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

1. Assist with preparation and serving of meals and snacks according to program guidelines
2. Follow CACFP requirements and meal patterns for all food service activities
3. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, food preparation areas, and equipment
4. Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment as needed
5. Assist with receiving, storing, and organizing food and supplies
6. Follow proper food handling, storage, and temperature control procedures
7. Support meal service in classrooms as needed
8. Maintain accurate meal counts and required documentation
9. Assist with inventory and tracking of food supplies
10. Follow all health, safety, and sanitation regulations
11. Maintain a clean and organized work environment
12. Communicate effectively with staff and supervisors
13. Maintain confidentiality of program and participant information
14. Attend required trainings and meetings
15. 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