Nutrition Aide

Position Overview

The Nutrition Aide assists with the kitchen duties and in preparing nutrition for Head Start centers, including, but not limited to pre-school age and infant children. The Aide prepares and serves meals to the student; monitors the number of meals served; and distributes meals as needed. He/She maintains kitchen cleanliness at all times.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Physical Demands

Work involves frequent requirements to move about the kitchen area and the facility. Work involves using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers while operating standard kitchen equipment. Work requires a high level of daily repetitive motions with hands and arms in food preparation and delivery activities. Must be able to crouch and squat to retrieve items from lower shelves; must be able to reach in order to retrieve utensils and food items from storage shelves and from van beds.

Must be able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction; the ability to make fine discriminations in sound. Work requires close visual acuity and the ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus.

Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue; must be able to stand and walk continuously for most of the shift.

Work requires frequent bending and lifting of bulk foods, food bins and hot food caddies; must be able to lift from the floor up to 50 pounds.

Mental Demands

Must demonstrate good communication and speaking skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must demonstrate written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in complex situations is required. Must be able maintain strict meal schedules.

Must have good personal hygiene.

Special Demands

Must possess superior customer service skills. Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient).

Must be able to use a variety of kitchen equipment: range, dishwasher, food slicer, mixer, grater, grinder, electric knife and sharpener, lettuce/tomato cutter, steamer, deep fat fryer, food processor, etc.

Experience

Experienced in large-scale food production, including sanitation and safety procedures, USDA and other food service documentation, preferred.

License / Certification(s)

ServSafe Certification preferred.

Must have a valid drivers’ license and a satisfactory driving record.