RESPONSIBLE TO: Program Director

JOB DESCRIPTION: The YWCA of Greater Memphis Domestic Violence Shelter enjoys a large spacious kitchen and dining room where round tables are filled with children and their parent eating meals together up to three times a day. The YW Memphis Shelter likes to see the meals the families share as: The Nutrition in Action Hour. It is the Nutritionist Advocate’s job to ensure that

delicious and well-prepared meals are offered to the children and their parent at every meal. The Nutritionist Advocate ensures that the dining room is a welcoming place for families to be together and often eat foods they have never been provided in the poverty and violence-stricken homes from which so many of the residents have fled. The Nutrition in Action Hour is an integral part of the Trauma Informed approach that the YW takes in all aspects of its programming. The Nutritionist Advocate plays a key role in facilitating healing and health to victims of domestic violence and their dependents.

Essential Job Duties:

• Plans, prepares and serves meals to 78+ residents according to a meal schedule.

• Maintains an accurate count of inventory and communicates with program manager when inventory needs to be replenished.

• Ensures the kitchen area remains clean per Memphis Shelby County Health department standards.

• Ensures that all three meals served at the Shelter are prepared and presented in both an efficient manner and with a pleasing presentation.

• Coordinate with the Resident Manager to be available to talk with families about the food they are enjoying and answer any questions they might have about preparation and food nutrients.

• Facilitates nutrition education and presentations in conjunction with Shelter Advocates for residents to learn nutritional needs for themselves and their children.

• Offers occasional consultations, in conjunction with Shelter Advocates for nutrition advice and for the importance of meal sharing with their children.

• Maintains accurate documentation of temperature and menu track logs.

• Ensures that items are being rotated per established procedures.

• Restocks the kitchen for subsequent shifts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as primary liaison between the YWCA, MPD, Shelby County Sheriff's Office, and other  community partners. 

• Oversees LAP screening, response, and referral systems. 

• Ensures staff compliance with LAP protocols and trauma-informed practices. • Coordinates technical assistance and training with MNADV. 

• Analyzes data and prepares regular reports for stakeholders and funders. • Develops and implements standard operating procedures to ensure consistent and effective  LAP service delivery across partner sites. 

• Provides supervision, coaching, and professional development opportunities for LAP advocates  and response team staff. 

• Coordinates emergency response and follow-up with law enforcement for high-risk victims  identified through the LAP screening process. 

• Collaborates with partner agencies to strengthen referral pathways for shelter, counseling,  relocation, and wraparound victim services. 

• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings, task forces, and community engagement events to  promote LAP awareness and cross-system collaboration. 

• Maintains accurate documentation, case management records, and compliance with  confidentiality and data-sharing agreements. 

• Supports budget tracking and reporting in coordination with the Finance and Grants  Management teams to ensure adherence to OCJP and grant fiscal standards. • Assists with community outreach, education, and prevention initiatives related to domestic  violence intervention and public safety. 

• Evaluates program outcomes and recommends adjustments based on data trends, stakeholder  feedback, and performance indicators.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s degree, High school diploma or GED required

• An understanding of the relationship between Trauma and how healthy food can assist in physical and emotional healing.

• Culinary and/or Serve Safe Certification is a plus

• Minimum of 3 years relevant knowledge and experience in large quantity meal preparation

• Must have knowledge of State of Tennessee and Federal guidelines and requirements for safe handling of food and food storage

• Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• An understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and the role that the Nutrition in Action Hour plays in the overall programming of the YW Shelter Services.

• Ability to function effectively in a high energy environment

• Ability to work independently

• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (% OF TIME SPENT PERFORMING REQUIREMENTS):

• Time spent walking- 10%

• Time spent sitting- 10%

• Time spent lifting objects- 60%

• Must be able to lift 30lbs

• Time spent standing- 75%

• Time spent working on computer- 25%

CONCLUSION:

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

EEOC STATEMENT:

It is the policy of YWCA Greater Memphis to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap or veteran status or status within any other protected group.

Please email your cover letter and resume to the hiring team. In your email, include your contact information and the best time to reach you. Please use the position you are applying for as the subject line of your email.