Food Service Coordinator

Hmong College Prep Academy•Saint Paul, MN

8d•$40,200 - $67,200•Onsite

About The Position

Hmong College Prep Academy’s mission is to provide the best integrated, challenging, and well-rounded educational experience to students in grades K-12. If you want to make a difference as part of a dynamic educational community, we invite you to apply to join our team at Hmong College Prep Academy where graduates will be rich in experiences, culture, knowledge and pride, and will be ready for the challenges of college and beyond. Position Summary HCPA is a Title I charter school serving students through a school-wide instructional model designed to meet the needs of at-risk learners. The Food Service Coordinator is responsible for a broad range of administrative and operational duties, providing leadership to the Food Service Team and overseeing daily food service operations. This role ensures that student meals are properly portioned, prepared, and served in compliance with departmental guidelines and local, state, and federal rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Additional roles include collaborating with staff across departments, greeting and assisting visitors, managing phone communications and responding to inquiries, drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, supporting administrative staff with student scheduling and registration, organizing and maintaining both paper and electronic records, and other duties.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent, with additional training acquired through relevant work experience or education.
Minimum of two to three (2-3) years of experience in the food service industry, preferably in K–12 school settings.
Current ServSafe Food Certification.
Food Manager Certification.
Experience with menu planning, food preparation, and large-scale meal service operations.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a cooperative, team-oriented educational environment.
Working knowledge of computer operations, software applications, data entry, and data retrieval systems.
Ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and meeting multiple, often competing deadlines, despite frequent interruptions.
Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment within established policies and procedures.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, families, staff, and community members from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively.
Knowledge of school-based programs, functions, and operational procedures, particularly within a Title I environment.
Ability to remain calm and effective in emergency or high-stress situations.
Knowledge of basic first aid procedures.
Demonstrated ability to analyze situations, evaluate options, and implement effective courses of action.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of previous job-related experience
Experience working with children of diverse ethnic backgrounds in an urban school setting

Responsibilities

Lead the Food Service team and oversee daily food service operations to ensure meals are properly prepared, portioned, and served to students.
Ensure all food service operations comply with departmental, local, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Coordinate and support the operation of all federal nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), after-school meal programs, and all other food-related services.
Monitor compliance with program requirements, operational standards, and regulatory guidelines.
Assist with submitting monthly reimbursement claims through CLICS and completing annual program renewal applications.
Assist with completing orders, surveys, and reporting requirements related to Elior, USDA Foods, and the Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
Inventory, receive, and verify food and supply deliveries on a weekly basis during the school year and summer, as applicable.
Collect, certify, and process Applications for Educational Benefits, and notify appropriate staff as required.
Address and resolve food service issues, concerns, and complaints related to meal program operations and federal regulations.
Conduct taste tests; administer staff and student surveys; and support nutrition education workshops and initiatives.
Establish, coordinate, and lead the Food Committee.
Present nutrition programs and information to students, parents, staff, and teachers.
Assist in preparing and distributing bids, quotes, and requests for proposals (RFPs) for food, supplies, and equipment.
Communicate regularly with department leadership regarding operational needs, challenges, and improvements.
Assist with daily opening and/or closing of food service operations.
Prepare sites for and assist with District, State Education Department, and Federal reviews and audits.
Prepare written nutrition and program information for school board members, district administration, principals, and Food Service staff, as directed.
Participate in meetings, workshops, trainings, and seminars to remain informed of current regulations, best practices, and program updates.
Verify and monitor school procedures, including temperature logs, production records, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Monitor, maintain, and update Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as required.
Maintain accurate inventory records and update inventory values in accordance with district and Food Service Department procedures.
Operate standard office equipment and perform clerical duties, including preparing reports and materials from rough drafts.
Collaborate with student clubs and school groups to plan special activities and food-related events.
Coordinate food-related events and delegate responsibilities to team members.
Oversee and assist with the Point of Sale (POS) system, including verifying daily reports and collaborating with IT and Finance departments to establish and manage student accounts.
Develop menus that meet nutritional guidelines and reflect the needs of the school community.
Assist with food preparation, cooking, cleaning, dishwashing, and spill cleanup as needed.
Support kitchen managers with daily operations, including staff training, coaching, performance management, and ongoing support for Nutrition Services employees.
Maintain accurate FFVP production records; assist with ordering weekly fresh fruits and vegetables; and plan FFVP menus.
Make runs to vendors or stores as needed for food items or supplies.
Assist with general office operations as needed, including receiving visitors, handling inquiries, and providing information related to applications or other services.
Demonstrate experience working with children from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds in an urban, Title I school environment.
Work may require evening or weekend hours and occasional travel for special events or trainings.
Promote and support the school’s mission, vision, and values, including participation in internal surveys, data collection, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned