Food Service Aide- Lehigh Children's Academy

Via of the Lehigh Valley; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading childcare center as a Food Service Aide, where you will play a vital role in meal planning and service while supporting children's daily needs. This full-time position offers a rewarding opportunity to impact young lives positively, with benefits including paid vacation, medical coverage, and education assistance. Ideal candidates will have experience with children and a passion for food service in an educational setting.

Benefits

Medical, vision and dental benefits

15 days paid vacation

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Education assistance up to $5,000

Lunch provided

Qualifications

• 2 years experience working with children or relevant college credits.
• Food preparation and service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Menu planning and meal execution compliant with CACFP.
• Assist with meal service and classroom management.
• Drive LCA vans for student transportation.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

15 college credits in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Description

Make a difference in a child’s life and enjoy a fulfilling opportunity at Lehigh Children’s Academy, a Pennsylvania Keystone Stars childcare center and 2023, 2024, and 2025 Top Workplace winner located in Lower Macungie Township. We are hiring a full-time Food Service Aide to work Monday through Friday between 9am-6pm. The purpose of this role is to support the implementation of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) by managing portions of the administrative aspects of the program. Knowledge of and compliance with all aspects CACFP and the implementation of the program is a key component of this position. This position requires the assistant to have prior childcare experience, as up to 50% of work time will be spent in the classroom as a teacher.

Enjoy the benefits our non-profit organization offers:

• Medical, vision and dental benefits at a minimal cost to the employee. We offer two plans to choose from!
• 15 days (3 weeks) of paid vacation during your first year, increasing to 18 days after completing 1 year of employment.
• 9 paid Holidays. Including YOUR Birthday Holiday! Employees also receive a Floating Cultural Holiday! Via is committed to maintaining an inclusive workforce and believes that an atmosphere of mutual respect for each other’s differences adds quality to our services. To celebrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Via offers a floating cultural holiday. Eligible employees may choose a paid day off, that is significant to them.
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with discretionary annual contribution.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Lunch provided by Lehigh Children's Academy!
• Education assistance up to $5,000 per year for full-time employees.
• Education incentive: earn MORE when you obtain a degree or certification.
• Employee referral-bonus program.
• Employee recognition programs.
• Membership to TicketsatWork that provides discounts and special offers to sporting events, hotels, attractions, theme parks, shows, movie tickets and more!
• Special events like employee raffle prizes, work anniversary celebrations and recognition awards.

Food Service Aide Responsibilities:

• Responsible for menu planning and meal execution that is compliant with CACFP requirements and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendations.
• Ensure that the portion sizes meet CACFP regulations, especially regarding milk service, whole grain standards, and sugar content limits.
• Maintain compliance with relevant and required CACFP training and ServSafe certifications.
• Place orders and purchase food when the Nutrition Coordinator is unavailable; assist with weekly ordering and receiving of goods.
• Assist in the execution, preparation, and distribution of meals and snacks to children daily.
• Keep daily menus for each infant up to date.
• Ensure that classroom staff manage meal service in the classroom, including serving appropriate portion sizes for each age group, providing correct milk servings, and accurately recording point-of-service details; may be responsible for delivering meals to the classrooms and completing point of service in the classroom during mealtimes.
• Support staff with the arrival and departure of school students using public school transportation by bus.
• Drive LCA vans and provide assistance with daily morning and afternoon van runs to schools as needed.
• Assist the center with covering Teacher's breaks and other staffing needs as needed.
• Perform basic administrative and other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience working with children are required or 15 college credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education or the Human Services Field and one (1) year of experience working with children, or 30 college credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education or the Human Services Field. Experience with children must be documented through signed letters from prior placements including the number of hours worked per week, and the length of employment.
• Food preparation and food service experience is preferred.
• Ability to work with children of all ages.
• Ability to interact positively and to work with the team.
• Knowledge and experience using computers and related software including Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Standing, lifting, and walking are required daily. Must be able to lift to 50 lbs.
• Must have flexibility with schedule.

Via of the Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Children's Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Women, Minorities, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

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