School Nutrition Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Nutrition Assistant

Who we are

Purpose Built Schools, in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools (APS), operates three neighborhood schools in South Atlanta: Slater Elementary School (PreK-5), Price Middle School (6-8) and Carver STEAM Academy (9-12). As a network of partner schools, we have the flexibility and autonomy similar to charter schools, but remain true neighborhood schools that serve every student in our attendance zone.

What Makes Us Different 
Purpose Built Schools Atlanta delivers outstanding results for students and families through high-quality academics, engaging enrichment, holistic supports, and a commitment to neighborhood schools.

• Academics: Project-based learning, STEAM curriculum, small group instruction, AP courses, targeted interventions, and college & career readiness counseling.
• Enrichment: Opportunities in band, dance, aviation, sports, art, robotics, and more to help students explore passions and talents.
• Supports: Partnerships providing wraparound services—mental health, SEL, legal aid, and access to fresh food.
• Neighborhood Schools: Open to every student in our attendance zone, offering a PreK–12 pipeline close to home.

How We Work

At Purpose Built Schools Atlanta, our work is guided by five core values: Wholeness, Excellence, Ownership, Learning, and Community.

• Wholeness – We engage the whole child and the whole employee because we believe in the full potential of every person.
• Excellence – We hold unapologetically high standards for ourselves, our students, and each other.
• Ownership – We take initiative and embrace responsibility for outcomes, assuming accountability for the end results, not just our part.
• Learning – We cultivate a mindset that challenges the status quo, values feedback, and embraces growth and adaptability.
• Community – We know our schools and neighborhoods are stronger when we work together, building authentic partnerships with families and communities.

These values shape how we teach, lead, and serve—ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive on purpose.

Role & Responsibilities

The School Nutrition Assistant sits on the School Nutrition Team and supports the daily operation of the school cafeteria. This person will drive results by:

• Food Preparation & Meal Service (40%)

• Prepare school breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks according to established menus and schedules.
• Withdraw and prepare appropriate amounts of food from inventory each day as directed by the Cafeteria Manager.
• Follow standardized recipes, portion sizes, and food preparation procedures to ensure consistency and quality.
• Set up serving lines and breakfast carts, where applicable, ensuring menu items are available in the proper order, quantities, and temperatures.
• Ensure appropriate serving utensils, condiments, and cutlery are available for meal service.
• Serve appropriate portions and ensure students receive all required meal components in accordance with Offer Versus Serve (OVS) requirements.
• Serve students efficiently and in accordance with established school meal schedules.
• Prepare and serve high-quality, appealing meals that encourage student participation in the School Nutrition Program.

• Sanitation, Food Safety & Equipment (30%)

• Follow all local health department requirements and PBSA procedures related to food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
• Monitor and document temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, milk coolers, prepared foods, and serving-line items as required.
• Notify the Cafeteria Manager of temperature concerns, equipment issues, or other conditions that may impact food safety.
• Complete general cleaning and sanitation responsibilities according to established cleaning schedules.
• Follow appropriate wash, rinse, and sanitize procedures for ware washing.
• Assist in maintaining the security and proper storage of food, supplies, and equipment.
• Safely operate commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, steamers, tilt skillets, sinks, and other food preparation equipment.
• Follow established procedures for the proper use and care of kitchen equipment and promptly report malfunctioning equipment to the Cafeteria Manager.

• Inventory, Receiving & Program Compliance (20%)

• Assist the Cafeteria Manager with receiving incoming food and supply deliveries.
• Stock deliveries and follow established food storage, rotation, and inventory procedures.
• Assist with accurate monthly inventory of purchased food and supplies.
• Maintain the integrity and accountability of the School Nutrition Program by following applicable federal, state, local, USDA, APS, and PBSA requirements.
• Ensure meals served meet applicable reimbursable meal requirements.
• Assist the Cafeteria Manager with required records and reports, including production records, temperature logs, inventory documentation, and other program records.
• Follow established school and department policies, procedures, work schedules, and assigned hours.

• Customer Service & Team Collaboration (10%)

• Provide friendly, professional, and responsive customer service to students, families, staff, visitors, and fellow employees.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with the Cafeteria Manager, school administrators, students, and colleagues.
• Work collaboratively as a member of the School Nutrition Team to support efficient daily cafeteria operations.
• Model PBSA's core values of Wholeness, Excellence, Ownership, Learning, and Community in interactions with students, colleagues, and the school community.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a willingness to support changing operational needs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Cafeteria Manager