Cafeteria Assistant/Cook at Kirk

Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and life insurance for

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization in Kirk School, Palatine, IL, seeks a Cafeteria Assistant/Cook to support daily food service operations for students. The role involves assisting the Food Service Manager, preparing breakfasts and lunches, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met in accordance with the National School Lunch Program.

This 10-month, non-exempt position offers a 7-hour workday with benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, and participation in the

Qualifications

• Eighteen years of age or older.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and interact with students and staff.
• Ability to move about the cafeteria and kitchen.
• Ability to repetitively lift up to 30 pounds.
• Food service training and sanitation certification preferred.
• No license required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Food Service Manager in all aspects of cafeteria operation.
• Assist daily in the preparation and service of breakfasts and lunches for students.
• Maintain high quality standards in all meals produced.
• Prepare meals following approved recipes per National School Lunch Program guidelines.
• Produce adequate quantities of product as directed by the Food Service Manager.
• Follow safe and sanitary food handling procedures at all times.
• Portion foods accurately per NSLP guidelines.
• Assist in determining production quantities and ordering supplies.
• Plan and organize work for the department.
• Assist in training employees in quality production.
• Assist in preparation, service and cleanup of special functions.
• Maintain good public relations with students and staff by being friendly and helpful.

Skills

Reading and writing English

Mobility in cafeteria

Lifting 30 lbs

Decision making

Food service training

Education

Food Service Sanitation Certification

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization

• Position Type: Food Service/ Cafeteria Assistant
• Date Posted: 11/4/2026
• Location: Kirk School
• Date Available: 11/16/2026
• Closing Date: UNTIL FILLED

Title ....................................................... Cafeteria Assistant/Cook

Licensure ............................................... No License Required

Classification ......................................... Classified - 10 month

FLSA Status .......................................... Non Exempt

Reports to .............................................. Food Service Manager/Program Administrator

Salary Classification ............................... Food Service - Lane 1 ($17.00/hr - $18.00/hr)

Benefits .................................................. Medical, dental and life insurance plans tailored for you and your family

............................................................... Contribution to Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund

............................................................... Employee Assistance Program

Reviewed/Revised ................................. 08/2023

Essential Functions

• Assist Food Service Manager in all aspects of cafeteria operation.
• Assist daily in the preparation and service of breakfasts and lunches for students.
• Maintain high quality standards in all meals produced.
• Prepare meals following approved standardized recipes in accordance with National School Lunch Program guidelines.
• Produce adequate quantities of product as directed by the Food Service Manager
• Follow safe and sanitary food handling procedures at all times.
• Portion foods accurately in accordance with the National School Lunch Program guidelines.
• Assist the Food Service Manager in determining production quantities and ordering supplies.
• Plan and organize work for the department.
• Assist in training employees assigned to work in the area, in quality production.
• Assist in the preparation, service, and clean-up of special functions.
• Maintain good public relations between the cafeteria, students, and staff, by treating customers in a friendly, helpful manner.
• Assist in cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and facilities.
• Practice safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• 7-hour work day

Other Functions

• Act a positive role model for students.
• Develop excellence in food service for students.
• Assume other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Support NSSEO policy, NSSEO, and governing board goals and objectives, and The School Code of Illinois.

Minimum Qualifications

• Eighteen years of age.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English to understand directions and communication with students and staff.
• Ability to physically move about the cafeteria and kitchen.
• Ability to repetitively lift 30 pounds.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with established procedures.
• Food Service training and experience preferred.
• Food Service and Sanitation certification

Need Help?

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