Nutrition Specialist

$20.00 - $35.00/hourly

Position Summary:

The Children's Aid After School Program at P.S.5 Ellen Lurie, funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) is an after-school and holiday enrichment program operating Monday through Friday, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. The program offers nutrition education to students which will improve student nutrition knowledge, support school wellness initiatives, and ensure children have access to nutritious meals that encourage lifelong healthy habits. The Nutrition Specialist supports the health and academic success of K-5 students by promoting healthy eating habits and developing engaging, age-appropriate nutrition education.

Essential Duties:

• Understand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Supervise up to 20-25 participants in a group or club.
• Demonstrate characteristics for participants to learn from.
• Lead nutrition classes for groups of participants.
• Teach children the importance of balanced meals, fruits, vegetables, and drinking water.
• Use fun activities like games, posters, and stories to explain nutrition concepts.
• Encourage kids to try new healthy foods.
• Organize interactive events like taste tests, cooking demos, or health fairs.
• Adapt teaching methods to meet participants' needs.
• Create nutrition-related materials, activities, and resources for classroom and school-wide use.
• Collaborate with families to promote healthy eating habits at home.
• Stay current on child nutrition guidelines and public health recommendations.
• Work cooperatively with other staff members in the program and schools.
• Available from September through June (Afterschool) and July through August (Summer Camp).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, Education, or related field (required).
• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) or Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) preferred.
• Experience working with elementary-aged children in schools or educational settings.

Key Competencies:

• Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs and school meal standards.
• Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to create engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons and materials.
• Passion for child health and wellness.

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.