Nutrition Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Organizational Overview:

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college-preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. 

What We Value:

• Good Decision-Making: “I make thoughtful decisions in alignment with my school’s and organization’s values.”
• Peer Accountability: “I hold all Big KIPPsters accountable to our schools’ and organization’s values, standards, and expectations.”
• Excellence Always: “I do all aspects of my work with excellence - the big and the little things, the parts being monitored as well as those not monitored.”
• Communication is Key: “I communicate with both honesty and love. How I communicate nurtures courage, belonging, partnership, and progress toward our promise to KIPPsters and families.”
• Scholars Over Everything: “I put our scholars first, 100% of the time, without fail. I quickly resolve any and all adult-centered concerns and qualms to reserve my individual and our collective time and attention for our KIPPsters.”
• Walk Trumps Talk: “I chose this social justice career. And so, I behave in alignment with my choice. My behaviors match our promise to our scholars and families.”
• “Us” Only: “I belong to every member of our organization, and every member of our organization belongs to me. I choose unity always - in both the good times and hard times.”

 Job Summary:

The School Nutrition Assistant supports daily meal preparation, service, sanitation, and compliance within the school nutrition program. This position operates within a structured career ladder (Levels 1–3) designed to build mastery, accountability, and leadership capacity over time. All Nutrition Assistants are responsible for ensuring meals are prepared and served safely, accurately, and in compliance with USDA and district requirements. As assistants progress from Level 1 to Level 3, expectations increase in independence, technical skill, leadership, and operational ownership.

Job Responsibilities:

Food Production & Meal Service 50%

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and snack items according to standardized recipes and menu plans.
• Withdraw appropriate quantities of food from inventory as directed.
• Set up and maintain serving lines, ensuring proper temperature, portion control, and presentation.
• Implement Offer Versus Serve (OVS) requirements and ensure reimbursable meal compliance.
• Serve scholars efficiently and professionally while adhering to meal schedules.
• Maintain quality standards that encourage scholar participation.

Level Expectations:

• Level 1: Executes tasks under direct supervision; follows established processes.
• Level 2: Independently manages assigned production areas and ensures compliance accuracy.
• Level 3: Leads production areas, supports workflow coordination, and assists in training of staff.

Sanitation, Safety & Equipment Management 20%

• Follow all health department and food safety requirements.
• Monitor and document food and equipment temperatures daily.
• Ensure proper food handling, cooking, cooling, and storage procedures.
• Perform cleaning tasks aligned to daily and weekly sanitation schedules.
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely and report malfunctions promptly.

Level Expectations:

• Level 1: Demonstrates understanding of safety procedures and follows guidance.
• Level 2: Consistently maintains accurate logs and ensures sanitation standards are met.
• Level 3: Monitors sanitation compliance across stations and supports audit and inspection readiness.

Inventory, Compliance & Accountability 20%

• Assist in receiving, stocking, and storing deliveries.
• Support monthly inventory counts and tracking processes.
• Maintain required production records, temperature logs, and documentation.
• Ensure meals meet USDA reimbursable requirements, including Buy American guidelines.
• Follow all school and district policies consistently.

Level Expectations:

• Level 1: Supports documentation under supervision.
• Level 2: Independently completes required logs and supports inventory accuracy.
• Level 3: Assists Cafeteria Manager in inventory oversight and documentation review; helps prepare for compliance reviews.

Professional Excellence & Customer Service 10%

• Provide friendly, respectful service to scholars, families, and staff.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and adherence to assigned schedule.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Level Expectations:

• Level 1: Demonstrates foundational professionalism and team collaboration.
• Level 2: Models strong customer service and supports team cohesion.
• Level 3: Serves as a role model for professionalism and assists in onboarding new team members.

Candidate Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and understand English at a fifth-grade level.
• Ability to follow recipes written in standard fifth grade English language.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to perform physical requirements of the role.
• Commitment to food safety and operational excellence.

Preferred:

• Previous institutional or volume-feeding experience (school cafeteria preferred).
• ServSafe certification.
• Experience operating commercial kitchen equipment.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation is competitive and aligned with KIPP Atlanta Schools’ leadership salary bands. The salary range for this role, paid hourly, is $37,500- $50,000 and is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Most new hires are placed in the lower to mid-range of the salary range. Placement near the top of the range is uncommon at hire and reserved for individuals who exceed role qualifications through depth of expertise, leadership maturity, and proven results leading complex initiatives with sustained, organization-level impact. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance, retirement options, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. 

KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 10 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability
• Counseling and Telehealth Options
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan.

Location & Work Conditions:

This position requires:

• This role requires schedule flexibility; work hours vary based on campus needs
• This position requires regular and reliable presence on campus and in schools and in required meetings around the region; Must be based in Atlanta
• This position requires flexibility to support other sites.
• This position requires routine physical activity associated with normal office environments. 
• This position requires the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to engage in school-based activities requiring standing, walking, and mobility

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

KIPP Atlanta Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be adjusted based on school and organizational needs.