FOOD SERVICE WORKER at MacArthur

Food Service Server/Prep

The Food Service Server/Prep is responsible for assisting with the daily preparation, service, cleaning, and sanitation of the school food service operation. This position supports the Cook and Food Service Manager in providing safe, nutritious, and appealing meals to students while maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary food service environment. The Food Service Server/Prep must follow all Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), USDA, health department, HACCP, food safety, and district food service guidelines and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Breakfast Service
• Prepare and organize breakfast items for daily service.
• Assemble breakfast bags and other grab-and-go meals according to the daily menu and established procedures.
• Serve breakfast to students in a courteous, efficient, and professional manner.
• Maintain an organized and sanitary breakfast service area.
• Assist with replenishing food and supplies during meal service as directed.
• Follow proper food handling, portioning, temperature control, and sanitation procedures.

• Lunch Preparation and Service
• Assist the Cook with daily lunch preparation as assigned.
• Wash, prepare, and organize fruits and vegetables for meal service.
• Assist with setting up serving lines and preparing food and supplies for service.
• Assist with serving meals and maintaining an organized serving area.
• Follow recipes, production records, and established food service procedures as directed.
• Assist with other food preparation duties as assigned by the Cook or Food Service Manager.

• Cleaning and Sanitation
• Clean and sanitize assigned workstations, food preparation areas, equipment, and service areas.
• Maintain clean and sanitary conditions throughout the kitchen and serving areas.
• Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, utensils, trays, and other food service equipment.
• Assist with maintaining proper cleaning and sanitation procedures throughout the workday.
• Properly handle and dispose of waste and maintain clean trash and recycling areas.
• Follow HACCP and food safety procedures at all times.

• Milk Cooler and Refrigerated Products
• Assist with receiving, organizing, and properly storing milk and other refrigerated products.
• Keep the milk cooler clean, organized, and sanitary.
• Rotate milk and refrigerated products using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method.
• Check product dates and condition and report damaged, expired, or questionable products to the Food Service Manager.
• Assist with cleaning and sanitizing the milk cooler according to the established schedule.
• Maintain proper temperature control and immediately report temperature concerns to the Food Service Manager.
• Ensure refrigerated products are stored properly and promptly returned to appropriate storage areas.

• Receiving and Storage
• Assist with receiving deliveries and verifying that products are properly handled and stored.
• Help organize food, milk, and supplies in designated storage areas.
• Follow proper storage procedures, including FIFO rotation and temperature control.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary storage areas.
• Report damaged, missing, expired, or questionable products to the Food Service Manager.

• Food Safety and Compliance
• Follow all applicable ISBE, USDA, health department, HACCP, food safety, and district policies and procedures.
• Maintain proper personal hygiene and wear required protective equipment and uniforms.
• Follow proper handwashing and food handling procedures.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures and follow temperature-monitoring procedures.
• Prevent cross-contamination and follow proper allergen-awareness and food safety practices.
• Complete required food safety and sanitation training.
• Immediately report any food safety, sanitation, equipment, or safety concerns to the Food Service Manager.

• Customer Service
• Provide students and staff with courteous, respectful, and professional service.
• Maintain a positive and welcoming attitude during meal service.
• Assist students with questions regarding meal service when appropriate.
• Support a clean, safe, and positive cafeteria environment.
• Protect student privacy and follow district policies regarding student information.

• Teamwork and Other Responsibilities
• Work cooperatively with the Cook, Food Service Manager, and other food service staff.
• Assist coworkers with food preparation, serving, cleaning, and other duties as directed.
• Be willing to perform various duties throughout the kitchen and serving areas based on the needs of the operation.
• Follow daily assignments and instructions provided by the Food Service Manager or designated supervisor.
• Maintain a dependable attendance and punctuality record.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently bend, reach, stoop, and lift.
• Safely lift and carry food, supplies, and equipment as required.
• Work in a kitchen environment with varying temperatures.
• Perform repetitive tasks associated with food preparation, serving, cleaning, and dishwashing.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary work environment throughout the workday.

Qualifications:

• Previous school food service, cafeteria, restaurant, or institutional food service experience preferred.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation and sanitation practices is preferred.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment.
• Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with students and staff.
• Must be willing to complete required food safety and district training.

Benefits: Eligible for health, dental, vision insurance. Pay range starts at $21,708.69. Actual salary dependent upon experience and certifications.