On-Call Food Service Assistant

About Akin Akin partners with children, families, and communities to build relationships and support well‑being so everyone can thrive. Through our early learning programs, we create inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. Position Summary Assists in preparing and distributing meals and snacks to classrooms in accordance with Child and Adult Care Food Program regulations (CACFP) or other applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Assists the Food Service Specialist in kitchen and food service operations. Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities. Essential Functions Food Preparation: Assists in preparation of meals and snacks for the childcare center, working under the direction of the Food Service Specialist. Food Service: Assists in the distribution of meals & snacks to classrooms; helps classroom employees in family‑style meal service to ensure that each child receives portions to meet CACFP meal pattern requirements; helps assist children in dishing up food following the family‑style service pattern. Sanitation and Safety: Prepares and maintains a routine cleaning schedule that complies with requirements under local, state, and federal laws/regulations; follows proper techniques when washing and sanitizing cooking utensils and dishes; demonstrates good personal hygiene and grooming, including dress, appearance, and personal habits; utilizes proper hand‑washing procedures; maintains safe and sanitary conditions when storing, preparing, and serving food; reports safety hazards to center management; inspects refrigerator, freezer, and dry storage areas regularly; maintains correct food temperatures during preparation and service to meet sanitation requirements. Communication and Management: Has excellent communication skills and works cooperatively with center employees and management; helps create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth and personal interest for children; attends training classes and workshops and follows supervisor instructions in preparing and serving food; promotes food and nutrition education through positive comments to center employees, parents, and children; applies problem‑solving skills to maintain an efficient food production system. Record Keeping: Assists the Food Service Specialist in maintaining food production records and meal count sheets according to local, state, and federal regulations. Performance Standards: Meets performance standards for Head Start and CACFP regarding food preparation, menu planning, and food service and nutrition education. Other Duties as Assigned: Performs other duties as assigned by center management when appropriate and needed. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to assist the Food Service Specialist in meal & snack preparation. Proficiency in MS Office and other software used by the agency and/or program. Familiarity with or interest in the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; experience working successfully with colleagues, clients, or communities from a variety of backgrounds. Demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace environment. Work Environment Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, requiring following basic safety precautions. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Physical Demands May require handling objects that can weigh up to 50 lbs. Stand for long periods of time. Repeat the same movements. Walk or run for long periods of time. Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Bend or twist body. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma, GED, or proof of completion of high school education. Proof of physical exam within past 12 months (updated every three years). One‑step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment, unless written proof of a negative test within past 12 months; for those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x‑ray must be provided. Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer. Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting. Required Within 30 Days of Hire CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification. HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training. Food Handler’s Permit. Other assigned trainings. Preferred Qualifications Understanding and application of CACFP, USDA, and other state and local regulations. Ability to work well as a member of a team. Food Handler’s Permit. CPR and First Aid Certification. Salary Range and Benefits We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental, and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position. The target starting pay for this position is $18.819 – $21.636 per hour, typically within the first half of this range. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account. The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position. Commitment to Equity and Inclusion Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr