Nutrition Assistant

Carter G Woodson Charter School; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Carter G Woodson Charter School is looking for a Nutrition Assistant in Winston-Salem, NC. This role involves assisting the Nutrition Manager to implement the school's nutrition program, focusing on meal counting, food safety, and creating a positive environment for students during meal service.

The ideal candidate will be able to engage with students positively and ensure compliance with health regulations while maintaining a clean cafeteria environment. Experience in customer service and knowledge of USDA guidelines is preferred.

Qualifications

• Assist with daily meal counting and recordkeeping accurately.
• Support food safety and health regulations must be followed.
• Experience in a customer service role is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing the school's nutrition program.
• Ensure accurate meal counting and maintain cleanliness in the cafeteria.
• Engage students positively during meal service.

Skills

Customer service

Food safety knowledge

Cash handling

Communication

Education

Knowledge of USDA guidelines

Job description

NUTRITION ASSISTANT – Carter G. Woodson School (Winston‑Salem, NC)

This position operates under the direction of the Nutrition Manager. The Nutrition Assistant assists in the implementation of the school’s nutrition program in accordance with the USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). The role supports accurate meal counting and claiming, adheres to federal and state regulations, and maintains high standards of food safety, confidentiality, and service efficiency. The Nutrition Assistant does not have responsibility for program oversight or final compliance determinations.

Key Responsibilities

Cafeteria Environment, Student Engagement & Customer Service

• Create and maintain a welcoming, positive, and student‑centered cafeteria.
• Greet scholars in a friendly, respectful, and professional manner at each point of service.
• Demonstrate strong customer service by engaging students to encourage participation in the meal program.
• Promote a pleasant dining experience that makes students feel comfortable, respected, and valued.
• Use positive communication and demeanor to support a calm, organized, and enjoyable mealtime atmosphere.
• Help foster a culture that encourages students to eat, participate, and view the cafeteria as a supportive and welcoming space.

Cafeteria Supervision & Cleanliness Support

• Assist with maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly cafeteria environment during all phases of meal service.
• Support students with basic needs during mealtimes, including opening packages, locating items, and ensuring appropriate conduct.
• Assist with cleaning tables, floors, and service areas during downtime, between meal periods, and at the beginning and end of each meal service.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness of high‑touch areas to promote health and safety standards.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure smooth transitions between meal groups.

Meal Service & Point of Service (POS) Compliance

• Accurately count and record all reimbursable meals at the POS in accordance with USDA meal counting and claiming requirements.
• Ensure meals meet USDA reimbursable meal components prior to claiming.
• Utilize approved methods (student ID numbers, rosters, or POS systems) to document meal service by eligibility category.
• Assist with maintaining an efficient service line to ensure all students have access to meals within required service times.

Meal Counting, Claiming & Recordkeeping

• Assist with daily meal count reconciliation to ensure accuracy and compliance with USDA claiming procedures.
• Report discrepancies, shortages, substitutions, or errors immediately to the Director.
• Maintain accurate and complete records to support reimbursement claims and audit requirements.
• Support adherence to Offer vs. Serve (OVS) requirements, when applicable.

Cash Handling & Financial Procedures

• Accurately handle cash transactions, including receiving payments, providing correct change, and processing refunds as applicable.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy while operating cash registers or POS systems.
• Count and reconcile cash drawers at the beginning and end of shifts to ensure balance and accountability.
• Follow all school and departmental procedures related to cash handling, security, and financial accountability.
• Identify, document, and report discrepancies, shortages, or suspicious activity promptly to the Nutrition Manager.
• Safeguard cash at all times and maintain confidentiality of financial and student account information.
• Provide efficient and courteous service while completing transactions.
• Assist with basic financial recordkeeping, including receipts, logs, and daily cash reports.

Food Safety & HACCP Compliance

• Follow all established HACCP procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Comply with all ServSafe and local health department regulations.
• Assist with ensuring proper storage, temperature control, and handling of all food items, including milk (milk box monitoring and temperature logs).
• Identify and immediately report any food safety or sanitation concerns to your direct Manager.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, sanitary, and organized food service environment.

Program Integrity & Compliance

• Assist with supporting full compliance with USDA, state, and local school nutrition regulations and policies.
• Ensure confidentiality of student eligibility information in alignment with federal privacy requirements.
• Participate in required training related to USDA school nutrition programs, food safety, and civil rights compliance.
• Assist in maintaining readiness for administrative reviews, audits, and inspections.