Food Service Provider

Food Service Provider - Full Time

Food Service Providers are responsible for assisting in providing nutritious meals as prescribed by USDA/CACFP regulations. This position is able to work with a Nutrition Manager and Health Manager to create menus and establish healthy eating patterns. In addition this position may be required to help complete all paperwork in compliance with the federal food program CACFP.

Carry out duties in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center-Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, NAEYC, and NEKCA Standard of conduct.

Complete NEKCA Performance Evaluations, Professional Development Self-Assessment, and in partnership with supervisor, Individualized Professional Development Plan

Be aware of indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and program Child Protection Protocol

Participate in center staff meetings, monthly content area meetings, pre-service, and in-services and incorporate relevant knowledge and skills into practice

Attend and participate in staff, agency, and service provider meetings deemed necessary for job performance

May help prepare and post each week's menu at center

Pick up and deliver breakfast and lunch at regularly established times for enrolled children/staff and adults in center and assist in serving family-style.

Ensure meals are at least 2 hours apart but not more than 3 hours apart

Assist at mealtime with children if requested

Assist with cleaning dishes, utensils and eating areas for the purpose of maintaining sanitary conditions and meeting health and safety requirements

Actively participate in program and family/child staffing as requested

Prepare and serve a snack for children, parent/guardians, staff and community members at playgroups according to center plan

Plan and prepare afternoon snack for enrolled children and staff in full-day programs

Complete on a daily basis the following paperwork:

Food Services Provider's Daily Attendance Child and Adult, Meal Count Sheet, and CACFP Weekly Meal Record and submit by the end of the month.

Submit Food Inventory paperwork by the end of September, November, February and May

Complete equipment inventory and submit with end-of-month paperwork in May

Follow program and Early Childhood Program Licensing Regulations' sanitation requirements; complete and submit Monthly Sanitation Checklist

Sweep and mop kitchen floor daily

Provide monthly menu to parents/guardians reflecting what is being served daily

Coordinate with classroom staff to include children in meal preparation and daily service on a rotating basis

Plan and coordinate nutrition education activities with program staff for classroom and Early Head Start families according to program Nutrition Plan.

Provide breaks for classroom staff following center plan

Plan and conduct kitchen volunteer/substitute training for parents/guardians and community members to assist them in understanding food service routines, sanitation requirements and the program Nutrition Plan regarding food service.

Oversee collection and maintenance of and/or support in maintaining compost system

Offer ongoing communication with parents/guardians

In partnership with center team, participate in collecting and documenting non-federal share

The responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the role and its expectations. While this description is comprehensive, it should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and tasks that may be required of the employee. The organization reserves the right to assign other tasks or responsibilities as needed, and this role's responsibilities may evolve in response to changes in the organization's goals and priorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for success in this dynamic work environment.

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

GED or High School Diploma

2 years relevant experience

Physical Exam/TB Screening

Core Competencies:

Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community.

Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.

This position is considered a mandated reporter.

Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent)

Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.

Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.

Maintain confidentiality.

Complete all required trainings and professional development.

Core Values:

Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA's Core Values.

Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change.

Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community.

Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes.

Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community.

Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout.

Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct.

Maintain participant confidentiality and ensuring participant safety.

Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers.

Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users.

In person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor.

Be respectful and sensitive to participant's unique situations and challenges.

Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission.

Background Checks: Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, and criminal records.

Transportation Requirements: This position requires that employees possess a valid driver's license, favorable driving record results and have access to dependable transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Noise Levels: Restaurants and kitchens can be noisy environments, especially during peak hours.

Physical Demands: Physical demands can include lifting heavy boxes, standing for long periods carrying trays, and performing repetitive tasks such as chopping, stirring, or cleaning.

Temperature Extremes: Depending on the role, employees may be exposed to extreme temperatures, especially those working in kitchens near stoves, ovens, or grills.

Cleanliness and Hygiene: Food service workers are expected to adhere to strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. This includes personal hygiene as well as maintaining a clean work environment.

Safety Regulations: Employees must follow safety regulations, particularly in kitchens where there are potential hazards such as hot surfaces, sharp tools, and heavy equipment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.