Food Service Assistant

Job Title

Downey Unified School District

Salary

$18.36 - $22.32 Hourly

Location

Downey, CA

Job Type

Part-Time

Job Number

000141 - 2027

Department

DUSD

Opening Date

06/23/2026

Selection Procedures

Only online applications will be accepted. Recruitment will close without warning when sufficient applications have been received. This is an OPEN and CONTINUOUS recruitment to establish an eligibility list, fill vacancies, and hire substitutes. Substitutes work on an as-needed basis to fill in for absent employees. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list.

Positions in this classification are part-time, 3.5 hours per day/17.5 hours per week, 11 months/184 work days per year.

The recruitment process will consist of an oral technical interview. Testing may occur on a weekly basis. Qualified applicants will be notified by email.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, TITLE IX, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District will provide you with one upon notice.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Function & Duties

Assist in the preparation of food items following standard recipes and procedures. Monitor and reinforce student behavior expectations in eating areas to ensure activities are conducted in an encouraging and safe school environment with minimal risk of injury to students. Carry and position food for serving; serve food to students, faculty, and staff; apportion fruits, vegetables and other items according to established guidelines; replenish condiments and supplies for the serving areas. Report issues of student discipline and other concerns to designated staff according to site approved procedures. Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance. Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations. Alert staff or administrators in emergency situations as appropriate. Reports as needed to ensure a clean and safe eating environment. Clean dishes, trays, pots, pans, utensils and kitchen equipment; wash serving and food preparation areas. Administer first aid and CPR as needed to students. Must demonstrate attendance sufficient to complete the duties of the position as required. Attend professional development, mandated trainings, meetings and workshops as assigned. Circulate throughout the designated eating areas during mealtime. Help students by opening packages and milk cartons. Clean up minor spills and provide additional assistance to students as needed. Follow and observe all safety and sanitation policies and procedures. Assist in storage and inventory of food, food service supplies and equipment. May chop, slice, mix, grate and assemble food items for sandwiches, salads and main dishes. May operate a variety of kitchen equipment including mixer, slicer, steamer, warmer, ovens and others. Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Safe practices in lunchroom and eating areas.
• Methods of preparing and serving sandwiches, salads, vegetables and other foods for cooking and consumption.
• Measurements, weights and serving size portions.
• Proper methods of storing equipment, food, and supplies.
• Sanitation and safety practices related to cooking and serving food, including safe and proper temperatures of cold and heated foods.
• Standard kitchen equipment, utensils and measurements.
• Basic methods used in cleaning and sanitizing kitchen equipment, utensils, appliances and facilities.

ABILITY TO:

• Prepare and set-up food for service to students and staff in a fast-paced environment.
• Serve food to students and staff according to established procedures.
• Maintain food service equipment and facilities in clean and sanitary conditions.
• Operate standard kitchen equipment, appliances and utensils in a safe and efficient manner.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Operate an email system.
• Follow and observe all safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Speak, read, write and understand English at a level required for satisfactory performance.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Work cooperatively and maintain positive, effective relationships with others.
• Work effectively, both independently and as a member of a team.
• Communicate effectively both orally, in writing and through email, with supervisor, students, coworkers, and faculty.
• Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students and staff.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Learn procedures, functions and limitation of assigned duties.
• Monitor, observe and report student's behavior according to approved procedures.

Education and Experience, Licenses and Other Requirements

Any combination equivalent to: High School diploma or equivalent preferred, sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above and some experience in the care of children in an organized setting is preferred.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Obtain a valid First Aid and CPR certification within five (5) months of employment issued by an authorized agency, as well as meeting the requirements to keep certificates current.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: ENVIRONMENT: Incumbents in this classification work indoors and outdoors and/or in changing weather conditions with protection against the elements. Eating areas/lunchroom, food service facility environment. Extended exposure to sun or inclement weather; noise of children at play. Subject to heat from ovens, cold from walk-in refrigerators and freezers. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Standing and walking for extended periods of time. Seeing to monitor student behavior during assignment, hearing and speaking to provide guidance to students and to communicate with staff, dexterity of hands and fingers to participate in various activities with students and operate kitchen equipment, bending at the waist, kneeling, standing and walking for extended periods of time. Carrying, pushing and pulling food trays and carts, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally. Moderate and frequent lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds, occasionally lifting of up to 60 pounds with assistance.

Benefits

Part-time Employees earn up to:

• 1 paid vacation day per 1 full month of employment
• 1 paid sick leave day per 1 full month of employment with unlimited accumulation
• and paid holidays

The District offers two excellent medical plans, Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente; two dental plans, Delta Dental and MetLife SafeGuard; and vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP). All plans are available to the employee and their dependents. This coverage is available to employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. Click Here to Learn More.

Retirement benefits include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employee's Retirement System) and Social Security (OASDI). This is a joint contribution plan. To qualify for CalPERS an employee must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or already be a member, if not the employee is eligible for an alternative retirement plan.

Additionally, the District encourages employees to pursue professional growth, and provides financial incentive for classified employees completing professional growth programs. Additional benefits available to employees to which the District does not contribute include life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, an income protection plan, and a credit union.

Substitute employees are not eligible for vacation or holiday pay but are eligible to earn sick leave at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, not to exceed 48 hours. Further, substitute employees are not automatically eligible for CalPERS or District health benefits.