Job Details

Join the Y, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a Nutrition Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting our early childhood centers by helping provide safe, high-quality meals to children every day. You will help ensure that all meals and snacks meet Head Start standards and California regulations, while creating a positive, welcoming environment for children and families.

You will support food service operations through activities such as preparing and delivering meals, assisting with mealtime in the classroom, and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Full-time employees are eligible for heavily subsidized coverage with several plan options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance for added financial protection.
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs to support mental health and work-life balance.
• Commuter Benefits available for eligible employees.
• 12 Designated Holidays.
• Paid Time Off for vacation and sick leave.
• Professional Development Opportunities and ongoing training to support your career growth.
• YMCA Membership Benefits and discounts on programs for you and your family

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; ECE coursework or Child Development Permit preferred.
• Must enroll in at least 3 units of Early Childhood Education per semester until 12 units are completed with a grade of C or better (if not already completed).
• Experience in Early Childhood classrooms preferred but not required; volunteer or paid experience considered.
• Cooking or food preparation experience preferred.
• Experience working with children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively in high-energy, fast-paced environments.
• Physical examination and TB clearance are required.
• Proof of immunizations for Measles and Pertussis; flu vaccination recommended.
• Live Scan fingerprinting and criminal record clearance required.
• English proficiency required; bilingual or multilingual candidates preferred.
• Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications required within 90 days of hire.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Specific Essential Function from the Job Description for this role

1. Prepare food based on what is indicated on the daily menu utilizing health and sanitation procedures including washing hands, using gloves, and sanitizing food preparation areas properly.
2. Deliver food for each classroom in correct proportions and from central kitchen to site(s).
3. Provide food, dishes, utensils, and other supplies to each classroom in time for meal service. Clean and sanitize dishes and utensils after every use.
4. Create warm and welcoming relationships with children and families.
5. Review transportation sheets and other required paperwork, to be sure that they match what is indicated on the daily menu. Log changes when necessary.
6. Communicate efficiently and in a timely manner with supervisors if/when issues arise.
7. Fill out Meal Incident Reports to communicate issues related to food quality and quantity.
8. Reheat food safely, if/when it falls out of proper temperature.
9. Ensure accurate documentation of refrigerator and freezer temperature logs twice daily.
10. Clean and sanitize thermometers before and after every use.
11. Clean and maintain refrigerator and kitchen areas, recycling as appropriate.
12. Attend staff meetings and required professional development opportunities.
13. Perform duties under the direct supervision of the Head Cook and indirect supervision of the Assistant Cook.
14. Perform other duties as assigned, including supporting general classroom supervision needs, as appropriate, and per availability.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to walk, stand, sit, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Must work outdoors regularly and respond quickly to emergencies.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Why join the Y?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in Early Childhood Education.
• Work in a supportive, community-focused environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.