Food Service Assistant

#### **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 guidelines. 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

- Help assists classroom employee in family-style meal service to ensure that each child will receive portions to meet CACFP meal pattern requirements

- Help assist children in dishing up food following the family-style service pattern

**Sanitation and Safety**

- Prepare and maintain a routine cleaning schedule that complies with requirements as specified under local, state, and federal laws/regulations

- Must be able to follow proper techniques when washing and sanitizing cooking utensils and dishes

- Good personal hygiene and grooming will be demonstrated including dress, appearance, and personal habits

- Proper hand-washing procedures will be utilized

- Safe and sanitary conditions will be maintained when storing, preparing, and serving food

- All safety hazards will be reported to the center management

- Refrigerator, freezer, and dry storage areas will be inspected regularly to maintain safe and sanitary food and supply storage

- Food will be maintained at correct temperatures during food preparation and food service to meet sanitation requirements

**Communication and Management**

- Must have excellent communication skills and work cooperatively with center employee and management

- Help assist in creating and maintaining an atmosphere of warmth and personal interest for the children in the center

- Attend job related training classes and workshops and follow supervisor's instructions in preparing and serving food

- Food and nutrition education will be promoted through positive comments to center employees, parents, and children

- Ability to utilize problem solving skills to appropriately maintain an efficient food production system

**Record Keeping**

- Assist the Food Service Specialist in maintaining food production records and meal count sheets according to local, state and federal regulations

**Performance Standards**

- Performance standards for Head Start and CACFP will be met in regard to food preparation, menu planning, and food service and nutrition education

**Other Duties as Assigned**

- Perform other duties as assigned by center management when appropriate and needed

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#### **KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:**

- Ability to assist Food Service Specialist in meal & snack preparation

- Must possess strong human relations skills to communicate and work effectively within a culturally diverse work environment and community

- Proficient in MS Office and other software used by the agency and/or program

- Ability to embrace and support Akin's commitment to fostering an inclusive organization

#### **WORK ENVIRONMENT:**

Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions

Work may involve moderate exposure to unus