On-Call Food Service Assistant

Akin (formerly Children's Home Society of Washington + Childhaven); Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 25,925 - 29,805; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Akin is looking for a Food Service Assistant to join our team in Walla Walla, Washington. The role involves preparing and distributing meals to children in accordance with federal and state regulations, while maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in the kitchen.

We're committed to creating an inclusive environment and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The position offers competitive pay, with a salary range of $18.819 - $21.636 per hour and a benefits package that includes medical and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Ability to assist in meal preparation and services.
• Proficient in using MS Office and other software.
• Understanding of food handling and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute meals to classrooms.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Assist in maintaining food production records.

Skills

Communication skills

Food preparation

Team collaboration

Knowledge of sanitation guidelines

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About Akin

Akin partners with children, families, and communities to build relationships and support well‑being so everyone can thrive. Through our early learning programs, we create inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

Position Summary

Assists in preparing and distributing meals and snacks to classrooms in accordance with Child and Adult Care Food Program regulations (CACFP) or other applicable federal, state, and local regulations guidelines. Assists the Food Service Specialist in kitchen and food service operations. Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

Essential Functions

Food Preparation

• Assists in preparation of meals and snacks for the childcare center, working under the direction of the Food Service Specialist

Food Service

• Assists in the distribution of meals & snacks to classrooms
• Help assists classroom employee in family‑style meal service to ensure that each child will receive portions to meet CACFP meal pattern requirements
• Help assist children in dishing up food following the family‑style service pattern

Sanitation and Safety

• Prepare and maintain a routine cleaning schedule that complies with requirements as specified under local, state, and federal laws/regulations
• Must be able to follow proper techniques when washing and sanitizing cooking utensils and dishes
• Good personal hygiene and grooming will be demonstrated including dress, appearance, and personal habits
• Proper hand‑washing procedures will be utilized
• Safe and sanitary conditions will be maintained when storing, preparing, and serving food
• All safety hazards will be reported to the center management
• Refrigerator, freezer, and dry storage areas will be inspected regularly to maintain safe and sanitary food and supply storage
• Food will be maintained at correct temperatures during food preparation and food service to meet sanitation requirements

Communication and Management

• Must have excellent communication skills and work cooperatively with center employee and management
• Help assist in creating and maintaining an atmosphere of warmth and personal interest for the children in the center
• Attend job related training classes and workshops and follow supervisor’s instructions in preparing and serving food
• Food and nutrition education will be promoted through positive comments to center employees, parents, and children
• Ability to utilize problem solving skills to appropriately maintain an efficient food production system

Record Keeping

• Assist the Food Service Specialist in maintaining food production records and meal count sheets according to local, state and federal regulations

Performance Standards

• Performance standards for Head Start and CACFP will be met regarding food preparation, menu planning, and food service and nutrition education

Other Duties As Assigned

• Perform other duties as assigned by center management when appropriate and needed

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to assist Food Service Specialist in meal & snack preparation
• Proficient in MS Office and other software used by the agency and/or program
• Familiarity with or interest in the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; and experience working successfully with colleagues, clients, or communities from a variety of backgrounds.
• Demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace environment.

Work Environment

• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises

Physical Demands

• May require handling of objects that can weigh up to 50 lbs.
• Stand for long periods of time
• Repeat the same movements
• Walk or run for long periods of time
• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Bend or twist body

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED or proof of completion of high school education
• Proof of physical exam within past 12 months (updated every three years)
• One-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment, unless has written proof of a negative test within past 12 months. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x‑ray must be provided
• Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting. https://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/SignInRegister

Required Within 30 Days Of Hire

• CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training
• Food Handler’s Permit
• Other assigned trainings

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding and application of CACFP, USDA, and other state and local demonstrated ability to work well as a member of a team
• Food Handers Permit
• CPR and First Aid Certification

Salary Range And Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $18.819 - $21.636 per hour, typically within the first half of this range. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.

WHY JOIN AKIN?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families
• Work in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment
• Access ongoing professional development and growth opportunities
• Be part of a team committed to inclusion, belonging, and community

Commitment To Equity And Inclusion

Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply.