Head Start Nutrition Assistant

Sieda is currently accepting applications for a full-time (36 hrs/wk) Head Start Nutrition Assistant in our Jefferson County Head Start location. 

SUMMARY:
The Nutrition Assistant position is responsible for implementing the center’s meal service and nutrition program.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING:
Obtain specific training required by Sieda and Head Start guidelines.
Must complete required training hours annually, per Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Center regulations & Head Start Performance Standards.
All staff are considered mandatory reporters of child abuse and required to hold a valid training certificate.
All staff coming in contact with children are required to have up to date training in CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions.

OTHER:
Head Start employees must pass a Pre-Employment state criminal record check, then successfully pass a state criminal record check every 2 years while employed in the Child Development unit.
Head Start employees must pass a federal criminal record check with-in 6 weeks of employment, then successfully pass a federal criminal record check every 4 years while employed in the Head Start Program.
Travel is required both in and outside the service area. Proof of auto insurance and valid driving license is required.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill, and/or ability required to be considered for this position.

FORMAL EDUCATION:
Requires completion of high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

EXPERIENCE:
The Head Start Nutrition Aide position requires one year work experience. Experience in a food service setting and/or Preschool or Child Care setting is preferred. Current ServSafe certification also preferred.

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY:
Requires basic level computer knowledge and experience to perform basic data entry functions.

This position is open until filled. Sieda requires resumes for all positions in the organization. Please be certain your resume is complete, up-to-date, and includes dates of employment for past positions. 

For additional information please contact:

Tamara Wheaton or Katie Thompson

Sieda Child Development Administrative Assistants

641-682-8741

twheaton@sieda.org 

kthompson@sieda.org ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Full Job Description

JOB TITLE: Head Start Nutrition Assistant

UNIT: Child Development

REPORTS TO: Head Start Center Supervisor

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY:
The Nutrition Assistant position is responsible for implementing the center’s meal service and nutrition program.

DUTIES: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs simple duties requiring basic skills as follows:
-Carries out the requirements of the center’s meal service and nutrition program with the support of the Head Start Nutrition Coordinator.
-Implements nutritional requirements; prepares, substitutes and serves meals/snacks including meeting any special dietary needs of children, under the direction of the dietician and the Head Start Nutrition Coordinator.
-Maintains nutrition service record keeping for center including inventory, requisitions, and the purchasing of supplies. Completes and submits daily meal attendance records and weekly food production records.
-Assures compliance with food and kitchen sanitation standards as prescribed in DHS licensing regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, and CACFP regulations.
-Maintains a safe, sanitary kitchen and eating area and completes monthly cleaning checklist.
-Plans and participates in nutrition activities for the classroom, working with staff, volunteers, parents and children.
-Is responsible for meal and table prep and clean up after each meal.
-Communicates regularly with other center staff, Supervisor, and Nutrition Coordinator to ensure the highest quality services to children and families.
-Serves as a substitute in Head Start classrooms when necessary.
-Requires the ability to work in a highly confidential setting.
-Other duties determined necessary to support the Child Development Team in achieving goals for the Head Start Program.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:
Receives on-going supervision regarding task guidelines and completion.

DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY:
No independent decision-making authority.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING:
-Obtain specific training required by Sieda and Head Start guidelines.
-Must complete required training hours annually, per Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Center regulations & Head Start Performance Standards.
-All staff are considered mandatory reporters of child abuse and required to hold a valid training certificate.
-All staff coming in contact with children are required to have up to date training in CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions.

PROGRAM REPRESENTATION:
-Requires a limited level of interaction with staff, customers and other agencies in representing the Head Start program.

PROGRAM DESIGN AND PLANNING:
-Involved in the planning of a limited area within the Head Start program reflective of his/her job responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Not responsible for direction/training for program personnel.

OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
-Supports and models the agency’s and unit’s mission, vision, and values.
-Maintain a regular attendance pattern to assure continuity of services and adequate staff coverage.
-Demonstrate professional behavior at all times including appearance and maintaining an orderly functioning classroom and office areas.
-Treat all individuals in a courteous, non-judgmental, reasonable and confidential manner.
-Must uphold the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethics and Head Start Standards of Conduct.
-Accepts responsibility as a member of the team and works cooperatively with all staff for the benefit of children and their families to meet identified goals.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
-Ability to speak comfortably and effectively one-to-one or in group settings.
-Ability to demonstrate good listening skills.
-Ability to read, analyze, and interpret most complex documents.
-Ability to respond effectively to customer/staff complaints.

REASONING ABILITY:
-Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and take appropriate action based on compliance with established rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
-Ability to convey information to staff, parents and members of the local community.

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.
-While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, stand, walk, move quickly, use hand to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
-The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 50 pounds, climb stairs, pick up and move children and/or equipment.
-Vision abilities required by this job include close, distant and peripheral vision.
-Head Start employees must pass a Pre-Employment Physical and TB Screen, then successfully pass a physical exam and TB screen every 3 years while employed in the Head Start Program.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
-The work environment is both inside and outside with varying temperatures.
-The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate.

OTHER:
-Head Start employees must pass a Pre-Employment state criminal record check, then successfully pass a state criminal record check every 2 years while employed in the Child Development unit.
-Head Start employees must pass a federal criminal record check with-in 6 weeks of employment, then successfully pass a federal criminal record check every 4 years while employed in the Head Start Program.
-Travel is required both in and outside the service area. Proof of auto insurance and valid driving license is required.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill, and/or ability required to be considered for this position.

FORMAL EDUCATION:
-Requires completion of high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

EXPERIENCE:
-The Head Start Nutrition Aide position requires one year work experience. Experience in a food service setting and/or Preschool or Child Care setting is preferred. Current ServSafe certification also preferred.

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY:
-Requires basic level computer knowledge and experience to perform basic data entry functions.