Cafeteria Food Service Cook- PART TIME

Description

At Heartspring, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our team supports children and young adults with developmental, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities through education, therapy, residential living, and community services. We're looking for an experienced Cafeteria Cook who is passionate about preparing nutritious meals while creating a safe, welcoming dining experience for the students we serve.

• Location: Wichita, KS
• Position: Part-Time Cafeteria Cook, Food Service Cook
• Schedule: Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Every Other Friday & Monday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Requirements: 3+ years of experience in a school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, hospital, nursing home, long-term care (LTC), institutional kitchen, restaurant, or food service environment.

What You'll Do

As a Cafeteria Cook, you'll prepare nutritious meals while ensuring food quality, safety, sanitation, and outstanding customer service for students living in our residential program.

Meal Preparation & Food Service

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals following KSDE meal program standards, approved menus, recipes, and portion guidelines.
• Prepare therapeutic and modified diets to meet specialized nutritional needs.
• Operate in a commercial heat-and-serve kitchen environment while maintaining food quality and consistency.
• Ensure meals are served accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain attractive food presentation and appropriate portion control.

Food Safety & Kitchen Operations

• Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and health department regulations.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, dishes, utensils, food preparation surfaces, and workstations.
• Assist with dishwashing and overall kitchen cleanliness.
• Maintain organized food storage areas and proper food rotation.

Inventory & Kitchen Management

• Monitor food inventory and stock levels.
• Assist with ordering food and kitchen supplies.
• Help reduce waste while maintaining adequate inventory.
• Complete equipment inspections and report maintenance concerns.

Teamwork & Customer Service

• Work closely with the Nutrition Services Manager, clinicians, and fellow kitchen staff.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments.
• Provide exceptional customer service while supporting a positive dining experience.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all Heartspring policies and procedures.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 6 hours of CEU’S, Certification in food safety and sanitation is required by KSDE
• 3+ years of experience in healthcare, residential, commercial food service or school food service

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with inventory management and food ordering systems.
• ServSafe® Food Handler or Food Manager Certification.
• Experience preparing therapeutic, modified, or special diets.

Skills That Will Help You Succeed

• Strong knowledge of food preparation, food production, sanitation, and food safety.
• Understanding of HACCP principles and infection prevention.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced commercial kitchen.
• Excellent organization, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Dependable with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office and digital inventory or ordering systems.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an indoor commercial kitchen within a residential school environment. Responsibilities include:

• Environment: Indoor work environment with cold control environment exposure frequently
• Manual Handling: constant handling of and manipulation of tools and equipment
• Safety Compliance: Adherence to safety protocols and use of protective gear when required constantly.
• Physical Interactions & Exposure Risks: Occasional exposure to physical interactions from clients, including slapping, hitting, punching, kicking, head-butting, and biting. Potential exposure to infectious diseases, parasites, bodily fluids, and blood-borne pathogens in a school and residential care setting.

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting: Up to 40 lbs. frequently
• Carrying: 40 lbs. seldom
• Sitting/Standing/Walking: sit rarely; stand constantly; walk frequently
• Bending/Twisting/Kneeling/Reaching: frequently
• Reaching: frequently
• Pushing/Pulling: 50 lbs. occasionally
• Dexterity: constant hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
• Stamina/Endurance: mild exertion frequently; heavy exertion occasionally
• Vision/Hearing: constant ability to see clearly and hear instructions or warnings

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