FOOD SERVICE PERSONNEL - POSITION AVAILABLE JUNE 2025

POSITION: Food Service Personnel

REPORTS TO: Program Coordinator

SALARY: As per agency salary schedule FLSA: Non-Exempt

HYBRID WORK: Ineligible

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Standard #1: Competence in Knowledge for the Position

A. Creates an environment of mutual respect, rapport, and fairness.

• Tone is generally positive, calm, and supportive.
• Provides warmth, sensitivity, and nurturance to children.
• Provides positive, descriptive feedback to children.
• Provides support to children’s language development including English Language Learners.

B. Sets and communicates high expectations for social, behavioral, and academic success of all children.

• Uses visuals to support routines, schedules, and transitions.
• Maintains a safe and healthy environment.
• Provides simple, short, specific directions that state expected behavior.

C. Creates a safe and healthy environment.

• Maintains an inviting, well organized kitchen to meet regulatory guidelines.
• Develops daily schedule/routine for their assigned duties.

Standard #2: Professional Growth

A. Demonstrates habits and skills of continuous inquiry and learning.

• Open-mindedness, seeks and accepts feedback.
• Takes advantage of opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.
• Assesses own practices and develops goals for growth on a Professional Development Plan.

B. Works collaboratively to improve professional practices and children’s learning.

• Teams with others to develop strategies that positively impact children’s nutritional needs.
• Utilizes ideas and expertise of others to increase effectiveness as a professional.

Standard #3: Professional Responsibility to Program

A. Adheres to UDMO and program policies and procedures including other regulations.

• Implements State regulations, grant requirements and UDMO and Head Start Policies and Procedures.
• Abides by ethical code of conduct.
• Complies with Child and Adult Food Program regulations and documentation.
• Demonstrates knowledge of food sanitization methods, food preparation, and nutritional guidelines.
• Cleans, sanitizes and documents cleaning & sanitation of kitchen, equipment, and dining areas.
• Assists in ensuring children’s special dietary needs are met.

B. Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for all children and staff.

• Employs a culturally competent and flexible approach when working with those from various cultures by accommodating differences.
• Shares information through proper chains of command.
• Ensures family confidentiality.
• Models effective daily practices.

C. Collaborates with families, colleagues, and communities to enhance children’s learning environment.

• Demonstrates team building skills.
• Maintains professionalism in relationships by establishing appropriate boundaries.
• Works with classroom staff to coordinate meal service.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Access, input and retrieve information from computer.
• File and organize Head Start information.
• Inventory supplies and equipment.
• Familiarity with computer knowledge and skills in computer operations.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required.
• Viable means of transportation, and evidence of insurance, valid Iowa driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Prefer High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous food preparation, purchasing and menu planning.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work as an effective team member.
• Knowledge of HS Performance Standards, State licensing rules, NAEYC Accreditation, and CACFP.
• Certifications: Mandatory Reporter, CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions. Serve Safe if required per site.
• Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force on occasion, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, including some duties requiring repetitive motion skills, such as keyboarding and computer use.
• Initial physical and one every 3 years thereafter.
• Viable means of transportation, and evidence of insurance, valid Iowa driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Essential duties are intended to describe those functions essential to the performance of this job, and “other’ duties include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.