Nutrition Specialist

PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL WESTMD(GB); Lemont Furnace (PA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL WESTMD(GB) is seeking a Nutrition Specialist to ensure nutritional services for children and families meet USDA and CACFP guidelines. You will oversee meal quality, documentation, monitoring, and nutrition education across early childhood sites.

The role collaborates with CDE and Child Health & Safety teams to promote healthy growth, develop care plans, and support families with nutrition services. Strong detail orientation and passion for child wellness are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: high school diploma with Dietetic Manager certificate or higher.
• Experience: at least 1 year in a health-related field, preferably with preschool children and community nutrition services.
• Knowledge of USDA and CACFP requirements and monitoring systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal/state/local health and sanitation regulations.
• Strong planning and communication skills to create nutritious, cost-effective menus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor meal quality and service operations for USDA, CACFP, and Head Start compliance.
• Coordinate and maintain CACFP documentation and monthly reporting.
• Conduct and document CACFP monitoring visits at center-based sites.
• Plan monthly menus and special diets with a Registered Dietitian.
• Train staff and families on nutrition, sanitation, and food service requirements.
• Support health staff in communicating nutrition information and growth patterns.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Planning

Regulatory interpretation

Nutrition education

Education

High School Diploma with Dietetic Manager certificate

Associate's or Bachelor's in foods and nutrition/dietetics

Job description

The Nutrition Specialist ensures optimal nutritional services for children and families in compliance with federal and state guidelines, including USDA and CACFP requirements. This role oversees meal quality, documentation, monitoring, and nutrition education across early childhood program sites. Working closely with Child Development and Education (CDE) and Child Health & Safety teams, the Nutrition Specialist supports healthy growth and development by promoting sound nutrition practices for children, pregnant women, and families. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and passionate about improving child and family wellness through comprehensive nutrition services.

What You’ll Do:

• Monitor meal quality and food service operations to ensure compliance with USDA, CACFP, and Head Start regulations.
• Coordinate and maintain all required CACFP documentation and monthly reporting.
• Conduct and document CACFP monitoring visits at center-based sites.
• Plan monthly menus and special diets in collaboration with a Registered Dietician.
• Train staff and families on nutrition, sanitation, and food service requirements.
• Support Child Health & Safety staff in communicating nutrition information, growth patterns, and healthy eating practices.
• Assist with nutrition assessments for enrolled infants, children, and pregnant women, including follow-up and documentation.
• Develop individualized nutrition goals and health/nutrition care plans as needed.
• Enter and track growth and health data in ChildPlus and follow up with families when concerns arise.
• Maintain inventory of food service equipment and supplies; recommend purchases as needed.
• Plan and assist with monthly food experiences and parent nutrition trainings.
• Participate in advisory meetings and engage families in nutrition service areas.
• Provide transportation for families to appointments when necessary.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

What You Bring:

• Education: Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent with Dietetic Manager certificate, Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition, dietetics or related field with equivalent hours of food and nutrition coursework.
• Experience: At least one year in a health-related field, preferably working with preschool-aged children and providing community-based nutrition services to preschool age children and their families.
• Working knowledge of USDA and CACFP requirements and monitoring systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local health and sanitation regulations.
• Strong planning skills to create nutritious, cost-effective menus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.