Food Service Lead

JOB SUMMARY:  Responsible for ensuring that all food service and nutrition related tasks for the Head Start program, serving children 0 to 5 years of age, are carried out. Designs and monitors systems to ensure compliance with meal preparation, nutrition, and food service related Head Start Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines and other applicable federal and state regulations. Provide food service leadership, training and technical assistance to staff and parents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Coordinates with all components, and writes, revises and implements food service and nutrition related policies and procedures in order to ensure effective quality service delivery and that Head Start Performance Standards, Child & Adult Care Food Program guidelines and all other relevant federal and state regulations are met. 
2. Under the direction of the Services Manager, works as a member of a team to directly support site staff in the provision of high quality, family-friendly and community/culturally appropriate Head Start services to children and families.
3. Ensures that all sites and the Child Development Center are in compliance with the Child & Adult Care Food Program guidelines to ensure quality nutrition for the children and total food cost reimbursement.
4. Is responsible for supporting the Registered Dietician in creating menu plans and food orders for rural sites and ensuring delivery to sites and monitoring local food purchases for Child & Adult Care Food Program compliance.
5. Coordinates food orders, purchases, and deliveries with outside vendors.
6. Provides or arranges for and documents required, requested or necessary food service related training and technical assistance to site staff and Head Start parents. 
7. Advocates for responsive and effective nutrition and food services for children and families.
8. Submits required written reports and information necessary for quarterly reports, federal and state Program Information Reports, and other reports as requested in a timely manner.
9. Participates in weekly staff meetings, regular supervisory meetings and all required training.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Participates in all appropriate training functions: developing and leading weekly calls and regular trainings, presenting at conferences, etc.
2. Performs other duties as assigned.

WORK ACTIVITIES:

1. Develops and maintains constructive and cooperative working relationships with organizations, agencies and families, which support the goals of the Child Development Division programs.
2. Instructs, coaches, mentors, or otherwise helps others to improve their knowledge or skills.
3. Analyzes and evaluates information to choose the best solution and solve problems; and to develop, design or create new ideas, systems, or products.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Listens to, reads, and understands information and ideas presented, taking time to understand the points being made and asking questions as appropriate.
2. Ability to select and use training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation.
3. Ability to read, comprehend, and follow established policies and procedures.
4. Possesses judgment and decision making abilities to evaluate the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
5. Ability to establish excellent rapport with people of diverse cultures and belief systems.
6. Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
7. Observes, receives, and otherwise obtains information from all relevant sources and translates or explains what that information means and how it can be used.
8. Communicates effectively orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of a diverse audience Ability to select and use training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation.
9. Ability to endure and balance work fluctuations, deadlines, and interruptions; must be able to work weekends, and long hours during occasional peak work periods.
10. Ability to sleep on the center floor in communities where no other lodging is available.
11. Ability to carry out job responsibilities in rural areas without, or with limited, running water, sewer systems and internet services.
12. Ability to manage work time well, prioritize and meet deadlines.
13. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
14. Must demonstrate sound judgment, professional boundaries, ethics, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/JOB CONDITIONS:

1. Agency is a mandated tobacco, drug and alcohol free workplace.
2. General office environment, shared office space.
3. Develops and maintains constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
4. Requires networking, teamwork with other employees, and an ability to share information and speak in open forums and in front of groups.
5. Uses computers and computer programs effectively to enter data, create spreadsheets and process information, and to develop documents, and program and training materials.
6. Develops specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work.
7. Communicates with others outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, and other external sources in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail in keeping with current policies & procedures.
8. Must have the ability to operate the following equipment: desktop computer, telephone, copier, PC printer, and fax machine.

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. 

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly to grasp, type, see, talk, hear, and lift and carry 40 pounds of weight by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner. This position will also be performing physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, bending, and handling materials. 
2. Occasionally performs sedentary activities that require sitting for long periods and repetitive use of hands, wrists and arms for handling, positioning, moving materials, and manipulating things. 
3. Must be in good general health and free from serious physical, mental health and/or substance abuse problems.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK: This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or hours vary with location. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

TRAVEL: Travel is primarily local during the business day. Moderate travel to and in rural Alaskan communities, including travel by small airplane, boats, and alternative ground transportation is expected.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED EDUCATION:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Bachelor's degree in a nutrition-related field preferred, plus three years of experience or seven years of equivalent experience.
3. Must successfully pass state and federal background checks for convictions of violence and child abuse and/or neglect, including fingerprints.
4. Responsible work ethic with reliable attendance.
5. Must pursue an ongoing professional development plan including formal training certification or college degree as recommended by the program.
6. Must attend 15 hours of professional development training annually.
7. Proven ability and willingness to be self-directed in problem-solving and decision-making and perform basic assignments with little or no direct supervision while also working effectively as a team member.
8. Knowledge of 0 to 5 years of age growth and development.
9. Knowledge of developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum and materials.
10. Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills including giving and receiving feedback on quality of services.
11. Experience in developing and delivering trainings for adults.
12. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
13. Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
14. Effective organizational and time management skills to maintain daily workflow and meet project deadlines.
15. Intermediate level of computer skills necessary in order to use and create professional business documents and letters, spreadsheets, training materials, enter data into intricate database programs and proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
16. Must keep all matters concerning participants in strictest confidence as required by HIPAA privacy and the 42 CFR, Part II confidentiality regulations. 
17. Must provide a TB screening and basic physical exam within thirty (30) days of hire with follow-up every three (3) years at employee’s expense.
18. Must be able to provide own transportation to meet work schedule requirements.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Masters in related field with experience.
2. Knowledge and experience with the Head Start program.
3. Knowledge and experience in rural Alaskan lifestyles with strong competence in multi-cultural environments.
4. Experience with Child Plus.
5. Experience in developing and delivering trainings for adults.

RurAL CAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and abides by the federal, state and local laws and regulations. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex(including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information(including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are subject to certain federal recordkeeping/reporting requirements. In order to comply, we will request information from you regarding ethnicity, race, veteran status, and disability status. Agreeing or refusing to provide this information is completely voluntary, will not adversely impact your possible employment, and will only be considered as part of your application upon your request in compliance with our Affirmative Action Plan.