Strategic Kids is Hiring a Food Service Worker! (Start Date: Monday August 17, 2026)

Location: Newport Beach and Costa Mesa

Pay Rate: $20.50 per hour

Employment Type: Part-Time

Schedule:

5 days per week, Monday through Friday (4 hours per day):

6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Overview

We're hiring Food Service Workers to support daily meal service for K–12 students at public schools across Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. You’ll assist with food preparation, service, and facility upkeep while ensuring a safe, welcoming, and organized cafeteria environment. This position requires strong customer service skills, flexibility, and teamwork to adapt to the needs of each school site.

Responsibilities

• Work as a team to prepare, set up, and serve meals to students and staff

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of food service areas

• Operate cash registers and process transactions accurately

Must Have Requirements

• Food service or food industry experience (Cooking/Food Prep)

• Patient, reliable, and great with people

• Must be 18 years or older

Nice to Have

• Experience working or volunteering with children (e.g., babysitting, summer camps, church, etc.)

• Bilingual communication skills

Benefits

Sick and Safe Leave: You will accrue one hour for every 30 hours worked

Insurance: State Disability Insurance

Workers' Compensation: Through State Fund

Cell Phone Reimbursement: $5 per month

New Hire Orientation: You will be paid to attend New Hire Orientation prior to working at your assigned location(s)

Meaningful work: Knowledge that what you’re doing is making a real impact!

Opportunities for growth: within youth and education programs, plus hands-on experience for future educators and child development professionals

Hiring for the 2026–2027 School Year

BENEFITS

Strategic Kids team members earn paid sick and safe leave from day one, are eligible for the CalSavers state retirement savings program, and are covered by State Disability Insurance and workers' compensation. We also offer paid training and new hire orientation, mileage reimbursement for travel between school sites [where applicable], a monthly cell phone reimbursement, and a referral program.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Following a conditional offer of employment, this role requires DOJ Live Scan fingerprint clearance, as required for staff working with students (Strategic Kids covers the cost). Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local fair chance ordinances.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Strategic Kids is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Lift and carry supplies, equipment...

• Stand and walk for extended periods while actively supervising students.

• Bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch to assist students at their level.

• Sit on the floor or in child-sized chairs during activities.

• Move quickly to respond to student needs or emergencies.

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• See and hear well enough to supervise students and respond to safety concerns.