start program, or drive the Head Start van/bus to transport eligible children (CDL required to drive bus).

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Must attend annual pre-service training in summer (date TBD upon interview).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Minimum: High School Diploma or GED. Some experience and ability to work with pre-school children. Experience working in Food Service preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Must have a warm, supportive, pleasant, and positive attitude toward young children and parents. Must be reliable. Must be flexible in receiving assignments or adapting to changes in the program. Must be willing to accept supervision to improve work performance.

OTHER: Professional in manner and attire. No record of a conviction which would contraindicate employment. Must be 21 years of age and must have, at a minimum, a valid Class C Driver's License and a reliable vehicle with current liability insurance; insurable under HCCAA's vehicle insurance policy. An initial Head Start physical screening within 30 days of hire. Must maintain CPR and First Aide certifications (collateral rather than primary duty of this position). Must comply with all HCCAA Policies and maintain confidentiality in all phases of agency operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED: Must be able to operate a computer and other office machines such as fax, calculator, copier, and telephone.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift to 40 pounds. Requires interacting with the children on their level at times (on the floor), and sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Must be able to react quickly (run after a child).

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS: Must handle new and diverse work problems daily. Personal maturity is an important attribute. Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure. Must have the ability to listen objectively to people, perceive the real problem and assist in bringing issues to a successful conclusion. Must relate and interact with employees at all levels within the agency. Bilingual skills are encouraged. Knowledge of basic math and literacy skills. Ability to record data pertinent to Head Start Performance Standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Regular working hours: 8:00 - 4:00 (As assigned for those working less than full time). No irregular working hours required. Not required to work alone. Some out-of-town and overnight travel required.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: Accrual of sick and vacation leave, health insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, 125 Cafeteria Plan, up to 14 paid holidays per year. Options for employee paid benefits. Note: Eligibility for benefits is based on Personnel Policies & Procedures and benefits are subject to change.

FLSA STATUS DISCLAIMER: FLSA status is based in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Any changes in the act which will affect the FLSA status will be adhered to. When wages exceed the position entry level due to tenure, the Exempt/Non-exempt status will be designated accordingly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RECEIPT: I have reviewed the Nutrition Aide job description and acknowledge its receipt. I understand that my job may not necessarily be limited to those listed, as their exact nature may vary as program, project elements, and priorities change in the future. I understand that this job description may be updated as needed.