Food Service Assistant (20 Hrs) - Haw River Elem 2025-26

School Nutrition Assistant

The School Nutrition Assistant prepares and serves breakfast, lunch and other food to school children and adults in a courteous, customer service-oriented manner. The SNA is responsible for organizing and setting up equipment and workstations per the direction of the SNS Manager. Duties are performed as required by the USDA, health, food service and other regulations and laws. The School Nutrition Aide must demonstrate proper cafeteria equipment operation skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Basic ability to read and speak/understand English and count currency; make change at the register

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• General knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing and serving meats, breads, vegetables and other foods on a large scale
• General knowledge of the use or care of food preparation equipment
• Skill in the use of standardized and specialized kitchen utensils and equipment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, students and school staff
• Able to maintain emotional control
• Ability to keep confidential and exhibit sensitivity to students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch assistance
• Ability to work with others in a close, fast paced environment
• Ability to address customers in a pleasant, courteous manner
• Basic ability to read and speak/understand English and count currency; make change at the register

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Level of education necessary to be able to read and follow written food menus and work schedules.

Certification and License Requirements:

• Valid food handler's certification or card as required by the state and USDA
• Continued participation in food service continuing education courses as required by the USDA
• Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED
• Some experience working in a school cafeteria within the last five (5) years

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Practice personal hygiene and proper sanitation procedures
• Turn on, test and monitor equipment at the beginning of the day
• Prepare food according to written and oral instructions
• Serve breakfast, lunch and a la carte items
• Handle cashiering responsibilities including food and ticket sales and serving a la carte items
• Replenish food and maintain clean serving areas
• Monitor food and equipment temperatures at all times
• Exhibit courtesy and understanding to all staff, students and customers
• Perform dishwashing duties of cooking, serving and eating utensils and tools
• Set up and break down serving areas
• Receive, stock and rotate incoming and outgoing inventory
• Participate in formal and informal training
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of sanitation practices
• Exhibit professional behavior of a reliable employee
• Perform preparation duties for the next day
• Maintain a neat, clean and safe work environment
• Participate in marketing promotions and special events for students, adults and the community
• Sign in and work according to a designated time schedule
• Perform additional duties as requested by the School Nutrition Manager