Nutrition Services Program Assistant (Full Time)

New Mexico School for the Deaf Nutrition Services Program Assistant

The New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD) Nutrition Services Program Assistant is a versatile team member, expected to have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team and the ability to anticipate department needs, offering a variety of skills and efforts to enhance the operations of this department. In addition to having Administrative Assistant duties, the NMSD Nutrition Services Program Assistant is required to be able to perform all duties and responsibilities of, and meet all competencies of, the NMSD Cook & Dishwasher positions, to assume these duties in the event of absences, vacancies and increased departmental demands. In the event of the absence of the Supervisor or Manager, the Program Assistant may be assigned to additional administrative assistant duties as deemed necessary.

It is anticipated and expected that all functions of this position will be performed with minimal supervision in a positive, team-oriented, and professional manner, with a strong focus on advancing the mission and vision of New Mexico School for the Deaf. The duties and competencies listed are comprehensive yet not all inclusive of this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

Duties listed may be assigned, unassigned, and other duties may be added, as per discretion of NS Manager

USDA Food Program Implementation

• Having and implementing a thorough working knowledge of all USDA Food Program operational requirements including but not limited to: POS operation, meal tallies, meal components, portion sizes, ounce equivalents, vegetable subgroups, and meal charge / documentation requirements relative to all grade levels and all adult meals served.

Procurement and Inventory

• Assist with physical receipt of food deliveries, invoice data entry, and monthly inventories.
• Assist with purchasing as per NMSD procurement procedures, and processing of NS department purchases & invoices.

Customer Service

• Exhibits professional communication skills with department and campus staff & customers served, involving the learning / use of ASL, and email.

Sanitation, Food Safety and Employee Safety

• Follow & model all NMSD, State and Federal product and employee safety regulations, policies and procedures, including but not limited to: Federal Food Code, Safety & Risk Management, Health & Sanitation, NMSD HACCP Plan

Administrative Assistant & Fiscal Support

• Works closely with Supervisor and Manager, responsible for the maintenance of all food program documents in accordance with all regulating agencies, filing and archiving using standard office procedures
• Performs NS software POS & data entry, including product usage, recipes, ingredients, receivables, adjustments and transfers with the intention of accurate fiscal documentation, by assigned deadlines, as well as exhibits the ability to problem solve based upon conceptual knowledge of our software system.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Exceptional professional written language skills with ability to read, interpret & write such items as reports, summaries, & meeting minutes, as well as the ability to comprehend and support such projects as research and grant writing, product surveys, and our Local School Wellness Policy.
• Tallies all types of meals sold / provided and provides reports to manager for processing.

Nutrition Education

• Assists in implementing nutrition education using school Dining Hall as a learning environment.
• Supports the role of the Nutrition Services Department and its staff as resources for education and information in the area of student nutrition via technology, campus art & posters, training, newsletters, meal surveys, etc.

Food Production

• Qualified and skilled to both support & assume the duties and responsibilities of Cook or Dishwasher, and the ability to determine such needs independently as well as when assigned.
• Ability to adjust production as guided using accurate math skills.

Facility Responsibilities

• Remains alert to large and small equipment needs and communicates with NS manager regarding purchasing, maintenance and repair.
• Qualified and skilled to fully assume the responsibilities of Dishwasher as assigned and perform facility cleaning as directed.

Marketing & Information Technology

• Support Campus / Dining Hall marketing initiatives as assigned, including the use of electronic information systems to provide departmental and nutrition-based information and resources to students, campus staff and families.
• Develops and maintains an exceptional working knowledge of the Nutrition Services (NS) software system.

Position-Specific Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience :

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Administrative support / office experience is required.
• Prior employment as a commercial cook is required.

Additional qualifications:

• Able to pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must have and maintain a current Food Handler Certification which meets the requirements of the New Mexico Environment Department and / or USDA Food Programs or able to obtain this certificate within 30 days of hire.
• Must complete annual USDA required Professional Standards Training hours and NMSD Professional Development Plan on an ongoing basis.
• Experience cooking for a USDA school nutrition program is preferred.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications is required.
• Possess skills in Nutrition Software is preferred.
• Able to follow routine verbal/ASL and written instructions.
• Proficiency in written English.
• Spanish preferred.

General Qualifications and Expectations: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Commitment to Vision - Must be committed to NMSD's Vision, Mission, and Beliefs
• Language Skills - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, and the general public.
• American Sign Language: Proficiency in or willingness to learn American Sign Language required.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs.
• Organization: Must be organized and detail-oriented.
• Analytical: collects and aggregates data for program maintenance and improvement.
• Continuous Learning: Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Job Knowledge: Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
• Use of Technology: Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity. Has a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to think independently, solve problems and work with the whole team.
• Problem Solving: Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works in group problem solving situations.
• Cooperation: Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group problem solving situations.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Diversity: Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics: Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles.
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