Meal Time Aide - Limited Term - Early Learners Program - Grout/Lent/Kelly/Whitman

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is a large and diverse public school district dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities to all students it serves throughout Portland, Oregon. As an organization, PPS actively promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion and strongly encourages employees and applicants to be vaccinated and current on COVID-19 vaccines to ensure the health and safety of its community. The district is committed to equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination on any bases including race, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, and many others. PPS makes hiring decisions with care and values applicants who align with its commitment to racial equity and social justice. The district is also dedicated to accessibility and provides clear points of contact for issues related to 504 accommodations, ADA compliance, and Title IX.

The Head Start Nutrition Roving Family Style Food Service position, also known as the Meal Time Aide role, is a critical support function within the Head Start classrooms operated under PPS. This role focuses on assisting in the preparation and serving of family style meals to preschool children enrolled in Head Start programs. Working typically during school days between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with shifts ranging from 3 to 4 hours, this position supports the nutritional needs and meal service operations in several school locations including Grout, Oliver P. Lent, Whitman, and the Kelly Center. The role is essential in ensuring that food is prepared and served in a safe, sanitized, and efficient manner, supporting positive mealtime experiences for young children.

The position offers employment on an on-call basis with up to 15 hours per week and runs through the end of the school year, concluding on June 9, 2026. The pay rate is $16.30 per hour, reflective of this role’s important contribution to student well-being and the Head Start program’s success. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with a current food handler's card and the ability to perform tasks such as lifting up to 30 pounds and pushing or pulling food carts. The role demands quick, efficient work performance while following detailed written and verbal instructions and the ability to multitask.

The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in working with young children, some experience in food service, and a cooperative spirit to collaborate with classroom teams and other program staff. This position provides an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to make a tangible difference in early childhood education environments by supporting healthy eating habits and creating positive mealtime social settings. It is also suitable for those looking for flexible, part-time work within a respected public school district that values inclusivity and the personal growth of its employees.

Overall, this role combines responsibilities around food safety, sanitation, and child interaction to reinforce Portland Public Schools’ commitment to nurturing both the educational and physical well-being of its youngest learners. By joining PPS as a Head Start Nutrition Roving Family Style Food Service team member, applicants become part of a broader mission to eliminate systemic barriers and promote equity in education through supportive and meaningful roles that impact children’s daily experiences at school.