Kitchen Assistant - Nutrition Service Provider I

Reach DANE; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holidays

403(b) Retirement with Company Match

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability

Flexible Spending Accounts

PSLF Eligible Employer

Job summary

Reach Dane is seeking a Nutrition Service Provider I in Madison, WI. You will support nutritional excellence by preparing and serving meals to children aged 0-5, following Head Start guidelines and agency menus.

The role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and culturally responsive meal preparation within a supportive NSP III supervision structure. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of food preparation experience.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written directions.
• Experience working with diverse populations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation, service, and clean-up for children ages 0-5.
• Prepare nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks following menu cycles.
• Follow state and Head Start food service regulations and guidelines.
• Maintain sanitation and safe food service environments.
• Collaborate under NSP III supervision in a team-based setting.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.

Skills

Reading & writing

Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong)

Professional demeanor

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Support Healthy Nutrition. Build Community. Grow Your Skills.

QUICK FACTS

Location: East Madison - 30 Dempsey Road, Madison, WI
Pay: $16.21/hour
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week; 20 hours during summer break), Full Year

WHAT WE OFFER

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement with Company Match After 2 Years
• Company-Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

Work-Life Excellence & Professional Growth

• Team-based environment supporting multi-site operations
• Summer schedule reduction to 20 hours for better work-life balance
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced NSP III supervisor
• Experience with diverse, culturally responsive meal preparation
• Comprehensive professional development: ongoing coaching, paid continuing education, and credential support
• Career advancement pathways with organizational training support (NSP I to NSP II progression)

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL NEED

• Age: Minimum 18 years old
• Education: High school diploma or GED preferred
• Experience: Minimum 1 year in food preparation
• Core Skills: Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written directions, recipe following for Head Start compliance
• Professional Competencies: Professional demeanor, ability to work with diverse populations
• Language: Bilingual in Spanish or Hmong helpful
• Additional: Experience with low-income and culturally diverse populations preferred

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Nutrition Service Provider I, you'll support nutritional excellence by:

• Assisting in food preparation, service, and clean-up for children ages 0-5
• Preparing nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks following agency menu cycles
• Following state and federal food service regulations and Head Start compliance guidelines
• Supporting site sanitation and maintaining clean, safe food service environments
• Working collaboratively under NSP III supervision in a team-based environment
• Building positive relationships with children, families, and staff

WHO WE ARE

At Reach Dane, we're reimagining early childhood education as a powerful tool for social transformation. Our commitment to equity and inclusion includes:

• Recognizing nutrition as fundamental to children's learning and development
• Celebrating cultural diversity through inclusive, representative meal preparation
• Supporting career development from entry-level to advanced positions
• Building teams that reflect the rich diversity of our community

JOIN OUR MISSION

Begin or advance your food service career while making a meaningful difference in children's nutrition and development in a supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Reach Dane is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workplace. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and interview process. Please contact us to request accommodation.