Child Nutrition Program Worker

Alabama State Department of Education; Pike Road (AL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

Alabama State Department of Education in Pike Road Schools seeks a School Food Service Aide to assist the nutrition program at the local level. This 179-day appointment, non-exempt, reports to the Child Nutrition Program Manager and Director.

The role emphasizes following federal, state, and local rules, preparing and serving meals, maintaining sanitation and records, and collaborating with staff to meet student needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Able to meet suitability criteria under the Alabama Child Protection Act.
• Ability to operate and maintain kitchen equipment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow Child Nutrition Program guidelines and regulations.
• English literacy (read, write, follow instructions).
• Basic math skills.
• Proficient with technology as required.
• Physical strength to stand, lift up to 50 pounds.
• Punctual and dependable.
• Food Handler certification within 60 days of hire.
• Such alternative qualifications to those listed may be required by the Board.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve foods per approved menu and recipes, in compliance with health codes.
• Perform food storage, inventory control, equipment cleaning, and related sanitation tasks.
• Maintain courteous, professional conduct.
• Operate food service equipment per procedures.
• Support CNP activities (cashier, server, dish machine) as assigned.
• Cross-train for additional duties as needed.
• Maintain professional dress and hygiene standards.
• Observe safety precautions in kitchen and work areas.
• Collaborate with staff to uphold high program standards.
• Participate in in-service training and professional development.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters.
• Report problems and irregularities to supervisors promptly.
• Maintain records and reports timely.
• Care for tools and equipment.
• Serve on committees as required.
• Collaborate effectively as a team member.
• Support school system goals and policies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

English communication

Basic math

Technology use

Punctuality

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Food Handler Certification within 60 days

Tools

Kitchen equipment operation

Job description

Our Mission: Empowering minds, shaping future leaders.

Our Vision: We are dedicated to a culture of excellence that enables individuals to reach their full potential. Firmly rooted in our community, our goal is to be a premier institution that fosters greatness in every member while proactively addressing the needs of our school community.

LOCATION: Pike Road Schools

REPORTS TO: Child Nutrition Program Manager and Director

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

TERMS: 179-Day appointment compensated in accordance with the Board-approved salary schedule

JOB GOAL: Assist the food service program at the school level in an efficient and effective manner to meet nutritional needs and program acceptability of students and staff in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
2. Ability to meet the suitability criteria for employment and/or certification/licensure under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act No. 2002-457.
3. Ability to operate and maintain kitchen equipment necessary for performance of job responsibilities.
4. Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.
5. Ability to follow Child Nutrition Program guidelines and regulations.
6. Ability to communicate effectively in English (read, write, and follow oral and written instructions).
7. Ability to do simple mathematics.
8. Ability to use technology as required to perform job responsibilities.
9. Strength, stamina, agility, dexterity, and acuity to perform job responsibilities safely and effectively.
10. Ability, agility and stamina to engage in prolonged standing, stooping, kneeling, bending, turning, reaching, and repetitive lifting up to 30 pounds as well as the ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
11. Ability to be punctual and in regular attendance.
12. Ability to earn a Food Handler certification within 60 days of hire.
13. Such alternative qualifications to those listed as the Board may require.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare, cook, and serve various foods, following the approved menu and standardized recipes, in compliance with state and local health codes, as they relate to food service as well as the supervisor’s/manager’s instructions.
• Perform food storage; inventory control; equipment cleaning, assembly and disassembly; and related serving and sanitation tasks as assigned.
• Perform duties in a courteous and professional manner.
• Operate food service equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Serve in job rotation or assist in any CNP activities as assigned including, but not limited to, cashier, server, backup, dish machine operator, food preparation, and cleanup of kitchen, dining area, storage areas, or work area.
• Participate in cross-training activities as required.
• Maintain professional dress and hygiene, suitable for food service work (uniform, hair net/hat, closed-toe shoe with nonskid sole, etc.).
• Observe proper safety precautions in the kitchen and other work areas.
• Cooperate with other school system staff members in maintaining high standards in the Child Nutrition Program.
• Follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively with others (CNP staff, vendors, school staff, students, parents, community members).
• Participate in and promote in-service training, conferences, and continuing educational programs for self- improvement and for other personnel.
• Engage in professional growth and demonstrate professional ethics and effective work habits.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters.
• Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential problems and/or opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility.
• Report potential problems, unusual events, or work irregularities to appropriate administrative or supervisory personnel.
• Respond to inquiries, requests, constructive feedback, concerns and/or complaints in a timely and positive manner.
• Maintain and submit reports, records, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.
• Properly use and care for tools, equipment, and material resources of the school system.
• Report problems, accidents, injuries and concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Serve on school/system committees as required or appropriate.
• Use effective collaboration skills to work as an effective team member.
• Demonstrate support for the school system and its goals and priorities.
• Adhere to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies, and state, federal, and local regulations.
• Report absences and take leave in accordance with Board policies and procedures.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects. Requires the ability to work in environment temperatures ranging from -10℉ to 80℉ on a daily basis.

EVALUATION: The performance of this job will be evaluated according to the provisions of the State Department of Education and/or Pike Road Board of Education policy on the evaluation of classified personnel.

Board Approved: 06/08/2026

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.

The Pike Road Board of education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.