SANTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Nutrition Specialist


BASIC FUNCTION:

Under direction of Director of Special Education (Health Services) and/or Director of Food Services, to plan, coordinate, and implement District-wide nutrition education promotional programs and activities; develop and provide nutrition education training opportunities for District staff, parents, and students; participate in developing District menus and recipes; serve as a technical resource to District staff , parents, students, and others regarding nutrition and health; and perform duties as assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Develop and coordinate activities and schedules for Nutrition Programs. E

Order, maintain, and disseminate nutrition education materials to teachers and food service staff. E

Attend, participate, and promote District’s Nutrition Education and Health efforts at conferences, District meetings, student groups, advisory councils, professional organizations, community, parents, and the general public in order to obtain and provide information, and to discuss problems, regulations, procedures, standards, complaints, plans improvement, and other matters concerning Nutrition Programs. E

Coordinate nutrition education activities to integrate sound nutrition concepts into the school meals and cafeteria promotions. E

Coordinate nutrition education in the classroom including assisting teachers, providing materials, technical support, and coordinating additional staff. E

Work cooperatively with District Curriculum Specialist to incorporate nutrition education into the core curriculum. E

Design, facilitate, and follow up on all nutrition education promotions. Keep documentation as to the specific promotions, sponsors, and the success of each. E

Conduct, attend, and teach in-service training courses regarding nutrition education. E

Provide accurate nutrition facts and nutrients analysis of school menus. E

Test and standardize recipes. E

When necessary, make suggestions for food substitutions when requested by a recognized medical authority. E

Develop proposals for Nutrition Grant funding and prepare annual budgets. E

Analyze data regarding nutritional adequacy of food and beverage products to assure compliance with Federal and State regulations. E

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Develop and coordinate nutrition advisory council and work with District staff, students, community, and parents for implementation. E

Train staff on meal patterns and Federal and State compliance issues. E

Collect and maintain documentation, prepare and present reports as necessary related to nutrition, nutrition activities, and physical activity.
Participate in community activities and provide nutrition education and physical activity promotion resources to local programs and community groups/organizations. E

Develop and provide effective communication messages that support District’s Nutrition Program as well as healthy eating and physical activity. E

Provide materials on nutritional matters to District personnel, students, parents, and the community. E

Attend community partnership meetings to expand outreach area and opportunities. E

Attend Board Meetings; present materials and reports related to nutrition activities. E

Develop and facilitate nutrition surveys and needs assessments to assure the direction of the child nutrition programs and/or grants are on schedule. E

Perform related duties as assigned.


KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles of nutrition and their application to the feeding of school age children.
Sanitation and safety practices related to handling, cooking, baking and serving
food.
Methods of adjusting and extending recipes.
Budget preparation and control techniques.
Use of current technology in work setting.
Knowledge of Dietary Guidelines.
Federal and State laws and regulations governing child nutrition programs and
Requirements of nutrition grantees.

ABILITY TO:
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and public speaking.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Use tact, patience, and courtesy when interacting with others.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Work effectively with little or no supervision.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Maintain nutrient analysis software program.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree in dietetics, nutrition, food science, or a related field and active status as a Registered Dietitian at time of appointment to and during employment in this position.

One- year experience in institutional food service production involving menu planning and nutritional analysis or other related experience may be considered.

LICENSE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid California Class C driver’s license and use of a personal automobile to conduct work.
Must possess a valid Food Handler’s certificated issued by an authorized agency and approved for California within completion of probationary period and maintain certification throughout employment in this classification.


WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment.
Kitchen environment subject to heat from ovens.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing 10-to-25 pounds.
Hearing and speaking accurately to exchange information in person or on the
telephone.

Accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.