EDA - MEAL ~ Caswell Developmental Center

Health & Human Services; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 31,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking an Educational Developmental Assistant (EDA) to lead meal-focused training for individuals in home settings. The role supports teachers by assessing strengths and developing training objectives, while preparing meals per dietitian guidance and maintaining progress documentation.

The position runs 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with every other weekend, and requires ability to collaborate with a range of health and education professionals

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; one year of experience with students in an educational setting preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate observations clearly and accurately.
• Experience with instructional methods and behavioral programming is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead training in home, kitchen, and dining environments.
• Assist teachers by assessing strengths, needs, and training objectives.
• Prepare meals per seasonal menus and dietitian recommendations.
• Monitor progress and document outcomes for ongoing program improvement.

Skills

Task analysis

Instructional methodologies

Behavioral programming

Population support needs

Reading and writing skills

Instruct

Rapport building

Observation and reporting

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

One year of related experience

Job description

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Caswell Developmental Center Job Classification Title Educational Developmental Assistant (S) Position Number 60052801 Grade NC01

About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work The Educational Developmental Assistant (EDA) serves as a lead trainer in the home setting, focusing on the meal program to help individuals build independence in skills such as meal preparation, dining, kitchen safety, food texturizing, and grocery shopping. This role involves providing specialized instructional training and mentoring support staff in home, kitchen, and dining environments. The EDA assists teachers in assessing individual strengths, needs, and preferences to support the development of effective training objectives. They are responsible for monitoring instructional programs, ensuring proper implementation, and maintaining accurate documentation of progress. The EDA also prepares meals according to seasonal menus and individualized recommendations from registered dietitians and other health professionals. Weekly grocery inventories are completed to align with menu needs, and input is provided for ongoing program improvement. The working hours for the Educational Developmental Assistant - Meal position are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including every other weekend.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs )/Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Basic understanding of task analysis, instructional methodologies, and behavioral programming techniques.
• Working knowledge of the characteristics and support needs of the population served to promote greater independence.
• Demonstrates clear and accurate reading and writing skills; Ability to instruct; to establish rapport and relate to the population served, their families, and a variety of service disciplines (occupational therapists, speech/language pathologist, dieticians, social workers, psychologists, nurses, medical professionals and home managers) Ability to share observations, behavior and communicate observations and recommendations effectively in oral and written form.
• Management Preference: Experience in food preparation and use of kitchen equipment, knowledge of specialized diets and food texturizing, familiarity with OSHA/sanitation guidelines, successful completion of NCI/CPI and CPR certifications, and possession of a valid driver’s license.

Salary Range: $31,200.00 – $48,810.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

Physical Requirements: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Other: Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Fingering, Grasping, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, Repetitive Motions, Visual Acuity, & Inside and Outside Activities. This Position Is Designated As Mandatory And Must Report Or Stay Over During Adverse Weather Events.

Work Location: Education Department Work Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m./Every Other Weekend

About Caswell Developmental Center: Caswell Developmental Center, serving as North Carolina's Eastern Region resource center, provides specialized residential, programmatic, and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The individuals we serve are at the heart of our facility. Our team is critical to the mission of the facility. We strive to create an environment in which every team member contributes to the overall success of the Center to positively impact the lives of those around them and the individuals we service. If you are looking to make a difference and seeking a rewarding career, we encourage you to consider this opportunity.

Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and one year of experience working with students in an educational environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.