Food Service Aide

Food Service AideThe Food Service Aide provides support in food preparation, meal service, and kitchen operations to ensure safe, nutritious meals are provided to children. Maintains cleanliness and follows all food safety, sanitation, and program requirements.Essential Duties / ResponsibilitiesAssist with preparation and serving of meals and snacks according to program guidelinesFollow CACFP requirements and meal patterns for all food service activitiesMaintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, food preparation areas, and equipmentWash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment as neededAssist with receiving, storing, and organizing food and suppliesFollow proper food handling, storage, and temperature control proceduresSupport meal service in classrooms as neededMaintain accurate meal counts and required documentationAssist with inventory and tracking of food suppliesFollow all health, safety, and sanitation regulationsMaintain a clean and organized work environmentCommunicate effectively with staff and supervisorsMaintain confidentiality of program and participant informationAttend required trainings and meetingsPerform other related duties as assignedSkills & AbilitiesCore knowledge, competencies, and abilities required to perform the duties of the position effectively.Demonstrates basic knowledge of food preparation and kitchen practicesDemonstrates understanding of food safety and sanitation requirementsFollows CACFP guidelines and meal service proceduresMaintains cleanliness and organization in kitchen areasCommunicates effectively with staff and supervisorsWorks cooperatively as part of a teamManages daily tasks and responsibilities effectivelyUses sound judgment and demonstrates professionalismDemonstrates basic math and measurement skillsDemonstrates basic computer or recordkeeping skills, as requiredCertificates / LicensesRequired or applicable certifications, licenses, or credentials necessary to perform the position.Must meet local and state health department requirementsFood safety certification preferred or must be obtained within required timeframeWork EnvironmentThe typical conditions and setting in which the job is performed.Kitchen and child care center environmentRegular interaction with staff and childrenStanding for extended periods during food preparation and serviceExposure to heat, cleaning chemicals, and kitchen equipmentModerate noise levelUse of kitchen equipment and basic office toolsSafety Policies & PracticesSafety expectations and procedures that must be followed while performing job duties.Employees are required to understand and follow all agency safety policies, procedures, and applicable program safety requirements as outlined in written plans, standard operating procedures, training materials, and personnel policies. Employees must immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries, and incidents to management.EducationMinimum and preferred educational qualifications for the position.High school diploma or equivalent requiredNorth Carolina child care licensing requirements met for assigned dutiesEnrollment in NC Early Childhood Credential or other required child care/Head Start coursework within ninety (90) days of employment or by the next available class offeringCompletion of all required credentials and trainings within established timeframesExperienceRelevant work experience required or preferred for successful job performance.Experience in food service, childcare, school nutrition, cafeteria, or related setting preferredExperience working in a licensed child care or early childhood environment preferredExperience preparing meals, following sanitation standards, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness preferredExperience working with children or supporting classroom meal service preferredOther RequirementsAbility to work as part of a teamAbility to interact professionally with children, staff, and external partnersMust pass a criminal background check and substance abuse screeningAbility to follow directions and complete assigned tasksAbility to maintain cleanliness and organizationDependable and consistentAbility to work flexible hours as neededConduct StandardsBehavioral expectations and professional standards required of all employees.Recognizes and shows sensitivity to the cultural, ethnic, social, and individual diversity of those served and the community at largeMaintains strict confidentiality and protects sensitive information at all timesDemonstrates tact, courtesy, and professionalism when representing the agency to clients, families, coworkers, partners, and the publicDemonstrates honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in all work activitiesFollows all agency policies, procedures, safety standards, and applicable program requirementsDemonstrates dependability, accountability, punctuality, and consistent work performanceUses sound judgment and maintains appropriate professional boundariesSupports a positive, respectful, safe, and productive work environmentDemonstrates commitment to continuous quality improvement and professional growthWorks cooperatively with others to support agency goals and missionAt-Will StatementThis job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. is an at-will employer. Either the employee or BRCA may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.Physical DemandsPhysical demands are representative of those required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions.Stand - FWalk - FSit - OHandling/Fingering - FLift/Carry - O (up to 50 lbs.)Vision - Near, distance, and peripheralBend/Stoop/Twist - FKneel/Crouch/Crawl - O