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.

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No