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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Atkins, AR (NOW HIRING)

Paraprofessional

Russellville, AR · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Associate's degree with at least 60 early childhood hours or obtain a Child Development Associate ... Hallway, Cafeteria, Recess, Bus/Car Duty * Showing up to work on time and notifying supervisors ...

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Russellville, AR

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

FOOD UNIT LEAD

Russellville, AR · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Russellville, AR · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Russellville, AR · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

Cafeteria Associate information

See Atkins, AR salary details

$11

$13

$16

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Atkins, AR is $13.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.84 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafeteria associate?

Cafeteria Associates are staff members who work in cafeterias, often in schools, hospitals, or corporate settings, to help prepare, serve, and sometimes cook food. They are responsible for ensuring that food is served safely and efficiently, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, handling cash registers or payment systems, and providing customer service to patrons. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of food service in large institutions, and they often work as part of a team under the supervision of a cafeteria manager or supervisor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and proper sanitation procedures is typically required. Strong teamwork, customer service, and time management abilities help individuals excel in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafeteria Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high customer volumes during peak meal times, maintaining cleanliness under tight schedules, and addressing diverse dietary needs. Effective time management and clear communication with team members can help in prioritizing tasks and ensuring smooth service. Additionally, being adaptable and following established food safety protocols are essential for delivering quality meals and a positive dining experience.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCafeteria AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, cafeterias in institutionsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, school districtsRestaurants, catering companies, institutional food services
Job DutiesServing students, cashiering, food prep, cleaningPreparing and serving food, cleaning, customer service

Both roles involve food service in institutional settings, often requiring similar certifications and skills. However, Cafeteria Associates primarily work in school environments serving students, while Food Service Workers may work in a broader range of food service settings like restaurants and catering. The core responsibilities overlap, but the work environment and specific duties differ slightly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Atkins, AR?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Atkins, AR are:

What cities near Atkins, AR are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Atkins, AR with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Atkins, AR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 20% Full Time, 75% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,274 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

$13 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Parapros

Contract Days:  185, 7.5 hrs/day

The Parapros  are directly supervised and evaluated by the administrators at the building/department.
 


Qualifications of Employment:

  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Parapros must provide a transcript showing at least 60 college hours or pass the parapro exam (RSD can provide this parapro exam, but the candidate is responsible for the testing fees)
  • Pass a background check (RSD will reimburse once passed)
  • Need to be able to pick up at 45-50 lbs
  • Must be able to work with students on the floor and get up by themselves
  • Professional communication skills
    • All: Bilingual in Spanish is strongly preferred
    • Proper grammar usage with English
  • All: Basic computer skills
    • Typing, email
  • Clerks:
    • Excel, Microsoft Word, Google, Eschool knowledge preferred
  • Preschool parapros only:
    • Associate's degree with at least _____ early childhood hours or obtain a Child Development Associate Credential (have 2 years to obtain this with RSD)
    • Must obtain the CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications every 2 years 

Parapros:

  • Parapros
  • Special ed parapro
  • ALE parapro

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • May involve personal care for students (bathroom help, feeding, etc)
  • Follow and teach lesson plans from teachers
  • Substitute if needed
  • Ability to be flexible on scheduling, can be placed where needed in the district
  • Support students and teachers in the classrooms with academics
  • Building Duties: Hallway, Cafeteria, Recess, Bus/Car Duty
  • Showing up to work on time and notifying supervisors immediately when unable to come to work
  • Restraint & De-escalation training
  • Active supervision of students: walk around, communicate with students, etc.
  • May need to grade student work
  • Preparing and maintaining materials/resources needed
  • Uphold confidentiality - FERPA
  • Mandated Reporter
  • Clerical duties such as filing, data entry, phone calls, copies, assisting with Eschool
  • Screen visitors and follow any RSD safety procedures
  • Maintaining, distribution, and record keeping for any devices (laptops, ipads, etc)
  • Demonstrate professional and polite language and appearance
  • Parent communication regarding students
  • Participate in the RSD annual professional development with contract days
  • Follow all RSD policies and procedures
  • Be responsible for correctly documenting timesheets and any other documentation
  • Other duties as assigned 

7.5 hrs/day (Example Schedules):

  • 7:30 - 3:30 with 30 minute lunch (unpaid) + 2 fifteen minute paid breaks
  • 7:45 - 3:45 with 30 minute lunch (unpaid) + 2 fifteen minute paid breaks
  • 8:00 - 4:00 with 30 minute lunch (unpaid) + 2 fifteen minute paid breaks 

RSD Positions (include but not limited to the following):

  • Instructional parapros
  • Migrant parapros
  • Special ed parapros
  • ALE parapros
  • ESL parapros
  • Focus room/ISS parapros
  • Preschool parapros