Food Service Worker

Food Service Worker – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: St. Augustine, Florida - St. Augustine Youth Academy 
Job Type: Full-Time 
Pay: $19.00/hr

About Youth Opportunity & St. Augustine Youth Academy

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. St. Augustine Youth Academy in St. Augustine, Florida, is a secure 70-bed Youth Academy serving males ages 13 to 17, providing trauma-informed care for mental health and substance abuse treatment needs. The center integrates clinical therapy, education, restorative justice, therapeutic recreation, and life skills development. Youth typically stay according to individual treatment progress, engaging in individual, family, and group therapy; victim impact awareness; pre-vocational preparation; and enrichment activities including art, music, and recreation. Small group living units and licensed dietitian-managed nutrition promote stabilization and successful community reintegration.

Position Summary – Food Service Worker Job in St. Augustine, Florida 

We are hiring a Food Service Worker to support kitchen operations at St. Augustine Youth Academy. This role is ideal for individuals with experience in institutional or large-volume cooking who want to contribute to a positive, youth-focused environment. You will prepare meals, maintain cleanliness and safety standards, and help ensure nutritional needs are met within a secure residential facility.

Food Service Worker Job Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting


• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period


• Free RX delivery on most medications


• Tuition reimbursement and professional development


• Robust Employee Assistance Program


• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

• Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth


• Work in a trauma-informed, structured, and supportive residential environment


• Contribute to the health and well-being of youth through quality food service


• Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

Food Service Worker Responsibilities

• Prepare all food items according to daily menus and recipes while maintaining quality, sanitation, and safety standards


• Review menus and production sheets for substitutions and preparation needs


• Cook soups, entrees, vegetables, and desserts as assigned


• Set up service areas and pass-through windows as needed


• Prepare baked goods or desserts for the following day


• Properly store and date leftovers to meet health and safety guidelines


• Clean cooking utensils, including pots and pans, and maintain a clean work environment


• Follow “clean as you go” procedures to prevent accidents and maintain kitchen organization

Other Duties Include

• Participate in training and development activities as required


• Perform other duties as assigned or needed

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred


• Ability to pass background check and drug screen


• Ability to read recipes and perform basic mathematical calculations


• Familiarity with nutritional, sanitation, and safety guidelines in food preparation

Preferred Experience

• 6+ months experience in institutional or large-volume cookery


• Experience in food preparation techniques and sanitation standards


• ServSafe certification strongly preferred (or ability to obtain within required timeframe)

Other Requirements

• Physical Demands: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. Regularly lift/move up to 50 pounds. Must be free of communicable diseases as required by the state and to the extent that knowledge is attainable under federal law.


• Other: Must maintain an appropriate and valid state driver’s license. Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

How to Apply

Click “Apply Now” through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit http://www.youthopportunity.com/yourfuture to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.