Elementary Assistant Lead

Illinois School District U-46; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois School District U-46 is seeking a dedicated Food Service/Elementary Assistant Lead at Horizon Elementary to manage daily meal preparation and service in alignment with federal/state guidelines.

The role requires a high school diploma, a valid Certified Professional Food Manager Certification, and strong cash handling, record-keeping, and customer service skills. 10-month schedule with opportunities to lead in the absence of the Lead, and potential involvement in program marketing.

Qualifications

• Experience preferred in food service and customer service.
• Computer proficiency preferred.
• Knowledge of district software programs a bonus.
• Accuracy in handling money (cashiering, banking, etc.).
• Ability to demonstrate both verbal and written communication.
• State of Illinois Food Handler card and obtain within 30 days if not current.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, distribute and manage all school meal programs following local, state and federal guidelines.
• Distributes/Posts monthly menus.
• Assists weekly projections to order all meals and supplies from the Commissary.
• Maintains accurate daily production records and monthly inventory; submits reports timely.
• Is fiscally responsible for inventory amounts as directed by management.
• Receives and stores products; use FIFO/FEFO procedures.
• Completes daily bookkeeping tasks, including sales reports and meal payments.
• Handles deposits and banking tasks as needed.
• Keeps kitchen and cafeteria equipment clean; passes inspections without violations.
• Assists with marketing breakfast and lunch programs; may form Youth Advisory Council.
• Learns all aspects of the job; supports Lead; steps in as backup when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Food service

Customer service

Cashiering

Communication

Money handling

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Certified Professional Food Manager Certification

Tools

Gmail

District software

Job description

• Position Type: Food Service/ Elementary Assistant Lead
• Date Posted: 8/17/2026
• Location: Horizon Elementary
• Date Available: 08/26/2026

Work Days: 190 Reports To: Elementary Field Manager

JD Revision Date: 05/02/2025 Supervises: N/A

Function / Position Summary

Responsible for all daily duties related to the preparation and serving of breakfast, lunch and any after school meals. Adheres to the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs as well as any after school program guidelines and requirements in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations. Display professionalism and provide excellent customer service at all times. May be required to leave the main work site on occasion for meetings, workshops and trainings as needed.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Prepare, distribute and manage all school meal programs following local, state and federal guidelines.
• Distributes/Posts monthly menus.
• Assists weekly projections to order all meals and supplies from the Commissary.
• Assists with maintaining accurate daily production records and monthly inventory. Submitting all reports as needed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, meeting all timelines set by management.
• With guidance from the Lead, is fiscally responsible for maintaining inventory amounts as set by the Director of the department.
• Responsible for proper receiving and storage of all products upon delivery. Using correct FIFO/FEFO procedures.
• Completes daily bookkeeping tasks, including sales reports/ student/staff meal payments, negative student balance letters, reconciling totals for accuracy and closes/balances all service lines.
• Assist with banking monies and accurate deposits.
• Consistent cleaning and maintenance of all kitchen and cafeteria equipment. Passing all internal site reviews and any ISBE/Health department inspections without any critical violations.
• Assist with marketing the breakfast and lunch programs as directed by management. Including helping with forming a Youth Advisory Council and having monthly meetings.
• Will learn in detail all aspects of the job as well as working together with the Lead to maintain shared responsibilities.
• In the absence of the Lead, is able to step in and perform all aspects of the job as backup.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
• Must possess a valid Certified Professional Food Manager Certification, previously known as sanitation certificate. Certificate shall be obtained by the start of the second school term of employment.

Experience / Knowledge

• Experience preferred in a position of responsibility in the Food Service industry and customer service.
• Computer proficiency preferred.
• Knowledge of district and department software programs a bonus.
• Accuracy in handling money (cashiering, banking, etc.).
• Ability to demonstrate both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to develop a working relationship with staff and principal within the school you are assigned.
• Ability to communicate on a consistent basis with the school office/staff any pertinent information that will affect meal programs. (i.e. Menu changes, allergies, field trips)
• Ability to use Gmail and answer email in a timely manner.
• Should be well spoken and have the ability to express thoughts and ideas.
• Hold a State of Illinois Food Handler card and demonstrate specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job which includes. If Certification is not current, must be able to obtain within 30 days of employment

Physical Demands

• Ability to work indoors in a busy kitchen environment with exposure to noise, heat, cleaning solutions and cooking fumes.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with proper technique
• Wears appropriate uniform and shoes as required.

Terms of Employment

• This is a 10-month position. Hours vary due to specific buildings breakfast and lunch schedules. Salary and benefits are as established by SEIU collective bargaining agreement.
• Must complete all FNS and District mandated GNC tutorials, monthly safety training, and department sponsored training per USDA requirements by their due dates.
• Must be able to adhere to all Blackout dates according to the Food and Nutrition Calendar.
• Attend all back to school and professional development meetings/training required.
• Maintain a positive attendance record as specified in FNS Department Handbook & SEIU contract.

Additional Information

Postings current as of 8/25/2026 3:33:01 AM CST.