Food Service Worker - 14438 Job at Aspiranet in Santa Cruz

Food Service Worker

Santa Cruz, CA

📍 Location: On-Site – Santa Cruz, CA

📅 Schedule: Full-Time Non-Exempt

💼 Department: Residential

📈 Reports to: Program Manager

💰 Pay Range: $23.00-$25.00/hr

✨ Make a Meaningful Impact

Aspiranet, a leading California-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families, is seeking compassionate and committed Food Service Worker professionals to join our Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and Children’s Crisis Psychiatric Program (CCPP). These specialized programs offer short‑term, trauma‑informed care for youth experiencing acute emotional and psychiatric crises, providing vital stabilization services to help them return safely to their homes, schools, or communities.

About Aspiranet

Aspiranet is a mission‑driven social services agency with a proud legacy of supporting California communities since 1975. We are committed to ensuring that every child is loved, every family is supported, and every individual has the tools to succeed. Our services span the state and are delivered through six dedicated divisions: Foster Care and Adoption, Transitioning Aged Youth (TAY), Residential, Intensive Home‑Based Services, Behavioral Health, and Family and Community.

Position Summary

The Food Service Worker is responsible for preparing, serving, and maintaining safe, nutritious meals for clients and staff in a mental health care environment. This position plays an important role in supporting the overall treatment environment by ensuring that meals are delivered on time, in compliance with nutritional guidelines, food safety regulations, and any client‑specific dietary needs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to established menus, portion control standards, and dietary requirements, including special diets when prescribed.
2. Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control protocols in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
3. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, dining, and food storage areas.
4. Monitor food inventory, notify supervisor of needed supplies, and assist with ordering as directed.
5. Safely operate and maintain kitchen equipment.
6. Assist in menu planning to ensure nutritional balance and appeal.
7. Work cooperatively with clinical and program staff to support mealtime routines that foster a positive and respectful dining experience.
8. Maintain accurate temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and other required records.
9. Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, and licensing/accreditation requirements.
10. Assist with special events, holiday meals, or program celebrations as assigned.
11. Perform other assigned duties.

Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. At least 1 year of experience in food preparation or food service.
3. Experience working in a healthcare, psychiatric, residential, or institutional setting.
4. Food Handler Certification or ServSafe Certification.
5. Knowledge of therapeutic diets and nutrition principles.
6. Knowledge of safe food handling practices.
7. Ability to follow recipes and portion guidelines.
8. Good communication and teamwork skills.
9. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in a behavioral health setting.
10. Meets all state‑required conditions of employment as set forth by Community Care Licensing.

Work Environment & Schedule

Physical Demands: Requires standing for extended periods, bending, lifting up to 30 lbs, and operating standard kitchen equipment. May interact with clients during meal service in a clinical environment. Must have the ability and skill to drive a vehicle.

Why Aspiranet?

• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits package, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Access to the free Aspiranet Employee Perks Program.
• Flexible Hybrid Schedule.
• Flexible paid time off including 11 paid holidays, 10 vacation days, 10 sick leave days, two diversity days, and paid birthday time off.
• Access to our employee assistance program including 24/7 crisis line; up to 6 counseling sessions per issue.
• Training opportunities are available to support your ongoing development and career aspirations.
• Collaborate in a supportive, inclusive, and mission‑aligned culture.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that support employee wellbeing.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Aspiranet is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of diversity. We believe a diverse workforce within a culture of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) increases creativity, innovation, problem‑solving, and teamwork.

How to Apply

Apply at www.aspiranet.org/careers.