Food Service Worker

Food Service Worker – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Ocala, Florida - Ocala Youth Academy
Job Type: Full-Time 
Pay: $19.00/ hr

About Youth Opportunity & Ocala Youth Academy

Ocala Youth Academy serves up to 72 adolescent males ages 15–18 across Mental Health and Substance Abuse overlay services. Youth engage in evidence‑based interventions including Moral Recognition Therapy, Seven Challenges, and Impact of Crime, with individual, group and family counseling, victim impact awareness, restorative justice, life skills training, and education via Florida Scholars Academy. Onsite medical and psychiatric care, dietitian‑managed meals, and youth advisory-driven programming support a trauma‑informed treatment model. Length of stay depends on individualized risk reduction and treatment outcomes

Position Summary – Food Service Worker Job in Ocala, Florida

We are hiring a Food Service Worker to support kitchen operations at Ocala Youth Academy. 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 (Part time positions may qualify for 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 driver’s license. Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

How to Apply

Click “Apply Now” through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit http://www.youthopportunity.com/yourfuture to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.