Food Service Assistant

The Goddard School of Springfield, IL; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Paid time off

Job summary

The Goddard School of Springfield, IL is seeking a dedicated Food Service Assistant to join our kitchen team. You will help provide nutritious meals and snacks to children in our care, while keeping the kitchen organized, clean, and well-stocked.

Work closely with the Food Service Manager to ensure meals are prepared and delivered smoothly for classrooms each day, under safety and hygiene guidelines. Weekday hours, supportive staff, and a collaborative environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Must meet Illinois DCFS requirements for employment in a licensed child care center.
• Background checks must be passed.
• Food Handler Certification required or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Previous kitchen, food service, restaurant, school, or child care experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to safely lift and carry food, supplies, and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to follow sanitation and food safety procedures consistently.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily meal and snack preparation.
• Portion food according to age-appropriate serving sizes.
• Prepare and organize meal and snack carts for classrooms.
• Deliver food and supplies to classrooms as needed.
• Wash dishes, utensils, pans, carts, and other kitchen equipment.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation and kitchen areas.
• Properly store food and rotate inventory.
• Assist with receiving and putting away deliveries.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and allergy procedures.
• Help maintain labeling and proper food storage.
• Support the Food Service Manager with daily kitchen needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, well-stocked kitchen.
• Follow all school, DCFS, health department, and food safety requirements.
• Assist with other school needs as assigned.

Skills

Dependable

Punctual

Organized

Team player

Attention to allergies

Food safety awareness

Willingness to learn

Education

Illinois DCFS requirements for licensed child care centers

Food Handler Certification or willing to obtain

Background check clearance

Job description

Benefits:

• Employee discounts
• Paid time off

Are you dependable, organized, and someone who enjoys keeping things clean and running smoothly? The Goddard School is looking for a Food Service Assistant to join our team and help us provide nutritious meals and snacks to the children in our care!

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working behind the scenes, staying busy throughout the day, and being part of a fun, supportive school environment.

What You'll Do

As our Kitchen Assistant, you will work closely with our Food Service Manager to help keep our kitchen organized, clean, and ready to serve our students each day.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting with daily meal and snack preparation
• Portioning food according to age-appropriate serving sizes
• Preparing and organizing meal and snack carts for classrooms
• Delivering food and supplies to classrooms as needed
• Washing dishes, utensils, pans, carts, and other kitchen equipment
• Cleaning and sanitizing food preparation and kitchen areas
• Properly storing food and rotating inventory
• Assisting with receiving and putting away food and supply deliveries
• Following food safety, sanitation, and allergy procedures
• Helping maintain accurate labeling and proper food storage
• Supporting the Food Service Manager with daily kitchen needs
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked kitchen
• Following all school, DCFS, health department, and food safety requirements
• Assisting with other school needs as assigned

What We're Looking For

• Dependable and punctual – our classrooms count on meals and snacks being ready on time!
• Organized and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable standing, bending, lifting, and being active throughout the shift
• Able to follow recipes, portion guidelines, and written instructions
• Detail-oriented, especially when it comes to allergies and food safety
• Willing to clean, wash dishes, and jump in wherever help is needed
• Positive, flexible, and a team player
• Comfortable working in an environment with young children

Qualifications

• Must meet all Illinois DCFS requirements for employment in a licensed child care center
• Must be able to pass required background checks
• Food Handler Certification required or willingness to obtain upon hire
• Previous kitchen, food service, restaurant, school, or child care experience is preferred but not required
• Ability to safely lift and carry food, supplies, and kitchen equipment
• Ability to follow sanitation and food safety procedures consistently

Why Join The Goddard School?

At The Goddard School, every role contributes to creating a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for our children. Our kitchen team plays an incredibly important part in our school day by making sure our students are well-fed and ready to learn, play, and grow.

We offer a welcoming team environment, consistent weekday hours, and the opportunity to be part of a school community that truly values the work you do.

No late nights and no traditional restaurant environment!

If you're reliable, hardworking, and ready to be part of a team that makes a difference for children every day, we'd love to meet you!