Food Service Student Assistant (Children's Programs)

Definition and Purpose 

Under the direct supervision of the Food Program Supervisor, the Food Service Student Assistant prepares meals from scratch following the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. The ASI Children’s Center Food Program provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks to 132 children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. The Food Service Student Assistant will learn the importance of supporting the children’s relationships, autonomy and exposure through nutritious meals.   

ASI is committed to supporting the aspirations of the University Learning Objectives. Our employees are expected to make reasoned decisions based on ethics, respect for diversity, and an awareness of issues of sustainability. Additionally, they will work productively as individuals and in groups while communicating effectively.  

Educational and Qualifying Experience, Skills, Licenses, Credentials 

• Must be a currently enrolled student at Cal Poly with a minimum of 6 units. Graduate students must carry 4 units. 
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions 
• Ability to communicate knowledge and collaborate with others 
• Must be able to work safely and maintain sanitation standards at all times 
• Ability to work at part of a team 
• Provide quality customer service for all staff, fellow students, and families. 
• Reliable, self-motivated and works well with minimal supervision. 
• Must possess strong attention to detail, exceptional record-keeping abilities, and excellent time management skills. 
• Coursework in Food Science and Nutrition preferred 
• Food Safety and Sanitation Training preferred 
• Knowledge of nutritional needs of children under 5 preferred 
• Previous kitchen or cooking experience preferred 
• Must pass fingerprints and criminal record clearance upon hiring 
• Must provide proof of good physical condition MMR and Pertussis immunization and a negative tuberculosis (TB) test 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• None 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Nutrition Management 

• Prepare food following Menu and standardized preparation guidelines 
• Assure meals are delivered to classrooms on time and foods are served at appropriate temperature 
• Routine cleaning, organization, and maintenance of all food program-related equipment and the service area 
• Assist in recording meal components on Record and Menu Production Worksheet 
• Ability to lift 50 pounds 
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time 
• Maintain sanitary conditions for food preparation and ensure a safe environment for all participants. Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and retreats 
• Adhere to and enforce all ASI departmental policies and procedures 
• Maintain familiarity with evacuation plan for work area 
• Maintain prompt hours and follow Children’s Center absence procedures 
• Handle confidential information according to ASI policies and procedures 
• Demonstrate ASI values in workplace demeanor and performance 

Diversity and Inclusion 

• Recommend and support practices intended to eliminate racial, gender, or any other form of bias in processes, policies, and procedures.  
• Demonstrate awareness of one’s own biases, comfort levels, and various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).  
• Demonstrate effort to understand each person’s individual and collective role in creating inclusive environments.  
• Participate in trainings and activities provided by ASI as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

Other Duties and Responsibilities 

• The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in ASI policy as a condition of their employment. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Background Check 

This position is subject to a background check (including criminal records) as well as National Address Locater (Social Security Number [SSN] Trace), 7 year County Criminal Search in each county and/or state the applicant lived in based on the SSN Trace, National Criminal Database Search, Name Search, Employment Verification (All employers in past 7 years) and Education Verification (Highest Degree). Credit Reports, Motor Vehicle Record Check and Professional License Verification may also be required based upon the essential functions of the position. 

Salary Schedule 

• Hourly Pay Rate: $16.50 per hour 
• Hourly Pay Range: $16.50 per hour - $16.50 per hour 

Requires a minimum availability of 3 consecutive quarters of work availability

The Associated Students, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Date revised: 7/17/2024