Nutrition Assistant I-II

Organizational Overview:

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college-preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 9 schools including four primary schools, four middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. 

What We Value:

• Good Decision-Making: “I make thoughtful decisions in alignment with my school’s and organization’s values.”
• Peer Accountability: “I hold all Big KIPPsters accountable to our schools’ and organization’s values, standards, and expectations.”
• Excellence Always: “I do all aspects of my work with excellence - the big and the little things, the parts being monitored as well as those not monitored.”
• Communication is Key: “I communicate with both honesty and love. How I communicate nurtures courage, belonging, partnership, and progress toward our promise to KIPPsters and families.”
• Scholars Over Everything: “I put our scholars first, 100% of the time, without fail. I quickly resolve any and all adult-centered concerns and qualms to reserve my individual and our collective time and attention for our KIPPsters.”
• Walk Trumps Talk: “I chose this social justice career. And so, I behave in alignment with my choice. My behaviors match our promise to our scholars and families.”
• “Us” Only: “I belong to every member of our organization, and every member of our organization belongs to me. I choose unity always - in both the good times and hard times.”

 Job Summary:

The Nutrition Assistant I–II supports the daily preparation, service, sanitation, and operational functions of the KIPP Atlanta Schools Nutrition Program. This role ensures scholars receive safe, nutritious, and appealing meals while maintaining compliance with food safety standards, operational procedures, and customer service expectations.

Nutrition Assistants serve as frontline members of the nutrition team and play a critical role in creating positive dining experiences for scholars. As team members progress from Level I to Level II, they demonstrate increased independence, technical skill, accountability, and operational ownership.

Level I employees are developing foundational food service skills and operate under direct supervision. Level II employees independently perform assigned operational functions, manage production areas, operate point-of-sale systems, and consistently demonstrate mastery of nutrition program procedures.

Job Responsibilities:

Food Production, Meal Service & Customer Experience 50%

• Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, snacks, and other approved meal components according to standardized recipes and production plans.
• Set up, stock, and maintain serving lines to ensure efficient meal service.
• Ensure food quality, presentation, portion control, and service standards are maintained.
• Support Offer Versus Serve (OVS) implementation and reimbursable meal requirements.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to scholars, families, staff, and visitors.
• Participate in menu feedback activities and scholar engagement efforts.
• Support allergen awareness and safe food handling procedures.

Level Distinctions

Level I

• Performs meal preparation and service activities under direct supervision.
• Learns nutrition program procedures and food production workflows.
• Supports serving lines and food preparation assignments.

Level II

• Independently manages assigned production or service areas.
• Operates point-of-sale systems and accurately identifies reimbursable meals.
• Demonstrates mastery of production procedures and service expectations.
• Supports workflow coordination and assists newer team members when needed.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Operational Compliance 30%

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
• Maintain temperature logs and food safety documentation.
• Properly store, handle, prepare, and serve food products.
• Clean and sanitize equipment, serving areas, storage areas, and workstations.
• Report maintenance concerns, equipment issues, and safety hazards.
• Participate in compliance activities and operational inspections.

Level Distinctions

Level I

• Follows food safety procedures with guidance and supervision.
• Completes assigned cleaning and sanitation tasks.

Level II

• Independently maintains food safety documentation and logs.
• Consistently monitors compliance and reports concerns proactively.
• Demonstrates strong operational reliability and accountability.

Inventory Support, Documentation & Team Contribution 20%

• Assist with receiving, stocking, and organizing deliveries.
• Support inventory counts and product accountability processes.
• Maintain required production and operational documentation.
• Support efficient operation of the nutrition program.
• Participate in professional development and required trainings.

Level Distinctions

Level I

• Assists with inventory and documentation under supervision.

Level II

• Independently completes required records and documentation.
• Identifies inventory discrepancies and communicates concerns to leadership.
• Supports operational accuracy and accountability.

Candidate Qualifications:

Required:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to read and follow recipes, instructions, and safety procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and customer-service excellence.
• Ability to perform physical requirements of food service work, including standing, lifting, and working in varying temperatures.
• Commitment to scholar wellness and operational excellence.
• ServSafe Food Handler certification required within 30 days of employment.

Level-Specific Requirements

Level I

• No prior food service experience required.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and receive coaching.

Level II

• Minimum one year of food service, hospitality, school nutrition, or related experience.
• Demonstrated mastery of Level I responsibilities.
• Ability to independently operate point-of-sale systems and assigned production areas.

Preferred:

• Previous institutional food service experience.
• School nutrition experience.
• Experience operating commercial kitchen equipment.
• Experience with nutrition management systems.
• Bilingual communication skills.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation is competitive and aligned with KIPP Atlanta Schools’ leadership salary bands. The salary range for this role is $37,500 - $46,875 and is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Most new hires are placed in the lower to mid-range of the salary range. Placement near the top of the range is uncommon at hire and reserved for individuals who exceed role qualifications through depth of expertise, leadership maturity, and proven results leading complex initiatives with sustained, organization-level impact. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance, retirement options, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. 

 KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 10 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays 
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability
• Counseling and Telehealth Options
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan.

Location & Work Conditions:

This position requires:

• This role requires schedule flexibility; work hours vary based on campus needs and may include evenings and occasional weekends.
• Regular presence on campus and in required meetings around the region; Must be based in Atlanta
• This position requires routine physical activity associated with normal office environments. 
• This position may require the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to engage in school-based activities requiring standing, walking, and mobility

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

KIPP Atlanta Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be adjusted based on school and organizational needs.

Salary : $37,500 - $46,875