Food Service Worker

Overview

Newport News, United States | Posted on 09/24/2025

Department: HRCAP Head Start/Early Head Start

Work as a member of the nutrition team to cook healthy nutritious meals for Head Start students as required by Head Start Performance Standards and USDA Guidelines.

• Requires knowledge of standard food safety and 2 years of experience as a cook.
• Requires two years of experience in a large kitchen in planning/preparation of meals to be packed and delivered.
• Must have High School education or GED.
• Have or complete within 90 days of employment:
  Food Service Managers Certification.
• Have or complete within 30 days of employment:
  Food Handlers Certification.
• Requires one year of inventory experience and some experience in ordering food for large groups.
• Must have reliable transportation and valid Virginia Driver’s License.
• The ability to read and understand recipes and assigned tasks.
• Comfortable with use of email and technology.
• Flexible in assignment location, works well in team setting and can complete tasks individually.

• Cook in a commissary style kitchen for a large number of students and staff, following CACFP meal pattern requirements and USDA guidelines.
• Time management and flexibility in meal service schedule, working closely with Education staff.
• Set up required food safety standard kitchen procedures and take food and equipment temperatures daily.
• Supervises the Driver(s), and Food Service Worker(s) in the kitchen to ensure that they are following food safety standards, following kitchen policy and procedures, and all staff complete inventory weekly.
• Complete weekly inventory and maintain all supplies on a first in first out basis.
• Maintains neat and accurate records as specified by the Nutrition Manager and Nutrition Coordinator.
• Submits accurate and legible documentation to the Nutrition Manager and Nutrition Coordinator as required.
• Assist and encourage parent participation in the Nutrition Program and promote family wellness.
• Checks all deliveries to ensure quality and quantity ordered is correct before accepting.
• Stores food and supplies properly in accordance with kitchen policy and procedures, following USDA Guidelines and Virginia State Health Regulations.
• Keeps kitchen and all equipment clean and sanitary at all times.
• Wears proper attire and slip resistant shoes daily.
• Be attentive to all special needs of children relating to food allergies, medical needs etc. as posted or provided by the Nutrition Manager and Nutrition Coordinator.
• Attends all staff meetings and training sessions.
• Other duties as assigned by the Nutrition Manager, Nutrition Coordinator and Head Start Director.

• The ability to lift 30lbs.
• The ability to stand for long (4 hour or more at a time) periods of time.
• The ability to withstand the changing extreme hot to cold temperatures of a kitchen.

• Requires knowledge of standard food safety and 2 years of experience as a cook.
• Requires two years of experience in a large kitchen in planning/preparation of meals to be packed and delivered.
• Must have High School education or GED.
• Have or complete within 90 days of employment:
  Food Service Managers Certification.
• Have or complete within 30 days of employment:
  Food Handlers Certification.
• Requires one year of inventory experience and some experience in ordering food for large groups.
• Must have reliable transportation and valid Virginia Driver’s License.
• The ability to read and understand recipes and assigned tasks.
• Comfortable with use of email and technology.
• Flexible in assignment location, works well in team setting and can complete tasks individually.

• The ability to lift 30lbs.
• The ability to stand for long (4 hour or more at a time) periods of time.
• The ability to withstand the changing extreme hot to cold temperatures of a kitchen.

Benefits Summary – Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP)

HRCAP offers a comprehensive benefits package available starting the first of the month following your hire date, including:

Leave Benefits
:

Accrue 5 hours of sick leave per pay period

1 paid day off for your birthday annually

Paid Winter, Spring, and Summer breaks

Paid Holidays
:

11 paid holidays, including New Year s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving (and the day after), Christmas Day, and others

Health Insurance
:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents

75% of health premiums paid by employer

Retirement Plan
:

403 (b) plan with a Dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% after one year of service

For full details, refer to the HRCAP Employee Handbook and Summary Plan Documents.