Dietitian/Menu Planner

Primary Purpose:

Responsible for planning and managing menus in compliance with the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program requirements. Conduct nutritional analysis of all recipes and menus to ensure nutritional adequacy for students of all abilities and dietary needs.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food & Nutrition, Dietetics, or closely related field
• Registered Dietitian preferred
• Texas Food Handler Certification or the ability to obtain within 30 days

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and nutritional data.
• Ability to effectively multitask, prioritize responsibilities, maintain attention to detail, and meet established goals and deadlines.
• Knowledge of special dietary requirements for students with life-threatening allergies or disabilities.
• Skill in recipe standardization, development, and testing to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Ability to present information clearly and confidently to small and large groups.

Experience:  

Minimum one year of experience in menu planning, food purchasing, and preparation of foods in a public-school setting.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Plan and ensure menus meet USDA and TDA nutritional requirements while remaining fiscally responsible and well-accepted by students.
2. In collaboration with the Director of School Nutrition, serve as the primary liaison between the department and food vendors.
3. Obtain, review, and maintain all nutritional data related to menus and products.
4. Manage menus, production records, and inventory within the department’s software system.
5. Develop individualized special-diet menus for students with life-threatening allergies or disabilities, based on physician documentation.
6. Communicate diet modifications with parents/guardians and notify appropriate school personnel.
7. Collaborate with school nurses regarding student diet and menu modifications.
8. Maintain and manage allergy alerts within the software system.
9. Train food service staff on safe service practices for students with allergies and other special-diet needs.
10. Assist the Director of School Nutrition with forecasting annual food and non-food purchases.
11. Assist with commodity planning and ordering.
12. Authorize approved substitutions from grocery suppliers and campuses.
13. Approve all foods offered for à la carte and vending sales.
14. Ensure the School Nutrition Department is compliant with the District Wellness Policy.
15. Serve on the District Student Health Advisory Council.
16. Coordinate promotional activities supporting TDA initiatives, including National School Lunch Week, School Breakfast Week, and other recognized events.
17. Manage all documentation supporting menus and production records, including Child Nutrition Labels and Product Formulation Statements.
18. Create a monthly department newsletter for parents and district stakeholders and submit it to designated personnel for publication.
19. Manage digital menu boards and serving-line signage.
20. Maintain documentation required for federal, state, and local audits.
21. Participate in professional development to remain current on school nutrition practices and regulations.
22. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of School Nutrition or designee.      

Supervisory Responsibilities:    

None           

Equipment Used:

Computer, printer, copier, fax machine, and calculator.

Working Conditions:

Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions.  Repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer. Frequent in district travel. Continuous sitting and standing.