Kitchen Assistant

Arcare; Searcy (AR); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Arcare in Arkansas is seeking a part-time Kitchen Assistant to support the ACEW program and the Arkansas Special Nutrition Program by preparing nutritious meals and snacks for children, while following licensing and health standards.

You will assist with menu planning, ensure meals meet CACFP guidelines, deliver meals to classrooms, and maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen. Experience or training in food service is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have or be willing to obtain ServSafe Food Handler Certification within six months.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience or knowledge in CACFP is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepares meals and snacks per Arkansas Special Nutrition Program guidelines.
• Plans meals in advance to minimize substitutions and notes changes for CACFP records.
• Maintains sanitation, safety, and proper storage of foods per health department standards.
• Delivers meals to classrooms and ensures meals are appropriate for children’s age and development.
• Collaborates with staff to support nutrition education activities for families and children.
• Participates in drills, trainings, and staff meetings as required.

Skills

Teamwork

Time management

Food safety

Communication

Education

ServSafe Certification

High School Diploma / GED

Job description

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the ACEW Director, along with guidance from the Arkansas Special Nutrition Program, the kitchen staff is responsible for preparing nutritious meals and snacks. It is the kitchen staff’s responsibility to prepare meals and snacks by methods that maintain high nutrition standards and are also in compliance with Minimum Licensing Standards, Special Nutrition Program, and the Health Department. The kitchen staff must deliver meals to the classroom. This position involves extensive time management skills.

Brief Description

Position: Kitchen Assistant

Status: Part-time

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the ACEW Director, along with guidance from the Arkansas Special Nutrition Program, the kitchen staff is responsible for preparing nutritious meals and snacks. It is the kitchen staff’s responsibility to prepare meals and snacks by methods that maintain high nutrition standards and are also in compliance with Minimum Licensing Standards, Special Nutrition Program, and the Health Department. The kitchen staff must deliver meals to the classroom. This position involves extensive time management skills.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

• Prepares meals and snacks by the Arkansas Special Nutrition Program
• Plans meals far enough ahead to minimize the need for food substitutions; when substitutions are necessary, with prior approval, purchases and serves food of equivalent nutritional value and notes all modifications and substitutes on the posted menu and for CACFP records
• Prepares meals and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients are lost from foods, to ensure food tastes good and looks appealing, and that there is an adequate amount of food for children to have the required servings
• Maintains established standards of sanitation, safety, and food preparation and storage as mandated by the local and state health departments; maintains an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen
• Delivers food from the kitchen to classrooms ready to be served as suitable for the children’s age and development (see guidance)
• Shares duties with other Kitchen Staff for the efficient functioning of the food services program
• Assures the proper care and maintenance of all food service equipment; identifies equipment needs for food preparation and service, and assists in purchasing as needed
• Assists teachers with developing food activities for children in the classroom
• Cooperates with and participates in nutrition education activities for staff, parents, and children
• Participates in all emergency drills and environmental safety activities
• Attends and participates in center pre-service and in-service training, and other continuing education, career, and professional development opportunities
• Participates in general staff meetings and other meetings and events planned by the center
• Performs other duties, as assigned

Skills & Abilities

Education: ServSafe Food Handler Certification is preferred or must be willing to obtain within six months of employment. High School Diploma or General Education degree required.

Experience

• Possess knowledge of the principles, practices, current state of child nutrition, and of the eating habits of the children served in the program
• Demonstrate skills in preparing meals and snacks in a nutritious, tastefully, and visually- appealing manner
• Previous experience in child food service preparation and management is desirable
• Knowledge of CACFP requirements is desirable
• Effective oral and written communication skills corresponding with the responsibilities of the position are required
• Experience working as an effective team member
• Experience working with a culturally diverse staff and clientele

Equipment Skills

Manual dexterity sufficient to use kitchen utensils and equipment, wash dishes, and operate office equipment including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and computer to prepare reports and documentation

About Arcare

Founded on the belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, Arcare exists to make comprehensive, high-quality care accessible to everyone, especially in rural and underserved communities. What began in the rural Arkansas delta has grown into a multi-state healthcare network, but our mission remains the same: Health for All. That mission drives everything we do, from accepting every patient, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, to expanding access to care and improving health outcomes in the communities we serve.

We believe strong communities start with strong teams. We foster a supportive, collaborative environment where employees are valued, encouraged to grow, and empowered to make a meaningful impact through their work. We invest in our people by supporting professional development, encouraging leadership growth, and providing opportunities to build long-term careers within the organization. A healthy work-life balance and a predictable schedule are part of our workplace culture.

Whether caring for patients in the clinic, supporting operations behind the scenes, or serving communities through outreach and education, our teams are united by a shared purpose: delivering compassionate, accessible care that improves lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ARcare is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.