Food Service Aide

Position Summary

The Food Service Aide provides support in food preparation, meal service, and kitchen operations to ensure safe, nutritious meals are provided to children. Maintains cleanliness and follows all food safety, sanitation, and program requirements.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

Assist with preparation and serving of meals and snacks according to program guidelines

Follow CACFP requirements and meal patterns for all food service activities

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, food preparation areas, and equipment

Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment as needed

Assist with receiving, storing, and organizing food and supplies

Follow proper food handling, storage, and temperature control procedures

Support meal service in classrooms as needed

Maintain accurate meal counts and required documentation

Assist with inventory and tracking of food supplies

Follow all health, safety, and sanitation regulations

Maintain a clean and organized work environment

Communicate effectively with staff and supervisors

Maintain confidentiality of program and participant information

Attend required trainings and meetings

Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills & Abilities

Core knowledge, competencies, and abilities required to perform the duties of the position effectively.

Demonstrates basic knowledge of food preparation and kitchen practices

Demonstrates understanding of food safety and sanitation requirements

Follows CACFP guidelines and meal service procedures

Maintains cleanliness and organization in kitchen areas

Communicates effectively with staff and supervisors

Works cooperatively as part of a team

Manages daily tasks and responsibilities effectively

Uses sound judgment and demonstrates professionalism

Demonstrates basic math and measurement skills

Demonstrates basic computer or recordkeeping skills, as required

Certificates / Licenses

Required or applicable certifications, licenses, or credentials necessary to perform the position.

Must meet local and state health department requirements

Food safety certification preferred or must be obtained within required timeframe

Work Environment

The typical conditions and setting in which the job is performed.

Kitchen and child care center environment

Regular interaction with staff and children

Standing for extended periods during food preparation and service

Exposure to heat, cleaning chemicals, and kitchen equipment

Moderate noise level

Use of kitchen equipment and basic office tools

Safety Policies & Practices

Safety expectations and procedures that must be followed while performing job duties.

Employees are required to understand and follow all agency safety policies, procedures, and applicable program safety requirements as outlined in written plans, standard operating procedures, training materials, and personnel policies. Employees must immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries, and incidents to management.

Education

Minimum and preferred educational qualifications for the position.

High school diploma or equivalent required

North Carolina child care licensing requirements met for assigned duties

Enrollment in NC Early Childhood Credential or other required child care/Head Start coursework within ninety (90) days of employment or by the next available class offering

Completion of all required credentials and trainings within established timeframes

Experience

Relevant work experience required or preferred for successful job performance.

Experience in food service, childcare, school nutrition, cafeteria, or related setting preferred

Experience working in a licensed child care or early childhood environment preferred

Experience preparing meals, following sanitation standards, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness preferred

Experience working with children or supporting classroom meal service preferred

Other Requirements

Ability to work as part of a team

Ability to interact professionally with children, staff, and external partners

Must pass a criminal background check and substance abuse screening

Ability to follow directions and complete assigned tasks

Ability to maintain cleanliness and organization

Dependable and consistent

Ability to work flexible hours as needed

Conduct Standards

Behavioral expectations and professional standards required of all employees.

Recognizes and shows sensitivity to the cultural, ethnic, social, and individual diversity of those served and the community at large

Maintains strict confidentiality and protects sensitive information at all times

Demonstrates tact, courtesy, and professionalism when representing the agency to clients, families, coworkers, partners, and the public

Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in all work activities

Follows all agency policies, procedures, safety standards, and applicable program requirements

Demonstrates dependability, accountability, punctuality, and consistent work performance

Uses sound judgment and maintains appropriate professional boundaries

Supports a positive, respectful, safe, and productive work environment

Demonstrates commitment to continuous quality improvement and professional growth

Works cooperatively with others to support agency goals and mission

At-Will Statement

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. is an at-will employer. Either the employee or BRCA may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Physical Demands

Physical demands are representative of those required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions.

Stand - F

Walk - F

Sit - O

Handling/Fingering - F

Lift/Carry - O (up to 50 lbs.)

Vision - Near, distance, and peripheral

Bend/Stoop/Twist - F

Kneel/Crouch/Crawl - O