SANTA CLARA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Personnel Commission
CLASS TITLE: Nutrition/Food Service Specialist - Restricted
DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists with the administration of the nutrition and food service component
of the Head Start Program, including staff and parent training, menu planning
and dietary counseling. Establishes, supervises, equips and supplies food
service facilities. Performs other job-related tasks as required and complies
with Santa Clara County Office of Education Board Policies and Administrative
Regulations. Employees in this classification oversee and coordinate the work of
other food service personnel. This classification performs highly technical and
professional functions in the provision nutrition and dietetic services.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Guides the county-wide Head Start food program in conformance with Head Start Performance Standards, National School Lunch Program regulations applicable, and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Develops and recommends changes in food service program policies and procedures to Support Services Supervisor.
Plans and implements a training program for staff and parents.
Advises a central kitchen facility in preparing and delivering bulk meals to individual Head Start sites.
Assesses the nutritional status and needs of Head Start children and provides training and counseling on special diets.
Works closely with health professionals in resolving problems related to diet.
Assists in food services financial statements and takes corrective action when necessary to control costs.
Assists with the annual preparation of the application to the state for the National School Lunch Program funds.
Assists with monthly claims for reimbursement for meals.
Maintains contact with representatives and officials of the Office of Child Nutrition, State Department of Education.
Develops and implements standards for the operation of an efficient, sanitary and high-quality food service program.
Assists in specification for and orders food, related supplies and food service equipment.
Assists in ordering USDA donated food when available and assures its proper use in accordance with government relations.
Tests food and other products prior to and after purchase to determine program acceptability.
Works with vendors regarding new products and services and/or problems involving their products or services.
Develops and tests menus, and recipes, plans menus that provide nutritional and appetizing foods, which are appropriate for preschool children and incorporate ethnic foods preferences.
Participates in the selection of food service staff and assists in the training, evaluation, transfers and problem solving of food service personnel in accordance with Head Start and Santa Clara County Office of Education policies and procedures.
Develops public information materials and media releases pertaining to Head Start nutrition programs.
Follows up on designated high risk children to counsel parents/guardians, and staff.
Works closely with the teaching staff to plan and implement the nutrition education component in the classroom.
Approves all food expenses and special requests for food services.
Attends a wide variety of meetings and is a member of the Head Start Health Advisory Board.
In the absence of Support Services Supervisor takes over the responsibilities of the food service component.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Ability to:
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of employment.
Travel from site to site within the county.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Licenses:
Possess an appropriate California operator's license and the availability of an automobile with the state minimum insurance coverage.
Status as a Registered Dietitian with the American Dietetic Association is preferred.
Generally, the required knowledges will have been acquired through any combination of education or experience equivalent to graduation from a four year college and during at least two years of experience in community food service, or school food service. School food service experience is preferred.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to incorporate diverse cultural considerations into menu planning and nutrition counseling.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing child nutrition programs.
Experience in supervision, work scheduling and establishing work production standards.
Spanish speaking skills.
Parenting skills.
Bargaining Unit: Office Technical Business Service (OTBS) Unit
Date: 5/24/91 Personnel Commission Approval: 5/23/91
Revised: 3/26/98 Board Adoption: 5/91
May 22, 2003 (Added Restricted Class)