Nutritionist Jobs

About our organization

Since 1981, Options for Learning has been at the forefront of helping families break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives by providing tools to create a positive foundation for school, social, and life success. Our dedicated and passionate employees have helped our organization become one of Southern California's most innovative and progressive child development organizations, serving nearly 9,000 children throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

About this position

This position is responsible for promoting nutrition and coordinating dietary planning within the organization’s Child Care Services (CCS) Nutrition Program. The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively, work both independently and collaboratively within a small, close-knit team, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for someone with an upbeat, positive attitude who is eager to support the organization’s mission and achieve its strategic goals.

What you’ll be doing

• Assisting CCS Operations/Nutrition Program director and Nutrition Center manager as needed;
• Receiving, tracking, and preparing approved alternative meal requests for children needing specialty diets, including transport records;
• Evaluating the dietary needs of alternative meal requests;
• Offering counseling and suggesting positive alterations in nutrition with parents and/or guardians;
• Developing educational material for parents/caregivers and providing workshops on topics regarding feeding concerns;
• Keeping track of state and federal schedules of work and meeting contract timelines;
• Maintaining child files with alternative meal records, such as requests, doctor’s notes, transport records, and electronic communications;
• Providing support to programs during family engagement events by providing educational activities to parents/caregivers and enrolled children;
• Creating and personalizing nutrition plans for children, as specified on medical statements;
• Providing nutrition education sessions for site staff and Nutrition Program staff;
• Setting clear objectives and providing support to families enrolled in child care programs;
• Maintaining open communication regarding enrolled children’s progress with designated staff to track referrals from child care programs;
• Conducting periodic assessments of the Nutrition Program and assisting auditors, as well as program reviewers;
• Representing the organization at assigned meetings;
• Developing a monthly nutrition newsletter for center-based staff;
• Developing and tracking annual site staff trainings regarding health, safety, and food handling;
• Performing other duties as assigned.
• Evaluating and approving medical statements on children who are unable to comply with USDA requirements;
• Resolving issues with center-based staff and/or parents pertaining to special meals;
• Working effectively with Nutrition Program team members;
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of Child and Adult Care Food Program regulations;
• Communicating with program staff to clarify alternative meal requests, as needed;
• Coordinating with Nutrition Center manager and CCS Operations/Nutrition Program director annually to review final products, including tracking mandated trainings via the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) website;
• Receiving and evaluating alternative meal requests under the supervision of the Nutrition Center manager and Nutrition Program director;
• Providing support to programs by extending nutrition resources and education to staff to help promote corporate wellness;

What you bring to the table

• Demonstrated knowledge in preparing special meals in a child care setting;
• California driver’s license, daily use of an automobile, and current automobile liability insurance (preferred).
• Command of Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin or Vietnamese (preferred);
• Associate’s degree in nutritional science, dietetics, or a related;
• Ability to communicate in written and oral English correctly and effectively;
• Bachelor’s degree in nutritional science, dietetics, or a related field (preferred);
• One year of experience in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, including implementation of menu preparation and alternative meal requests;
• Good organizational skills;
• Computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets;
• Ability to work well with people with a sensitivity to the needs of children and families;

What we can offer you

• Dedicated, mission-driven colleagues, and much more!
• Generous and flexible PTO;
• Professional growth opportunities, including free child development courses and college reimbursement;
• Medical/dental/vision for part- and full-time employees (organization pays up to 90% of employee's premiums; prorated for part-time);
• Organization-paid and matching retirement plan;

Job specifications

• Requires some evening and weekend work hours;
• Reports to the Nutrition Center manager and CCS Operations/Nutrition Program director;
• Employment, responsibilities, compensation and other factors may be affected by changes in governmental regulations, the organization’s contracts, or at organization discretion.
• Full-time, 12-month work year;

Salary

• $23.76 - $26.78 per hour