Child Nutrition Specialist

Job Description

Position Title: Child Nutrition Specialist

Reports to: Child Nutrition Director

Length of Term/Employment: Salaried Starting at $65,000.00 / Exempt, 230 workdays / At-will

Position

Hours:

Full-time;
Monday – Friday

Work Locations: Brownsville, Texas;
Harlingen, Texas

Funding Source: 240 TDA

This position assists in overseeing that all schools within the Charter Schools (Pre‑k‑12) are within compliance of federal and state regulations pertaining to the National School Lunch Program, including the creation of menus. This position may also be responsible for handling any special dietary needs of the students within the school district. In addition, assisting in ensuring that the Child Nutrition programs meet regulatory and nutritional requirements for students, promote development of sound nutritional practices and maintain a safe and sanitary environment.

• A minimum of 2 years’ work experience in school nutrition or related field is preferred. Consideration will be given to candidates with other food service-related work experience
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, Foods and Nutrition, Home Economics, Food Service Management or closely related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the US Department of Education. (Registered Dietitian is preferred).

• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, regulations, policies and best practices in the areas of food service management, menu planning, food purchasing, and preparation of foods in a food service environment.
• Knowledge of public sector purchasing, food procurement procedures, and inventory system that meets both Federal (US Department of Agriculture) and State (Texas Education Agency) standards.
• Knowledge in recipe standardization, development and testing for quality food products.
• Skill in operating MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously and independently to meet deadlines
• Ability to develop and market school menus.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written, utilizing tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with District staff, outside organizations, elected officials, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Develop cost-effective school menus in accordance with USDA requirements and federal and state regulations.
• Works with the Child Nutrition Supervisors to test, evaluate and establish approved standardized recipes.
• Conduct onsite reviews of cafeteria sites to evaluate compliance. Provide feedback, guidance and support to correct deficiencies and follow up as necessary to support the department and ensure a successful Administrative Review.
• Routinely visits school cafeterias to evaluate products, recipes, and student acceptability of menu items.
• Tests and evaluates all food products to be considered for purchase and coordinates student taste tests.
• Issues standardized recipes and coordinates input of data to provide nutrient analysis of menus.
• Attend workshops, in and out of district development sessions, and other continuing education courses that will develop and maintain professional credentials for this position.
• Maintains nutrition software database, trains department staff on use of Menu Planning software.
• Assist with development and implementation of a cost-effective and efficient system to procure food that meets all compliance guidelines.
• Develop training materials and improvement plans to ensure exemplary operation in the food service area.
• Review and process all documentation regarding student special diets and food allergies in a timely manner. Create menu accommodations and disseminate special diet information as needed to CNP staff, school nurses, and parents.
• Provides educational and training assistance for Child Nutrition supervisors, managers, and other campus employees.
• Provides educational support and training resources to students and families to enhance academic success and promote program engagement.
• Plans, coordinates, and manages catering requests in collaboration with supervisors, cafeteria staff, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality service.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.