School Cafeteria Worker (1C)

General Cafeteria Worker

Classification: Classified

Job Summary: General Cafeteria Worker plays a vital role in ensuring that students receive nutritious and enjoyable meals in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare food, serve food, and clean cafeteria equipment/areas as assigned by Cafeteria Manager or Lead.
• Serve food to students and staff in an efficient and friendly manner.
• Ensure portion sizes are appropriate and in compliance with school guidelines.
• Work cooperatively with all other food service employees.
• Observe rules, cleanliness and adhere to appropriate personal hygiene.
• Dispose of food in disposal unit and waste containers.
• Operate dish washing machine and/or wash dishes by hand that ensures sterilizing of all dishes, silverware and utensils.
• Clean up all spills.
• Restock serving stations with food, beverages, and utensils.
• Sanitize all counters and tables both in the kitchen and cafeteria.
• Help prepare food, make sandwiches, cut pies, cakes, cheese, etc., peel raw vegetables, move all food to serving counters.
• Move food and parcels to and from freezers, refrigerators and warming units.
• Ensure the cafeteria meets health and safety regulations.
• Address questions regarding meal options, dietary needs, and allergens.
• Assemble food for transfer to other school buildings.
• Maintain respect at all times for confidential information, e.g., free and reduced lunch students.
• Performs other related duties and assignments as assigned.

Customer & Staff Engagement:

• Foster a welcoming cafeteria environment that promotes positive interactions with students, staff, and parents.
• Handle public inquiries with tact and diplomacy, maintaining confidentiality where required.
• Promote good public relations through professional appearance and demeanor.

Administrative Support:

• Operate cash registers and manage point-of-sale technology.
• Assist with inventory checks and notify supervisors of low supplies.
• Participate in district food service meetings and contribute to program improvement.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: At least 12 years of relevant experience.
• Skills: Effective communication (oral and written). Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Training in chemical safety (OSHA/PERRAC).

Physical & Working Conditions:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, lift (up to 50 lbs), and operate kitchen equipment.
• Occasional exposure to extreme temperatures (e.g., ovens, freezers).
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekends, or summers as needed.
• May involve travel between district locations for supply delivery or operational support.

Performance Expectations:

• Ensure compliance with all health and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate financial and operational records.
• Create a positive and efficient work environment for staff and students.
• Demonstrate professionalism and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Garfield Heights City Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, genetic information, race, color, age, religion, disabilities, military status, sexual orientation, or national origin in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.