Food Service Worker

Food Service Worker

The Food Service Worker provides support in all aspects of the school nutrition program, including food preparation, meal service, operating the check-out line, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dining areas, washing dishes, stocking supplies, and providing courteous customer service to students, staff, and visitors.

About Chief Leschi Schools: Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200+ tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists cooks in the preparation of breakfast and lunch entrees of salads, fruits and vegetables for serving, and in the making of sandwiches, snacks and sack lunches
• Assists cooks in setting up and serving daily menu items from the cafeteria line, if needed
• Sets up and replenishes beverages, condiments, silverware, napkins and other items
• Follows cooks' directions in the portioning of menu items
• Properly stores received food items in the refrigerator, freezer and dry storage areas
• Pulls food items and supplies from storage areas as required by menu
• Washes dishes, silverware, pots and pans either manually or by use of mechanical equipment; disassembles, cleans and reassembles dishwasher machine after use
• Cleans and maintains, in accordance with sanitation standards, equipment and work areas; sweeps and mops floors and washes utensils, counters, and tables
• Uses washer and dryer to wash and dry food service linens
• Provides clerk/cashier services as students checkout on the lines; keys in student ID numbers to ensure accurate accountability
• Ensures proper plating of food at the checkout lines
• Operates, in accordance with safety principles, dish machine, washer, dryer, trash compactor and other powered mechanical kitchen equipment used in the preparation, service and cleaning of the food service area
• Performs other related work as assigned

This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Chief Leschi Schools reserves the right to assign or modify duties consistent with operational needs. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions.

Minimum Requirements

• High School diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit
• Experience in food preparation (within the last 5 years)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a K12 school nutrition or institutional food service program.
• Experience preparing and serving meals in a high-volume kitchen.
• Ability to communicate effectively and provide excellent customer service to students, staff, and families.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Condition of Employment

• Successful criminal background clearance
• Successful and/or clear drug screening

Knowledge Of

• School board policies and procedures
• Working in a school, especially a tribal school or education setting
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, database importing/exporting and formulas
• Strong computer keyboarding capability with data entry experience
• Detailed minded with the capability to prioritize multiple tasks at the same time
• Documented experience with federal and state reporting requirements as they relate to education

Ability To

• Take initiative and work independently
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups in a multicultural and diverse community
• Work collaboratively with school and central office administrators, parents, and community members
• Demonstrate understanding of and experience with cultural competence
• Comply with school board policies and follow administrative procedures

Reporting Relationship: Food Service Manager or designee

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy.

• Employees may be required to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks involving reaching, talking, hearing, bending, stooping, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and fine motor coordination.
• This position may require regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds, with appropriate assistance or equipment as needed.

Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in an indoor educational environment with moderate noise levels. Employees may work in and/or proximity to classrooms, students, and standard office or instructional equipment. Conditions may vary based on program needs.

Sovereign Immunity Notice: Chief Leschi Schools operates under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment is governed by Tribal law and policy and does not create a contract of employment. Nothing in this job description or related materials shall be construed as a waiver of CLS's or the Tribe's sovereign immunity.

Indian Preference & Equal Opportunity Statement: Chief Leschi Schools is an equal opportunity employer operating under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment decisions are made in accordance with Tribal law, including applicable Indian preference requirements. Chief Leschi Schools provides employment opportunities without unlawful discrimination as defined by Tribal policy and aligns with applicable federal requirements where expressly required under law or the State-Tribal Education Compact. Nothing in this statement shall be construed as a waiver of CLS's or the Tribe's sovereign immunity.