Food Service Assistant - Kennett, Missouri (14.32/HR)

Food Service Assistant - Kennett, Missouri

Job Category: HeadStart educational service providers Supervisor: Aimee Sierra Requisition Number: TEMPL002848

Posted: April 1, 2026

Full-Time

On-site

Rate: $14.32 USD per hour

Kennett, MO 63857, USA

Job Details

Employment references must be provided.

Food Service Assistant Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist in preparing nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, and supplemental snacks in accordance with the approved menu utilizing standardized recipes at required times and modifying menus only when addressing specials diets and/or obtaining approval by dietician and documenting revised menu.
2. Assist in cleaning and sanitizing all equipment, food storage areas and kitchen in accordance with state licensing codes, USDA guidelines and UMOS Sanitary program guidelines.
3. Assist in implementing UMOS system of equipment inventory and disposition at the beginning and end of the season.
4. Assist in implementing UMOS purchasing and inventory system for requisition of food and non-food items, and ensure adequate supplies are maintained in the kitchen on an ongoing basis.
5. Assist with food preparation activities by using appropriate practice for handling & storing food and being able to use basic equipment for weighing and measuring food.
6. Assist in the maintenance of food service records to include daily meal count.
7. Participate in training for basic meals and special diets preparation in accordance with IFSP/IEP and in-house staffing goals in working with children with specific dietary concerns.
8. Assist with food distribution and ensure correct portions are being served to each child as per age group and USDA guidelines.
9. As part of the PFCEF, support parent engagement efforts through meal preparation for parent/community activities such as parent meetings, open houses, fatherhood activities.
10. Report suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with state law and UMOS policies and procedures.
11. Provide support or T/TA to other locations with some travel requirements.
12. Attend all staff meetings, trainings, parent activities and other program activities as assigned.
13. As necessary, responsible for providing short-term relief (breaks) for teaching staff in the classroom or playground.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. GED and/or high school diploma, preferred.
3. Preferred ability to read and write.
4. Minimum of three months of food service experience preferred.
5. Ability to work irregular and/or flexible hours.
6. Have dependable transportation to and from work.

Work Environment, Physical, and Sensory Demands:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

1. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and bend.
2. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 30 lbs.
3. Occasionally required to drive.
4. Frequently exposed to moderate temperature generally encountered in a controlled temperature environment.

Tools & Equipment Used:

1. Phones
2. Fax machine, copy machine, calculator.
3. First aid equipment, fire extinguisher, fire suppression system.
4. Commercial stove, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher.
5. Blenders, food scales, sharp knives.

*Usage varies by position.

Additional Eligibility Requirements: Employment with UMOS is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check prior to employment. In accordance with licensing regulation, must complete a physical exam and TB test showing absence of Tuberculosis within 30 days of employment or sooner as required by local/state regulation. Must complete approved Shaken Baby Training prior to working with children, Fire Extinguisher Training, Infant/Child CPR and First Aid within 30 days or sooner as required by local/state regulation. Complete 4-hour course in kitchen sanitation, food handling and nutrition prior to assuming kitchen duties; renewed annually.

UMOS is an equal opportunity Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Qualifications

Education

High School or better.

Licenses & Certifications

Serve Safe Certification

Food Handler License

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.