Food Service Worker/Cook

eBusiness Solutions Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee School for the Blind in Nashville is seeking a Food Service Worker/Cook to prepare and serve meals on-site, ensuring adherence to USDA guidelines, safety standards, and dietary requirements for students.

The role covers cooking, portion control, inventory, and collaboration with staff, while maintaining records and accommodating allergies. Requires high school diploma and ability to stand long hours; training in First Aid/Infant CPR is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Basic knowledge of food safety, sanitation, hygiene, and proper handling procedures.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, dietary guidelines, and established procedures.
• Basic knowledge of child nutrition, food allergies, and dietary restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and other food items according to established recipes and menus.
• Maintain proper portion control, ensure quality, taste, and nutrition.
• Follow USDA meal requirements for children and health regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness of all kitchen areas and equipment.
• Monitor and record food and equipment temperatures and maintain records.
• Manage food inventory and assist with receiving and storing deliveries.
• Submit monthly inventory reports and obtain approval for menu changes when needed.
• Work with kitchen staff and supervisors to ensure timely meal service.
• Accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions; maintain allergy records.

Skills

Food preparation

Food safety

Record keeping

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

One of our clients in the government domain is seeking a Food Service Worker/Cook to prepare and serve meals at the Tennessee School for the Blind while maintaining food safety, sanitation, nutritional, and dietary requirements.

Food Service Worker/Cook
On-Site
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
6 Months

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and other food items according to established recipes, approved menus, dietary guidelines, and health regulations.
• Prepare meals in appropriate quantities while maintaining proper portion control, quality, taste, and nutritional standards.
• Follow USDA meal requirements for children, including appropriate portion sizes and nutritional content.
• Follow proper food safety, hygiene, sanitation, storage, and food-handling procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen areas, countertops, stoves, refrigerators, garbage cans, dishes, utensils, and other kitchen equipment.
• Monitor and record food and equipment temperatures and maintain required food service records.
• Manage food inventory by tracking supplies, identifying low-stock items, assisting with receiving and storing food deliveries, and maintaining accurate inventory records.
• Submit required monthly inventory reports and request approval for menu changes when necessary.
• Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, dietary aides, food service personnel, and supervisors to ensure timely meal service.
• Accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, and other special nutritional requirements.
• Maintain an accessible file and accurate information regarding children with food allergies.
• Ensure the health, welfare, and safety of students during meal and snack times.
• Provide appropriate customer service and communicate effectively with students, staff, supervisors, and parents regarding food-related concerns.
• Assist with food waste management and maintain proper documentation of food usage.
• Support other staff members as needed, including occasional cleaning duties and providing break coverage.
• Complete First Aid and Infant CPR training as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned while complying with applicable health regulations and school policies.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to prepare and serve meals and snacks in accordance with approved menus and health guidelines.
• Basic knowledge of food safety, sanitation, hygiene, and proper food handling procedures.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, dietary guidelines, and established procedures.
• Basic knowledge of child nutrition, food allergies, and dietary restrictions.
• Basic ability to perform arithmetic operations involving fractions, percentages, and ratios.
• Basic verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during food preparation.
• Ability to lift and move kitchen supplies and equipment as needed.
• Must demonstrate proper hygiene and cleanliness in food preparation areas.
• Willingness to perform related duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Food preparation and cooking
• Food safety and sanitation
• Kitchen cleanliness and organization
• Meal preparation and portion control
• Inventory management
• Food temperature monitoring and record keeping
• Understanding of dietary restrictions and food allergies
• Basic arithmetic and record keeping
• Verbal and written communication
• Ability to work effectively as part of a kitchen team

Desired Skills

• Previous experience in food preparation or institutional food service.
• Experience working in a childcare, school, or early childhood education environment.
• Familiarity with USDA meal requirements for children.
• Knowledge of child nutrition and special dietary requirements.
• Ability to follow established recipes, menus, and procedures accurately.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced food service environment.
• Ability to maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, staff, students, and parents.
• Ability to maintain accurate inventory and food service records.
• Ability to recognize and appropriately manage food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Commitment to student health, safety, and welfare.

Knowledge

• Food preparation and cooking practices
• Food safety and sanitation requirements
• USDA meal requirements for children
• Child nutrition
• Food allergies and dietary restrictions
• Kitchen equipment and cleaning procedures
• Inventory and food storage practices
• Basic arithmetic and record keeping

Abilities

• Prepare meals, snacks, and other food items according to established menus.
• Maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness throughout food preparation and service.
• Manage food inventory and maintain accurate supply records.
• Monitor food and equipment temperatures.
• Follow health and safety regulations.
• Communicate food-related issues or concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Work cooperatively with other kitchen and school staff.
• Lift and move kitchen supplies and equipment as required.
• Stand for extended periods while performing food preparation duties.

Certifications

• Must complete First Aid and Infant CPR training as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move kitchen supplies and equipment as needed.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during food preparation and meal service.
• Ability to perform routine kitchen cleaning and sanitation duties.

Additional Requirements

• Must maintain proper personal hygiene and food-handling practices at all times.
• Selected applicants must verify their work experience and highest degree earned.
• The Tennessee School for the Blind is a non-smoking facility.
• Selected applicant must comply with the State of Tennessee Employee Drug-Free Workplace Policy and all applicable school policies.
• Selected applicant will be required to successfully complete a TBI/FBI background check and fingerprinting, including Tennessee and federal criminal history checks, child abuse records, employment verification, and professional/personal reference checks.
• Any discrepancies identified during the background check or fingerprinting process may result in disqualification from consideration.
• Must be willing to perform additional related duties as assigned.