Food Service Assistant-Kennett, MO

UMOS•Kennett, MO

About The Position

The Food Service Assistant helps prepare nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and supplemental snacks according to approved menus and standardized recipes. Menu changes are limited to special-diet needs or changes approved by a dietician, and revised menus must be documented. The role also supports kitchen sanitation, equipment inventory, food and non-food purchasing and inventory, food preparation and storage, meal-count records, and accurate portioning in accordance with age-group needs and USDA guidelines. The assistant participates in training for basic meals and special-diet preparation for children with dietary concerns, and supports parent and community engagement by preparing food for activities. The position may include travel to provide support or technical assistance to other locations, attendance at program activities, and short-term classroom or playground relief for teaching staff. Employment is contingent on a criminal background check. Required health examinations, training, and food-safety coursework must be completed within the stated timeframes.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Employment references must be provided.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check before employment.
Complete a physical exam and TB test showing absence of Tuberculosis within 30 days of employment, or sooner if required by local or state regulation.
Complete approved Shaken Baby Training before working with children.
Complete Fire Extinguisher Training, Infant/Child CPR, and First Aid within 30 days, or sooner if required by local or state regulation.
Complete a four-hour course in kitchen sanitation, food handling, and nutrition before assuming kitchen duties; renew annually.
Ability to work irregular and/or flexible hours.
Dependable transportation to and from work.

Nice To Haves

GED and/or high school diploma preferred.
Ability to read and write preferred.
At least three months of food-service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare nutritious meals and supplemental snacks according to approved menus, standardized recipes, and required schedules.
Modify menus only to address special diets or with dietician approval, and document revised menus.
Clean and sanitize kitchen areas, equipment, and food-storage areas in accordance with state licensing codes, USDA guidelines, and UMOS sanitation guidelines.
Assist with equipment inventory and disposition at the beginning and end of the season.
Assist with purchasing and inventory of food and non-food items and maintain adequate kitchen supplies.
Handle and store food appropriately and use basic equipment to weigh and measure food.
Maintain food-service records, including daily meal counts.
Participate in training for basic meal and special-diet preparation for children with dietary concerns.
Distribute food and serve correct portions to each child according to age group and USDA guidelines.
Prepare meals for parent and community activities, including parent meetings, open houses, and fatherhood activities.
Report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with state law and UMOS policies and procedures.
Provide support or technical assistance to other locations, with some travel required.
Attend staff meetings, trainings, parent activities, and other assigned program activities.
Provide short-term classroom or playground relief for teaching staff as necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.