Food Service Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $19.00/hr

Food Service Worker Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Ocala, Florida - Ocala Youth Academy
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $17.00/hr

About Youth Opportunity & Ocala Youth Academy
At Ocala Youth Academy, part of Youth Opportunity Investments, we provide trauma-informed mental health and substance abuse treatment for youth in a structured residential setting. Our mission is to help youth reduce risk factors, build protective skills, and successfully reintegrate into the community. Through therapy, education, and life skills development, we equip youth to lead productive, prosocial lives.

Position Summary Food Service Worker Job in Ocala, Florida

We are hiring a Food Service Worker to support kitchen operations at Osceola Youth Center. This role is ideal for individuals with experience in institutional or large-volume cooking who want to contribute to a positive, youth-focused environment. You will prepare meals, maintain cleanliness and safety standards, and help ensure nutritional needs are met within a secure residential facility.

Food Service Worker Job Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

• Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
• Work in a trauma-informed, structured, and supportive residential environment
• Contribute to the health and well-being of youth through quality food service
• Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

Food Service Worker Responsibilities

• Prepare all food items according to daily menus and recipes while maintaining quality, sanitation, and safety standards
• Review menus and production sheets for substitutions and preparation needs
• Cook soups, entrees, vegetables, and desserts as assigned
• Set up service areas and pass-through windows as needed
• Prepare baked goods or desserts for the following day
• Properly store and date leftovers to meet health and safety guidelines
• Clean cooking utensils, including pots and pans, and maintain a clean work environment
• Follow clean as you go procedures to prevent accidents and maintain kitchen organization

Other Duties Include

• Participate in training and development activities as required
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen
• Ability to read recipes and perform basic mathematical calculations
• Familiarity with nutritional, sanitation, and safety guidelines in food preparation

Preferred Experience

• 6+ months experience in institutional or large-volume cookery
• Experience in food preparation techniques and sanitation standards
• ServSafe certification strongly preferred (or ability to obtain within required timeframe)

Other Requirements

• Physical Demands: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. Regularly lift/move up to 50 pounds. Must be free of communicable diseases as required by the state and to the extent that knowledge is attainable under federal law.
• Other: Must maintain an appropriate and valid state drivers license. Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

How to Apply

Click Apply Now through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.