Substitute Food Service Worker

School Food Service Worker

As a School Food Service Worker, you play a vital role in providing nutritious meals, promoting food safety, and delivering excellent customer service within the school community. Your dedication, attention to detail, and teamwork contribute to the overall success of the school food service program and the well-being of students and staff.

As a School Food Service Worker, your primary responsibility is to assist in the preparation and serving of nutritious meals to students and staff within a school or educational institution.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid PA Driver's License.
• ServSafe Certification.

Essential Functions:

• Food Preparation: Assist in the preparation of food items according to standardized recipes, menus, and production schedules. This may involve tasks such as chopping vegetables, preparing salads, cooking entrees, baking desserts, and assembling meals.
• Food Safety and Sanitation: Follow proper food safety and sanitation procedures to maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment. Adhere to health and safety regulations, including proper handwashing, temperature control, and food storage practices, to prevent foodborne illness and ensure compliance with health department requirements.
• Meal Service: Assist with the serving of meals to students and staff during breakfast, lunch, and other meal periods. Ensure that portion sizes are accurate, food items are presented attractively, and serving stations are kept clean and organized.
• Cashier Duties: Operate cash registers or point-of-sale systems to process meal payments, collect lunch fees, and reconcile cash transactions. Provide friendly and efficient customer service to students, staff, and visitors during mealtimes.
• Dishwashing and Cleaning: Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and other kitchen equipment using manual or mechanical methods. Clean kitchen surfaces, floors, and dining areas to maintain a sanitary environment and meet cleanliness standards.
• Inventory Management: Assist in receiving, storing, and rotating food and supply deliveries. Monitor inventory levels of food items, beverages, paper goods, and cleaning supplies, and report shortages or discrepancies to kitchen supervisors or managers.
• Special Dietary Needs: Accommodate special dietary needs or restrictions for students with food allergies, intolerances, or medical conditions. Prepare alternative menu options or modified meals as necessary and communicate dietary requests to kitchen staff and serving personnel.
• Menu Planning Support: Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and meal preparation for school breakfast and lunch programs. Collaborate with kitchen staff, nutritionists, and menu planners to ensure that meals meet nutritional guidelines, dietary requirements, and student preferences.
• Customer Service: Interact courteously and professionally with students, teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders during meal service. Address questions, concerns, and special requests in a prompt and helpful manner to ensure a positive dining experience for all.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with kitchen supervisors, cooks, food service assistants, and other team members to coordinate meal production, service, and cleanup activities. Support a positive and inclusive work environment by communicating effectively, sharing tasks, and helping as needed.

Marginal Functions:

• Cleaning and Sanitizing:
• Cleaning tables, countertops, and food preparation areas.
• Washing dishes, trays, and utensils.
• Maintaining kitchen hygiene and cleanliness, including floors and storage areas.
• Assisting with Food Preparation:
• Helping to prepare food for serving (e.g., peeling vegetables, cutting fruits, portioning meals).
• Assisting in setting up food stations and serving lines.
• Restocking and Inventory:
• Restocking food, beverages, and supplies during meal periods.
• Ensuring items are available for the next service or storage.
• Serving Assistance:
• Helping students or staff with the serving process, such as distributing food in line or helping with special dietary needs.
• Basic Kitchen Equipment Operation:
• Using ovens, mixers, or dishwashers as needed for food service.
• Assisting with Special Events or Catering:
• Helping with catering or special meal events hosted by the school.
• Providing Customer Service:
• Answering questions or helping with food choices, particularly when students ask about meal options.

Physical/Mental/Environmental Demands:

Physical Demands:

Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time.

Bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, grasping.

Lifting to 50 pounds.

Repetitive movement of fingers and hands for keyboarding.

Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of the workday.

Cognitive Skills:

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to organize tasks.

Ability to handle multiple tasks.

Ability to exercise good judgment.

Sensory Abilities:

Visual acuity to read correspondence and computer screens.

Auditory ability to be able to use telephones.

Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and distinctly.

Temperament:

Ability to work as a member of a team.

Ability to make sound decisions.

Ability to work in a high stress position.

Must be courteous.

Must be able to deal effectively with people.

Must be cooperative, congenial, and service oriented.

Ability to work with limited supervision.

Ability to be flexible.

Mental Demands:

Ability to interpret detailed written and verbal communications.

Ability to function in a fast-paced and high-pressure work setting.

Environment:

Office setting.

Cafeteria and kitchen area.

Movement out of the office to other buildings with ability to access all buildings.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

The Susquehanna Township School District is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.