Meal Production Assistant

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 1,791,000 - 2,480,000; Full time

Job summary

Feeding Southwest Virginia is seeking a Meal Production Assistant to support the Meal Production Coordinator and kitchen staff in preparing meals and ensuring adherence to CACFP/SFSP menus. You will also assist in supervising volunteers and ensuring meals reach partner sites safely and on time.

The role emphasizes sanitary work practices, compliance with state and federal guidelines, and strong coordination with volunteers and staff to nourish families in the community.

Qualifications

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Experience in meal production is preferred.
• Serv-Safe certification is preferred or obtainable within six weeks.

Responsibilities

• Provide structured support to the Meal Production Coordinator and staff.
• Assist with meal production and adhere to CACFP/SFSP menus.
• Ensure safe delivery of meals to partner sites and maintain food safety practices.

Skills

Culinary techniques

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Graduate or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Make a Difference—One Meal at a Time!

Are you someone who loves working behind the scenes to make a big impact? Join our team as a Meal Production Assistant and help ensure that children and families in our community receive nutritious, delicious meals with care and consistency.

As a key member of our meal production team, you’ll work alongside the Meal Production Coordinator and kitchen staff to prepare meals, support volunteers, follow CACFP/SFSP menu requirements, and help keep our kitchen running smoothly. You’ll also play an important role in making sure meals safely reach our partner sites—because every meal is more than food; it’s an opportunity to nourish, support, and strengthen our community.

POSITION PURPOSE

The CSC Meal Production Assistant will be responsible for providing structured support to the Meal Production Coordinator and staff. Responsible for assisting with meal production and complying with the CACFP/SFSP menus. Reports directly to the Director of Children’s Programs and is responsible for assisting in the Meal Production Kitchen. In collaboration with the Meal Production Coordinator, the Meal Production Assistant will be responsible for providing and overseeing tasks and duties given to Volunteers. The Meal Production Assistant with also be responsible for safe delivery of meals to our partner sites.

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1. As the CSC Meal Production Assistant representing the organization, he/she will demonstrate a professional demeanor in interactions with all FSWVA staff, agencies, program representatives and government officials in providing support and ensuring compliance.
• Keep informed and consistently practice the policies and procedures of Feeding Southwest Virginia, Feeding America national office regarding compliance.
• Possess knowledge of Feeding Southwest Virginia and all programs.
• 2. The CSC Meal Production Coordinator reports directly to theDirectorof Children’s Programsandis responsible forassisting with the Children’s Meal Production at the Community Solutions Center.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work environment consistent with standards set forth through the AIB guidelines.
• Ensure that all equipment is cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.
• Ensure FIFO, proper food rotation and flow of food per “best practice” nutrition policies.
• 3. Responsible for daily meal production.
• Helps to prepare daily meals for Children’s Meal Production under the guidance of the Meal Production Coordinator.
• Ensure that all packaging of meals is done accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensure all menus adhere to required guidelines as specified by both DEO and USDA.
• Prepare and execute all meals according to exact specification to ensure correct quantity and quality of food and comply with state and federal meal reimbursement requirements.
• Ensure ServSafe and all food safety practices are followed.
• 4. Responsible for compliance of all policies and procedures related to the Production Kitchen.
• 5. Assure compliance with all State, Federal, FSWVA, USDA, and FANO, AIB and other regulations and audits.
• Knowledge of all CACFP, SFSP, and other USDA standards for meal preparation and serving, including serving sizes and menu adherence.
• 6. When delivering meals to partner agencies, he/she will demonstrate a professional demeanor in interactions with all FSWVA staff, agencies, program representatives and government officials in providing direct support in ensuring a compliant safe facility and environment.
• Keep informed and consistently practice the policies and procedures of Feeding Southwest Virginia, Feeding America national office, USDA, FDA and government regulations pertaining to food handling, storage, sanitation and disposal.
• Ensure that the vehicle is properly maintained, cleaned and fully serviceable for distributions.
• Ensure records are maintained in regards to food distributed, food transferred to partner programs, inventory, client data, ordering and other required data.
• Ensure food is distributed in compliance with FSWVA and governmental guidelines.
• Ensure the truck has all equipment necessary for delivery.
• Ensure all cambros are labeled and secure before route departure.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations.
• 7. Maintains and follows effective processes for office communications and administrative procedures.
• Maintain open communication between self and all members of staff, volunteers and interns.
• Professionally receive any complaints, suggestions, and requests keeping supervisor appraised consistently. The CSC Meal Production Assistant is an integral member of the Feeding Southwest Virginia team. Close communication and coordination with other departments within Feeding Southwest Virginia is essential.
• Other functions:
• Promote inspiration and passion for motivating volunteers.
• Promote a cooperative spirit within the organization and among internal and external participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Children’s Programs, Chief Operating Officer, and the President and CEO.
• Interface: Responsible in maintaining positive relationships
• Maintain positive relationships with Partner Programs and other nonprofit organizations and their representatives.
• Maintain positive relationships with regulatory agencies, individual and corporate vendor contacts.
• Ensure positive relationships with volunteers for a positive volunteer experience.
• Maintain positive relationships with thepublic.
• Maintain positive relationships with other departments within FeedingSouthwest Virginia.

Minimum Skills and Qualifications required to capably perform in the position

Training, Education and Experience:

Education:

• High School Graduate or equivalent.

Experience:

• Demonstration of and capacity to build classic culinary techniques with at least 2 years’ experience in Meal Production preferred.
• Serv-Safe Manager Certification or the ability to obtain within a specified timeframe set forth by leadership and periodic renewal as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of production, sanitation, and food cost controls.
• Must be able to compile reports without supervision.
• Ability to work with timetables and complete reports on appropriate dates.
• Must be able to understand instructions and effectively demonstrate quality results.
• Position requires a high degree of professionalism and trustworthiness.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines while managing multiple tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with internal and external audiences are required.
• Able to develop and maintain productive working relationships with staff and from all areas of the organization is necessary.
• Strong customer service ethic is required.
• Excellent organizational skills and required attention to detail.
• Limited occasional evening and weekend work required for special events.
• Demonstrated success in inspiring, motivating, and encouraging others.

Certifications:

• Serv-Safe Manager (preferred) or Complete Serv-Safe training within the first six weeks of employment and keep current.

Allowable Substitutions:

Combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the required knowledge and skills for the position may be considered in lieu of education and/or experience at the company’s discretion.

Language Skills:

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and convey concepts in an understandable way.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all staff members

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to perform basic math functions.

Technical/Computer Skills:

• Proficiency required in the use of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook Software.
• Capable of learning and independently operating equipment required for the position.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Must be reliable and dependable.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Valid Driver’s License and own transportation to work required. Maintain safe driving record in driving company vehicles.

Team Commitment:

Considers the benefits and consequences to the team when taking action, openly shares ideas and information with others, effectively completes work activities with and through others, helps others achieve goals and complete work tomeet the needs of the team and the organization. Criticizes actions, when necessary, not people and effectively negotiates win-win outcomes.

Flexibility:

• Be willing to work overtime and mandatory days set forth by the organization on short notice.
• Be willing to work flexible coverage as needed.

Physical Demands:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the tasks outlined in this job description.

MISSION STATEMENT

Nourish neighbors. Engage community partners. Develop solutions to address food insecurity.

Core Values:

Trust:

Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, ability, or strength of a person or organization. We seek to build and maintain trust in all relationships by practicing honesty, treating one another with dignity, and exhibiting professionalism.

Effectiveness:

Effectiveness is the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result. We achieve our mission by utilizing best practices, working efficiently, and consistently striving to achieve and exceed goals.

Innovation:

Innovation is the act of making changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products. Every day we seek creative solutions, encourage curiosity, and learn from our mistakes to solve problems and better meet the evolving needs of our neighbors.

Feeding Southwest Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. Feeding Southwest Virginia prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (to include pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Virginia law.

Our goal is to attract, develop, retain and promote a talented workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. This description provides information regarding the essential function of the designated job, and the general nature and level of work associated with the job. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties whose performance may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments the individual may be given. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.

Salary Range: The hiring pay range listed for this position represents the Company's good-faith estimate of the compensation expected to be offered at the time of posting. Actual starting pay will be determined based on a variety of job-related factors, including qualifications, credentials, education, relevant work experience, skills, and internal equity, consistent with applicable law.