Food Service Worker

Food Service Worker – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Rockwood, Tennessee - Roane Youth Academy
Job Type: Full-Time 
Pay: $16.00/ hr

About Youth Opportunity & Roane Youth Academy

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Roane Youth Academy in Rockwood, Tennessee, is a 56-bed Youth Academy providing trauma-informed residential care for boys ages 12 to 17. The center combines intensive mental health and sub-acute psychiatric treatment with structured education, art, music, and recreation therapies, alongside medical and clinical services delivered 24/7 in small group living units.

Youth typically remain in care for 3 to 6 months for intensive mental health services (or 30 to 60 days for sub-acute psychiatric treatment), participating in individual, family, and group therapy; social and life skills training; victim-impact awareness; restorative justice programming; and pre-vocational preparation. Programming is designed to support emotional stabilization, family engagement, and successful reintegration into home and community settings

Position Summary – Food Service Worker Job in Rockwood, Tennessee

We are hiring a Food Service Worker to support kitchen operations at Roane 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 (Part time positions may qualify for 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.