Cafeteria Worker (Porter Lakes Elementary)

Porter Township School Corp; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Porter Township School Corporation is seeking a Cafeteria Worker to support daily food service operations in the district’s cafeteria. You will prepare and serve meals, follow district recipes, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

The role involves operating kitchen equipment, handling cash and serving lines, and assisting with deliveries and stock control. A high school diploma or GED and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Must meet health requirements (e.g., TB test).
• Criminal record must be clear for public school employment.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules.
• Self-directed with diplomacy skills.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes using commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to comply with nutrition, health, and safety laws and regulations.
• Ability to measure, weigh, and adjust ingredients.
• Ability to use commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical concepts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Follows directions and completes routine tasks independently.
• Observes board policies and procedures; supports school programs.
• Communicates effectively and provides reliable service.
• Monitors supplies to manage costs and waste.
• Receives deliveries and ensures accuracy of quantities.
• Prepares/cooks food as directed per district specifications and safety rules.
• Assists with setting up serving lines and maintains service areas.
• Operates cash register and monitors student behavior as needed.
• Manages lunch accounting and inventory; stores leftovers properly.
• Maintains clean and sanitized work surfaces, equipment, and floors.
• Supports district events and interacts with rental groups as directed.
• Reports safety, equipment, or discipline issues to supervisors.

Skills

Self-directed

Diplomacy

Recipe preparation

Nutrition & safety

Math concepts

Kitchen equipment operation

Lifting 50 lbs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

PORTER TOWNSHIP SCHOOL CORPORATION

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: CAFETERIA WORKER

Reports to:

Manager / Food Service Director

Job Objective:

Performs a variety of duties that support the effective delivery of quality food services.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• 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 board policies.
• Self-directed, congenial disposition, and strong diplomacy skills.
• Ability to prepare standardized recipes using commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to comply with nutrition, health, and safety laws/regulations.
• Ability to accurately measure, weigh, and adjust recipe ingredients.
• Ability to use commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Essential Functions:

The following are typical work responsibilities.A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential 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 procedures.Promotes a professional image of the school corporation.Supports community partnerships that enhance school programs.
• Promotes effective communications and reliable service.Uses problem-solving techniques to tactfully address questions/concerns.Refers policy interpretation inquiries to administrative staff.
• Carefully uses products and supplies to control costs and reduce waste.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.
• Prepares/cooks food as directed.Complies with district specifications and mandated food service regulations (e.g., hazard analysis critical control points, portion size, sanitation procedures, etc.).
• Prepares salads, a la carte, and/or other items as directed.Sets up drink dispensers/machines.
• Assists other staff as needed to deal with time constraints and unexpected or urgent situations.
• Sets up serving lines.Serves customers.Replenishes supplies.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.
• Helps account for all lunches.
• Cleans/sanitizes work surfaces, equipment, serving lines, kitchen floors, etc.
• Stores leftover food, kitchen supplies, and equipment.Secures storage areas as directed.
• Helps with special district events (e.g., banquets, etc.).Assists rental groups as directed.
• Reports discipline problems, vandalism, graffiti, equipment malfunctions, and other related 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.
• Helps prepare 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.
• Maintains a professional appearance.Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities Required:

• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work/learning environment.
• Acknowledges personal responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Performs prescribed activities efficiently with limited supervision.
• Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Effectively uses listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Prepares accurate and timely paperwork.Verifies and correctly enters data.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.

Working Conditions:

• Duties may require lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require traveling to meetings and work assignments.
• Duties may require working in proximity to moving mechanical parts.
• Duties may require performing repetitive tasks quickly.Duties may require differentiating variances in aroma, color, taste, and texture.
• Duties may require bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Potential for exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Potential for exposure to air-borne particulates, chemical irritants, combustible materials, electrical hazards, equipment vibrations, noises, odors, and wet floors.
• Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.

Performance Evaluation:

Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the Porter Township School Corporation.

Porter Township School Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that believes and practices that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities both in the hiring process and in all phases of employment. In adhering to all State and Federal statutes, the Porter Township School Corporation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender status, sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively, “Protected Classes”) in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities, providing the person is qualified and meets the established requirements of the position.