About this role
Lunch Assistant Department / Program: Ottawa Area Center Reports To: Ottawa Area Center Director Employment Status: Part-Time - 4 hours per day, 185 days per year FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Summary The Lunch Assistant supports the daily operation of the school lunch program by assisting with meal preparation, set-up, serving, and clean-up. This position is responsible for preparing and handling food in accordance with established menus, school procedures, and applicable state and federal food safety and sanitation guidelines. The Lunch Assistant will help ensure meals are prepared and served in a timely, safe, and organized manner to meet the needs of students. The individual in this role will maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food service area by completing routine cleaning and sanitation duties, including cleaning equipment, work surfaces, utensils, and serving areas. The Lunch Assistant will work collaboratively with school and food service staff and is expected to demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for students with special needs. Essential Job Functions
• Meal Preparation and Set-Up: Prepare, portion, organize, and set up meals and food items for students in accordance with established menus and food service procedures.
• Food Service and Safety: Serve meals to students while following all state and federal food safety, sanitation, and food handling requirements, including proper food temperatures and safe handling practices.
• Kitchen Cleaning and Sanitation: Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, work surfaces, utensils, serving areas, and other assigned areas to maintain a safe, sanitary, and organized food service environment.
• Adaptability & Problem Solving: Assists students and staff as needed while encouraging and modeling positive, inclusive, and appropriate behavior.
• Other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience
• Ability to work effectively with students ages 3-26
• Ability to follow district procedures and expectations
• High School Diploma or GED. Previous experience in food service/dietary management or closely related area preferred, but not required
Required Skills & Abilities
• Food handling & safety knowledge: Following state/federal food safety, sanitation, and temperature-control requirements.
• Attention to detail: Accurate portioning, following established menus and procedures.
• Cleanliness/organization: Maintaining sanitized equipment, surfaces, and serving areas.
• Interpersonal/behavioral skills: Working effectively with students ages 3–26, many with special needs; modeling positive, inclusive behavior.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with school and food service staff.
• Reliability: Consistent attendance and dependability, given the structured meal-service schedule.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs with or without mechanical assistance.
• Work is performed in a school kitchen and cafeteria environment.
Compensation & Employment Details
• Compensation: $18.22 to $20.25 per hour commensurate with experience
• Schedule: Part-time schedule of 4 hours per day with a full-year calendar of 185 days.
Notices Job Description Changes: Job descriptions may be subject to change based on the OAISD's needs. This is meant to describe a basic overview of qualifications, role, and duties. It is not an exhaustive or fully comprehensive list as other duties may be assigned. Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively “Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment. Civil Rights Coordinators are located at OAISD, 13663 Port Sheldon St. Holland, MI 49424 to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures. Telephone (616) 738-8940 Ext: 4091.