Culinary Support Specialist

Penn State Lady Lions; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Child Care Center at Hort Woods, a University-managed facility, seeks a full-time Culinary Support Specialist to contribute to the wellness, growth, and development of children attending Hort Woods. The role emphasizes safe food service, menu planning to CACFP guidelines, and interaction with center families and educators.

Responsibilities include budget management, inventory, ordering, and ensuring compliance with health directives.

Qualifications

• GED or HS diploma required; 2+ years relevant experience preferred
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and speech
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills needed
• Organizational skills with attention to detail required
• Computer skills for ordering and menu planning are expected

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe, healthy food service; follow public health directives and policies
• Plan and adjust menus to meet nutritional and CACFP guidelines
• Manage kitchen budget and monitor expenses
• Maintain inventories; place orders and negotiate prices
• Interact with families and educators to meet dietary needs
• Participate in required trainings including CACFP requirements

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Education

GED or HS diploma

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Child Care Center at Hort Woods, a University-managed facility, is seeking a full‑time Culinary Support Specialist. This individual will contribute to the wellness, growth, and development of children attending Hort Woods.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Maintain a safe and healthy food service operation; uphold food quality control procedures; follow public health and welfare directives; ensure compliance with governmental mandates and University policies; address and correct discrepancies; keep accurate records
• Plan meal and snack menus meeting proper nutritional requirements and child‑care food guidelines; manage food substitutions to meet special dietary needs including allergies
• Oversee kitchen budget; examine expenses; identify cost containment
• Maintain inventories; anticipate requisition needs and place orders; negotiate prices; resolve quality and quantity issues
• Interact with Center families, young children and educators to meet special requests and dietary needs
• Participate in yearly trainings as assigned that include: PSU requirements, Child and Adult Care Food Program Federal Food Program (CACFP); learn and understand CACFP requirements

The successful candidate must possess:

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Organizational skills with an attention to detail
• Ability to function in a fast‑paced team environment
• Computer skills to complete ordering and menu preparation

This is an hourly position, and offers daytime hours, Monday through Friday.

ServSafe certification preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)2+ years of relevant experience; Relevant education accepted in lieu of experienceRequired Certifications:None

A health physical with TB test is required prior to starting the position.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check, and the National Sex Offender Registry Clearance (NSOR).Additional clearances may be necessary if you resided outside of Pennsylvania in the past five years.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $36,888.00 - $53,532.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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