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Nutrition Specialist

A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Our core values—Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness—guide us in creating meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve. 

Salary: $19.50 hr 

Job Summary:  

The Nutrition Specialist prepares and serves nutritionally balanced meals within a licensed early learning environment while maintaining compliance with CACFP guidelines, ADHS licensing requirements, and agency policies. This role supports children’s health and development through safe food handling, accurate recordkeeping, and maintaining a clean and organized commercial kitchen environment. 

Responsibilities: 

• Prepare nutritionally balanced meals and snacks according to CACFP-approved menus, recipes, and supervisor instructions. 
• Manage modified meal requirements for children with dietary restrictions and ensure correct portions in accordance with family-style meal practices and CACFP guidelines. 
• Deliver meals, utensils, and supplies to classrooms in a timely manner according to daily schedules. 
• Store food appropriately and maintain organized food storage areas following proper food handling procedures. 
• Clean and sanitize sinks, countertops, prep areas, appliances, and kitchen equipment; maintain overall kitchen sanitation standards. 
• Wash and sanitize trays, dishes, pots, and pans using the three-sink method and commercial dishwasher procedures. 
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness to meet health department standards and support successful inspections. 
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen patio and surrounding work areas. 
• Receive, label, and organize weekly food deliveries and maintain inventory of food, supplies, and equipment. 
• Plan CACFP-approved menus within budget guidelines and seasonal availability. 
• Prepare weekly inventory reports and submit food and supply orders for supervisor approval. 
• Complete and submit CACFP documentation including menus, receipts, production worksheets, temperature logs, meal counts, and required reports within established timelines. 
• Provide breaks for staff as needed. 
• Participate in in-service trainings, CACFP trainings, and staff meetings; some evening participation may be required. 
• Perform all work duties in accordance with Agency policies and procedures. 
• Work in a safe manner and report unsafe activity or conditions. 

Qualifications: 

Education:  

• High School Diploma or GED required. 
• Secondary education or culinary certification preferred. 

Experience: 

Required: 

• Minimum three (3) years of food service experience. 
• At least one (1) year preparing meals for groups of young children. 

Preferred: 

• Knowledge of CACFP regulations and reporting requirements. 
• Familiarity with ADHS licensing standards and family-style meal service. 
• Experience working with children ages birth to five in a group setting. 

Additional Competencies: 

• Ability to prepare meals according to agency, county, state, and CACFP requirements. 
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to read and follow recipes and written instructions. 
• Ability to write clear and professional reports. 
• Ability to relate well to young children, staff, and families. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively. 
• Excellent time management and record-keeping skills. 
• Ability to maintain composure and flexibility in a busy work environment with time pressures. 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

• Primarily commercial kitchen and licensed child care environment with frequent movement between kitchen and classroom areas as needed. 
• Ability to stand for extended periods (6–8 hours per day) while preparing and serving meals in a commercial kitchen. 
• Ability to lift and carry deliveries, food boxes, and supplies weighing 25+ lbs. 
• Full-time position typically scheduled 40 hours per week; standard hours are generally 6:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or as program needs require. 
• Exposure to kitchen equipment, food preparation tools, cleaning agents, and varying temperatures typical of a commercial kitchen environment. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining safety and sanitation standards. 
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, in accordance with applicable law. 

Compliance Requirements:       

• Must Be At Least 21 Years of Age 
• Class One Fingerprint Clearance Card 
• DCS Central Registry Background Check 
• Drug Screening 
• TB Test 
• CPR/First Aid Certification 
• Therapeutic Options Training
• Valid Unrestricted Driver’s License 
• Current Auto Liability Insurance 
• 39 Month Motor Vehicle Record 
• Food Manager’s Certificate 
• Adhere to all organizational policies, including the Code of Conduct, professional standards, and relevant regulations. 

Mandated Reporter Requirements: 

• As a mandated reporter under Arizona statute A.R.S. § 13-3620, you are required to immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect of a minor to your Supervisor, Manager, Director, Clinical Director, or Chief Officer, who will assist in making the appropriate report to authorities. 
• Reports should be directed to either the local law enforcement agency or child protective services (1-888-SOS-CHILD). Abuse suspected of involving a family member or legal guardian should be reported to child protective services, while other cases should be reported to law enforcement. 

Responsible To: Early Education Manager  

Supervisory Responsibilities: None