WHO WE ARE

Heartwood Community School and Heartwood Community Preschools are sister schools in Jasper County, SC.

• Heartwood Community School is a community-focused, tuition-free charter school serving Jasper, Beaufort, and Hampton Counties in South Carolina.
• Heartwood Community Preschool is a private, non-profit 501c3.

We believe in educating the whole child—nurturing each student academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Honoring every child's unique journey, we bridge home and school to foster a compassionate, empowering environment where students feel seen and valued.

Our mission goes beyond academics; we guide students to become resilient problem-solvers, compassionate community builders, globally minded citizens, emotionally intelligent leaders, and lifelong learners. Embracing mistakes as part of growth, we equip students to thrive in school and life—ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

OUR SCHOOL FOOD PHILOSOPHY

At Heartwood Community School, we believe that providing students with fresh, wholesome meals is foundational to student success. Our meal program prioritizes health, safety, and nutrition. We aspire to provide all of our students with delicious, nutritious meals made from scratch - at no cost to families.

Students at Heartwood dine family-style. Lunchtime is a learning opportunity, and a time for the entire school to be in community with one another. Students also participate in meal service and clean-up, so they learn how everyone can contribute to a creating a clean, welcoming environment.

As part of the nutrition team, you would play a vital role in fostering a positive dining experience that meets the diverse dietary needs of our PreK-8th grade students while upholding the school's values of care, community, and excellence.

The Role:

Heartwood Community School is seeking a dedicated Prep Cook/Dishwasher to support the Executive Sous Chef in providing nutritious, high-quality meals to our students and staff. This individual will play a crucial role in ensuring our school's Nutrition Services program runs smoothly by maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, assisting with meal preparation, and adhering to all health and safety regulations.

This position is ideal for someone who is highly detail-oriented, works well in a fast-paced environment, and is committed to food safety and quality. The Prep Cook/Dishwasher will be a vital part of the school community, ensuring that our students receive nutritious meals in a welcoming and sanitary dining environment.

Kitchen and Food Prep Support

• Assist in the preparation of meals by washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients as directed by the Executive Sous Chef.
• Ensure all food is handled, stored, and prepared according to food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Follow recipes and portioning guidelines to support efficient meal service.
• Assist in plating and serving meals during breakfast and lunch service.

Dishwashing and Sanitation

• Wash and sanitize all dishes, utensils, cookware, and kitchen equipment after each meal service.
• Maintain a clean and organized dishwashing area.
• Properly dispose of food waste and recycling according to school policies.
• Assist in keeping kitchen floors, counters, and surfaces clean and sanitized throughout the day.

Inventory and Supply Management

• Monitor dishwashing and cleaning supplies, notifying the Executive Sous Chef when replenishment is needed.
• Assist with receiving and storing food and kitchen supply deliveries.
• Organize and rotate food inventory to ensure freshness and prevent waste.

Health and Safety Compliance

• Adhere to all state and federal food safety regulations, including proper handling of food allergens.
• Ensure compliance with health department guidelines and participate in kitchen inspections as required.
• Maintain knowledge of and follow all school policies related to food service operations.

Teamwork and School Community Engagement

• Support a positive kitchen culture by collaborating with the Executive Sous Chef and nutrition services team.
• Be a reliable and proactive team member who contributes to the overall success of the Nutrition Services program.
• Build positive relationships with students and staff by providing friendly, efficient service.

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Skills and Characteristics:

We seek team members who take pride in their work and are committed to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and food service. The ideal candidate is:

• Detail-Oriented: Ensures that all cleaning and food preparation tasks are completed thoroughly and accurately.
• Team-Oriented: Works well with others, takes initiative, and supports the overall success of the kitchen team.
• Organized and Efficient: Keeps track of multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to Cleanliness and Food Safety: Understands and follows food handling and sanitation protocols.
• Dependable and Hardworking: Arrives on time, takes responsibility for assigned duties, and goes the extra mile to ensure a clean and well-run kitchen.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience in food service, kitchen operations, or dishwashing preferred.
• Familiarity with food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe certification is a plus).

Compensation:

To uphold our commitment to equitable and fair compensation, we offer a competitive salary and have a no-negotiation policy.

We are committed to building a best in class team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time hires, including and not limited to:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Tax Favored Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Retirement Plans