Food Service Associate

The Food Service Associate prepares and serves nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining a safe, sanitary, and efficient kitchen environment. This position supports children's nutritional needs and ensures compliance with USDA requirements, DCF licensing regulations, and Encompass policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with USDA, DCF, DPI, and Encompass policies and procedures.
2. Maintain a safe, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment while ensuring compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements.
3. Monitor and accommodate approved dietary restrictions, food allergies, and special nutritional needs to support the health and well-being of children.
4. Maintain accurate inventory, records, reports, and documentation related to food service operations and regulatory compliance.
5. Communicate effectively with center staff, the Director of Food Services, and Center Leadership regarding food service operations, inventory needs, equipment concerns, and child nutritional requirements.
6. Ensure kitchen equipment, supplies, and food service resources are properly maintained, utilized, and stored.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed primarily in a childcare center kitchen environment. The position requires frequent interaction with center staff and occasional contact with children. Duties involve exposure to kitchen equipment, hot surfaces, refrigeration units, and varying temperatures. The work environment may be fast-paced and requires adherence to food safety, sanitation, and health regulations. Occasional travel between agency locations may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Ability to work in a kitchen environment for extended periods of time. 
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting. 
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently. 
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including exposure to heat, cold, and humidity. 
• Ability to maintain a fast-paced work environment while adhering to safety and sanitation standards.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least 18 years of age in accordance with Wisconsin DCF licensing requirements.
• Prior food service, food preparation, or kitchen experience preferred.
• Food safety or sanitation training preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of food preparation, food safety, and sanitation practices.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, and food service procedures accurately.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required documentation.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to effectively use an iPad and other agency technology.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with children, families, and staff.
• Exhibits agency values in daily work and demonstrates commitment to the agency mission.