Head Start & Early Learning Programs Job Description

Position: Licensed Dietitian

Hours Per Week: 37.5 hours

Location: Northampton, MA

Status: Non-Exempt 

Supervisor: Health and Safety Manager

Position Summary:

• Develop and implement nutrition services that are consistent with Head Start Performance Standards and USDA requirements.
• Assess nutritional needs and status of enrolled children in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Department of Early Education and Care regulations.

Essential Qualifications:

• Registered Dietitian (RD) or Licensed Nutritionist (LN) with 1 year of professional experience in a clinical or community setting. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Must become knowledgeable and remain current regarding Head Start Performance Standards, Department of Early Education and Care regulations, and Child Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) regulations.  
• Obtain and monitor height & weight data for all enrolled Head Start children annually.
• Consult with medical providers as needed; periodically reassess children who classify as high risk and develop appropriate follow ups.
• Assess each child’s growth and nutritional status, iron and lead levels, and eating patterns in accordance with regulations.  
• Maintain up-to-date Go Engage (database) information and prepare required reports in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Review Nutrition Questionnaires and collaborate with parents and HSELP Staff to gather information in regard to child’s nutrition needs.  
• Review and sign all allergy and/or food intolerance documentation from health care provider and parent. Follow-up as necessary with parent and/or health care provider to clarify any uncertain documentation regarding any food allergy and/or food intolerance.  
• Collaborate with Food Service Supervisor and food service staff to ensure proper diet modifications/adjustments are made for each child in accordance with documentation from parent and health provider. 
• Involve parents in the planning of menus and collaborate with Food Service Coordinator to create/modify monthly menus including local food sourcing, Harvest of the Month and Nibbles Snack Activities. 
• Develop and conduct training on USDA Food Program (CACFP) to educators, food service, and fiscal staff annually.  
• Conduct 3 site visits per site annually in accordance with the CACFP. 
• Monitor completion of CACFP enrollment forms in accordance with CACFP regulations.
• Provide nutrition counseling/education/workshops to parents and staff as needed.
• Interface with WIC and other local and State agencies on behalf of children and families enrolled in HS & ELP. 
• Participate in the Head Start Health & Family Service Advisory Committee and attend Head Start state nutrition meetings. 
• Obtain and keep updated Servsafe and Allergen Awareness Certificates.
• Attend all appropriate program workshops and meetings. 
• Work with Health and Safety Manger to assure CACFP portal and applications remain updated and in good standings.
• Remote work available complying with the agency’s policy. 
• Required to travel regularly throughout the Service area, to all Community Action sites and service locations, and occasionally out of the service area.
• Maintains strictest confidentiality.
• Comply with agency and funders’ paperwork requirements and procedures
• Attend regularly scheduled supervision meetings, team meetings, mandatory agency trainings, and participate in professional development activities.
• Performs related work as required.

This does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the agency.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• (Proficient) Basic computer skills: using a mouse, email, Microsoft office
• Excellent verbal (in-person and phone) and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Understanding of data capture and tracking methods.

Physical Demands and Working

Conditions: The physical demand and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, use a key board and climb stairs, operate equipment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• The employee must have the ability to drive a personal vehicle and program vehicles, as needed.
• The work environment is primarily an indoor office space, but the employee will spend some time in the classroom. The noise level in the office is usually quiet. The noise and activity level in the classroom may be moderately high.

AA/EOE/ADA

Employment is contingent upon the following: a satisfactory a Background Record Check (BRC), required by Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and its licensed programs, which includes Criminal Offender Record information (CORI), Department of Children and Families (DCF) background check, Sex Offender Registry information (SORI) checks, fingerprint-based national and state criminal history database checks, National Sex Offender Registry (NCOR), and Out-of-State checks (CORI, SORI, DCF) if an individual has lived in another state within the last five years.

BRC and fingerprinting-based national and state criminal history check is to be completed every three years. In addition, employment is contingent on evidence of physical exam within the past year, plus verification of MMRs and TB. Documentation of subsequent physical exams must be submitted every 2 years. Must have evidence of a good driving record and ability to be covered under Community Action’s non-owned and hired vehicle policy.