Dietitian, Nutritionist Consultant

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Offer nutrition consultation and technical support for transitions of Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients.

• Evaluate nutrition services, meal planning practices, food service operations, and program policies.

• Ensure adherence to Head Start Program Performance Standards concerning child nutrition, health, and family services.

• Provide advice on age-appropriate nutrition for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.

• Analyze meal plans and menus for nutritional adequacy, dietary variety, and compliance with CACFP requirements.

• Counsel on food allergies, special dietary requirements, medically prescribed dietary modifications, and coordination with healthcare providers.

• Promote nutrition education for staff, parents, caregivers, and families.

• Assist in the development of nutrition policies, procedures, and quality enhancement activities.

• Identify risks to continuity during program transitions and propose strategies for mitigation.

• Collaborate with program administrators, health services teams, food service personnel, family services staff, and community partners.

• Deliver training and technical assistance on nutrition services, food safety, infant feeding, and healthy eating practices.

• Prepare written evaluations, recommendations, technical guidance, and documentation for program monitoring and continuous improvement.

• Provide virtual consultation, technical assistance, nutrition program evaluations, and occasional travel to designated program sites.

⛳️ Requirements

• Current Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN/RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

• A nutritionist may qualify with a degree in nutrition or a closely related field, along with qualifications suitable for the assigned responsibilities, as permitted by 45 CFR 1302.91(e)(8)(iii).

• Bachelor's degree or higher in dietetics, nutrition, food and nutrition science, or a closely related area.

• Capability to hold or acquire the license or certification required by each state for nutrition services where services are rendered, such as LD or LDN, and maintain it active and unrestricted throughout the engagement.

• Proven professional experience in pediatric nutrition, maternal and child nutrition, community nutrition, or early childhood nutrition services.

• Experience in supporting early childhood education or childcare programs that serve children from birth to age five, expectant mothers, and their families.

• Understanding of infant and young child nutrition, breastfeeding support, developmental feeding practices, food allergies, and special dietary accommodations.

• Familiarity with CACFP and USDA meal pattern requirements.

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices in group care environments.

• Experience in providing nutrition consultation, training, technical assistance, or program evaluations.

• Strong analytical, communication, documentation, and interpersonal abilities.

• Preferred: experience with Head Start, Early Head Start, OHS-funded programs, CACFP administration, federally funded early childhood nutrition or public health programs, WIC, maternal and child health programs, community-based nutrition initiatives, and organizational transitions.

• Preferred: proficiency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish.

• Ability to offer consultation both on-site and remotely.

• Capacity to maintain relevant professional credentials and licensure and deliver services within authorized scope of practice.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunities for virtual consultation and technical assistance.

• Occasional travel to designated program sites.

• Professional consulting engagement that supports federal Head Start and Early Head Start nutrition programs.