Food Service Worker

Summary

Performs a wide range of duties involved with preparing, cooking and/or serving foods and beverages in a substance abuse/mental health residential program. May perform such duties as preparing salad items, hot foods, and/or cold foods, and/or assisting in the preparation of bakery items, as appropriate to the position. Responsible for cleaning work areas, equipment, utensils. Responsible for set up, and service; and collection of garbage/trash; as appropriate to the area of operation.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Preparing and cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner meals for 60-85 individuals in a program setting.
2. Sets up food service, kitchen, or salad area facilities, equipment and utensils, under detailed instruction, in accordance with specific area needs; checks food temperatures and/or prepares areas for daily operations; may operate cooking or bakery equipment as assigned.
3. Follows prescribed procedures in setting up hot and cold food lines; chooses proper utensils and sets steam line to appropriate temperature for menu items.
4. Prepares the preparation of hot and cold meat and vegetable dishes, beverages, salads, sandwiches, pie fillings, simple bakery items, salad dressings, and/or other similar food items, as appropriate to the position.
5. As appropriate to the position, serves food items to customers from counters and/or steam tables, in accordance with specific instructions, ensuring that appropriate portions are served.
6. May serve a range of hot and cold food items from counters and steam tables; adds relishes and garnishes according to instructions.
7. As needed, replenishes foods, silverware, glassware, dishes, and trays at serving stations; may order and replenish condiments.
8. Fills ice machines, if present in area of operation; ensures that machines are cleaned and maintained, as necessary.
9. Attends to day-to-day problems and needs concerning equipment and food supplies; detects and ensures disposition of spoiled or unattractive food, defective supplies/equipment, and/or other unusual conditions.
10. May clean and maintain work areas, including floors, facilities, utensils, and equipment; collects and places garbage and trash in designated containers; as appropriate to the area of operation.
11. Washes pots, pans, and other service ware ensuring sanitary handling; organizes and replaces service ware to appropriate location.
12. May provide guidance and training to other employees performing related work.
13. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Less than high school; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
• Ability to follow routine verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and write.
• Ability to understand and follow safety procedures.
• Ability to safely use cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Ability to lead and train staff and/or students.
• Ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects.
• Knowledge of food service lines set-up and temperature requirements.
• Skill in cooking and preparing a variety of foods.
• Knowledge of food preparation and presentation methods, techniques, and quality standards.

Conditions of Employment

• Must have or obtain within 2 weeks of training the Serve Safe Certification

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Considerable physical activity. May require handling of objects that can weigh up to 50 lbs.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.