Nutrition Assistant

NUTRITION ASSISTANT

Carter G. Woodson School (Winston-Salem, NC)

This position operates under the direction of the Nutrition Manager. The Nutrition Assistant

is responsible for supporting daily operations and does not have responsibility for program

oversight or final compliance determinations. The role 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), while supporting accurate meal counting and

claiming, adherence to federal and state regulations, and maintaining high standards of

food safety, confidentiality, and service efficiency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Cafeteria Environment, Student Engagement & Customer Service

• Create and maintain a welcoming, positive, and student-centered cafeteria

environment

• Greet scholars in a friendly, respectful, and professional manner at each point of

service

• Demonstrate strong customer service by engaging students in a way that

encourages 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 Point of Service (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 point-of-sale

(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 Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (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 Maintain 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.