Child Nutrition Partner

About this role

Russellville City Schools is seeking a dedicated and dependable Child Nutrition Partner to join their Child Nutrition Program (CNP) team in Russellville, AL. This role plays a vital part in the daily lives of students by ensuring they have access to safe, nutritious, and welcoming meal experiences throughout the school day. As a member of the school nutrition team, you will contribute directly to student well-being and academic readiness — because well-fed students are better prepared to learn. This position will prepare and serve food items to students and/or school personnel, following the school's standard schedule. While some districts may offer opportunities outside of the regular school schedule, these are not guaranteed and opportunities will be limited. This is an on-call, substitute-style role, meaning your schedule will flex based on the school's staffing needs — making it an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking meaningful part-time or supplemental work aligned with the school calendar. Candidates must meet Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) requirements, including a background check and mandatory online training certifications prior to beginning work. Ideal candidates are punctual, professional, and passionate about serving their school community in a hands-on, fast-paced environment.

A Day in the Life

A typical day as a Child Nutrition Partner at Russellville City Schools begins with arriving at the school kitchen before meal service, reviewing the day's menu, and preparing food and beverages for students and staff. You'll work alongside fellow nutrition team members to set up serving stations, ensure food is arranged safely and efficiently, and maintain a clean and welcoming dining environment. Throughout your shift, you'll interact positively with students, staff, and administration to foster a friendly atmosphere for customer dining. Between meal periods, you'll clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, and food preparation areas, conduct inventory checks, and inspect incoming supplies to verify they meet quantity and health standards. Success in this role looks like smooth, on-time meal service, a spotless kitchen, happy and well-fed students, and a team that runs like clockwork — all while upholding the highest standards of food safety and student confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Arrange food and beverages to serve students and staff in a safe and efficient manner during meal periods
• Set up serving stations and ensure food is arranged safely and efficiently
• Prepare food and beverages for students and staff according to the day's menu
• Clean utensils, equipment, and food storage, preparation, and serving areas including sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and washing tables
• Sanitize equipment, utensils, and food preparation areas between meal periods
• Inspect food items and supplies to verify quantity and specifications of orders and to comply with mandated health standards
• Inspect incoming supplies to verify they meet quantity and health standards
• Interact positively with students, staff, administration, and the general public to establish a friendly and welcoming dining environment
• Conduct inventory of food, condiments, and supplies to ensure availability of items needed for meal service
• Maintain food service equipment in proper working condition and report any issues to supervisory staff
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning student records in compliance with applicable regulations
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and USDA Child Nutrition Program guidelines to ensure compliance with federal and state standards
• Work collaboratively with fellow nutrition team members to ensure smooth, on-time meal service
• Maintain a clean and welcoming dining environment throughout service

Requirements

Required

• ! Must be 21 years of age or older
• ! ALSDE Background Check — must be completed prior to beginning work
• ! Erin's Law Online Training — mandatory online training certification required before starting
• ! Jason Flatt Act Training — mandatory online training certification required before starting
• ! Ability to work on an on-call basis with a flexible, as-needed schedule
• ! Ability to lift heavy objects up to 65 lbs
• ! Friendly, approachable attitude with a punctual and professional demeanor
• ! Maintains a professional appearance at all times while on assignment

Preferred

• Prior related experience working with children in a school, childcare, or youth-serving environment
• Previous experience in food service, cafeteria operations, or a commercial kitchen setting
• Familiarity with food safety standards, sanitation protocols, or ServSafe certification (or equivalent)
• Basic knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Program guidelines or school meal programs
• Punctual, professional, and passionate about serving the school community in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and interact positively with students, staff, and administrators
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student records
• Basic ability to review menus, prepare food and beverages, and set up serving stations safely and efficiently
• Ability to conduct inventory checks and inspect supplies to meet quantity and health standards
• Time-management skills to support smooth, on-time meal service

Benefits of joining Spur