Substitute Cook

Cook

The Lima City Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Lima City Schools will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and handicap. This classified position is available as of this date for the 2025-2026 school year.

Job Objective: Prepares and serves meals. Maintains high standards that support the effective delivery of quality food services. Maintains an orderly and sanitary kitchen.

Qualifications:

• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules and all board policies.
• Keeps current with advances in technology and workplace innovations that enhance productivity.
• Food production skills and the ability to use commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to comply with nutrition, health, and safety laws/regulations.
• Ability to accurately measure, weigh, and adjust recipe ingredients.

Functions:

• Checks/confirms assignments. Carefully follows directions. Seeks advice when expectations are unclear. Takes the initiative to perform routine tasks independently.
• Upholds board policies and follows administrative guidelines/procedures. Refers district policy/procedure questions to administrators/supervisors.
• Advances the district's professional image. Promotes effective communications and assistance. Uses problem-solving techniques to tactfully address questions/concerns.
• Facilitates community partnerships and school-sponsored activities that enhance student learning.
• Carefully uses products and supplies to control costs and reduce waste. Records food usage on production records. Advises a supervisor about the need for additional supplies.
• Assists with the receipt of deliveries. Follows approved food safety procedures. Verifies quantities. Reports shortages and spoiled products. Organizes, stores, dates, and rotates stock as directed.
• Follows the published menus. Prepares meals for students with dietary restrictions as directed.
• Uses standardized recipes to maintain quality control. Monitors production sheets.
• Monitors compliance with district specifications and mandated regulations (e.g., hazard analysis of critical control points, portion size, sanitation procedures, etc.). Monitors temperature controls.
• Assists other staff as needed to deal with unexpected or urgent situations.
• Sets up serving lines. Assists with the attractive presentation of food. Replenishes supplies to maintain an orderly flow of customers. Promptly provides substitute menu items as needed.
• Operates the cash register as directed. Ensures that money is exchanged correctly. Monitors students to help maintain orderly behavior. Does not leave the cash register unattended.
• Accounts for all lunches. Prepares/makes bank deposits. Submits records to the treasurer's office.
• Operates the dishwasher. Monitors water temperature to ensure proper sanitizing cycle.
• Follows established sanitization procedures to properly wash dishes in three compartment sink. Hand washes all cookware (e.g., pots, pans, trays, cutlery etc.).
• Cleans/sanitizes work surfaces, equipment, serving lines, kitchen floors, dining tables, etc.
• Ensures that leftover food, kitchen supplies, and equipment are properly stored.
• Helps with special district events (e.g., banquets, etc.). Assists rental groups as directed.
• Secures the kitchen and storage areas as directed.
• Reports discipline problems, vandalism, graffiti, equipment malfunctions, and other concerns.
• Upholds the student conduct code. Maintains high expectations for behavior and performance.
• Takes precautions to ensure safety. Monitors situations that may indicate a problem. Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Prepares for fire, health, and safety inspections. Learns how to operate fire/safety equipment. Documents all injuries that require medical attention.
• Respects personal privacy. Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
• Participates in staff meetings and professional growth opportunities as directed.
• Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others.
• Helps students understand and embrace ethical conduct and democratic values.

Required Abilities:

• Acknowledges personal accountability for decisions and conduct.
• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work/learning environment.
• Differentiates subtle variances in aroma, color, taste, and texture.
• Effectively uses active listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Anticipates time constraints. Manages tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Prepares accurate and timely paperwork. Verifies and correctly enters data.
• Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.

Working Conditions:

• Balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Exposure to air-borne particulates, chemical irritants, combustible materials, electrical hazards, equipment vibrations, noises, and odors. Exposure to wet and/or slippery surfaces.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Interactions with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.
• Lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Performing repetitive tasks quickly.
• Performing tasks that require strenuous physical exertion.
• Traveling to meetings and work assignments.
• Working in proximity to moving mechanical parts.

Performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the Lima City School District Board of Education. This job description identifies general duties and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, and other unforeseen events.