Child Nutrition Assistant

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Child Nutrition Assistant (CNA) prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and other food to school children and adults in a courteous, customer service-oriented manner. The CNA is responsible for organizing and setting up equipment and workstations per the direction of the CNS Manager. Duties are performed as required by the USDA, health, food service, and other regulations and laws. The CNA must demonstrate proper cafeteria equipment operation skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• General knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing and serving meats, breads, vegetables, and other foods on a large scale
• General knowledge of the use or care of food preparation equipment
• Skill in the use of standardized and specialized kitchen utensils and equipment • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, students, and school staff
• Able to maintain emotional control
• Ability to keep confidential and exhibit sensitivity to students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch assistance
• Ability to work with others in a close, fast-paced environment
• Ability to address customers in a pleasant, courteous manner
• Basic ability to read and speak/understand English and count currency; make change at the register

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Level of education necessary to be able to read and follow written food menus and work schedules.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Valid food handler’s certification or card as required by the state and USDA
• Continued participation in food service continuing education courses as required by the USDA
• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or GED
• Some experience working in a school cafeteria within the last five (5) years

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Practice personal hygiene and proper sanitation procedures
• Turn on, test, and monitor equipment at the beginning of the day
• Prepare food according to written and oral instructions
• Serve breakfast, lunch, and à la carte items
• Handle cashiering responsibilities, including food and ticket sales and serving à la carte items
• Replenish food and maintain clean serving areas
• Monitor food and equipment temperatures at all times
• Exhibit courtesy and understanding to all staff, students, and customers
• Perform dishwashing duties for cooking, serving, and eating utensils and tools
• Set up and break down serving areas
• Receive, stock, and rotate incoming and outgoing inventory
• Participate in formal and informal training
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of sanitation practices
• Exhibit the professional behavior of a reliable employee
• Perform preparation duties for the next day
• Maintain a neat, clean, and safe work environment
• Participate in marketing promotions and special events for students, adults, and the community
• Sign in and work according to a designated schedule
• Perform additional duties as requested by the Child Nutrition Manager

EVALUATION: The performance of this job will be evaluated by provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.

updated 10/26/2026