HCE - Cafeteria Worker

Diocese of Harrisburg; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Diocese of Harrisburg is seeking a Cafeteria Worker at Harrisburg Catholic School. This role includes preparing and serving nutritious meals to students, staff, and visitors while adhering to safety and hygiene regulations.

Candidate should possess the ability to follow directions and demonstrate a willingness to work positively within a team. Preferred qualifications include experience in food service and knowledge of health safety regulations.

Qualifications

• High school completion preferred.
• Experience with quantity food service functions preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve food to students, teachers, and visitors.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen areas and equipment.
• Follow safety and sanitary techniques while preparing food.

Skills

Following oral and written directions

Getting along well with others

Knowledge of Serv-Safe regulations

Knowledge of health safety regulations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cash register

Job description

Position Type: Support Staff/ Cafeteria Worker

Date Posted: 6/5/2026

Location: Harrisburg Catholic School

Job Description

Grade 10 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Nature of Position: The Cafeteria Worker prepares, cooks and provides nutritious and appealing meals to students, teachers and other school personnel and visitors.

Reports to: Cafeteria Manager

Supervises: None

Responsibilities

• Observes and promotes safe work practices and procedures.
• Prepares food according to standardized recipes and established food preparation procedures.
• Plans food production for the following days by preparing designated food items ahead of time.
• Plans and implements an acceptable placement of steam‑table pans on the cafeteria line prior to serving time.
• Transfers supplies and equipment among storage, work, serving, and cleaning areas appropriately.
• Stores food in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements and food spoilage guidelines.
• Stores food in refrigerators after covering, labeling, and dating; discards outdated items properly.
• Courteously serves food with accuracy and speed while adhering to portion control, safety, and appearance standards.
• Maintains kitchen work areas, equipment, and utensils in clean and orderly condition.
• Sweeps and mops floors.
• Washes tables, walls, and equipment as directed.
• Washes pots and pans according to established procedures.
• Scrapes food from dirty dishes and washes them in a dishwasher following established procedures.
• Inspects cleaned dishes for cleanliness, chips, cracks, etc., and stores them appropriately.
• Accepts payment for food, using a cash register or other means as directed by the cafeteria manager.
• Follows trash separation and proper disposal procedures.
• Reports needed supplies and equipment malfunction to the cafeteria manager.
• Follows established sanitary techniques while preparing and serving food and while handling clean utensils.
• Attends in‑service training sessions to develop and improve knowledge and skills.
• Performs job activities in a timely, efficient manner and displays a willingness to work beyond the end of the contract work time as infrequent need arises.
• Recommends changes and improvements regarding the job; accepts changes readily.
• Adheres to uniform and personal hygiene requirements.
• Prepares and serves banquet and special function meals as required.
• Complies with and supports school and diocesan regulations and policies.
• Maintains proper boundaries with students at all times, assuring respect for the ethical and legal duties in the staff–student relationship and the essential duty to serve as a role model.
• Provides a good role model in appearance, demeanor, dress, and behavior for the students served.
• Models non‑discriminatory practices in all activities.
• Performs related duties as assigned by the Manager in accordance with school/diocesan policies and practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must be able to follow oral and written directions and have the ability to get along well with others. Requires knowledge of all Serv‑Safe regulations and of health safety regulations in the service of food. The person in this position needs to be able to seek new recipes and food selections that comply with Nutrition guidelines of the state and Federal Government.

Training and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of high school preferred. Experience and proficiency in quantity food service functions are preferred.

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

Duties are typically performed in areas related to the cafeteria and kitchen. Work is typically performed walking or standing. Physical stamina is required to tolerate continuous standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, grasping, kneeling, and lifting objects weighing up to approximately 45 pounds. The ability to withstand temperature variances common to food service facilities is required. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. Food service workers are in daily contact with teachers, students, administration, the general public and other work‑related personnel. The ability to coordinate and prioritize work activity, handle complaints, express a service‑oriented attitude, communicate effectively and work with limited supervision.