Food Service Worker

Position Purpose

Responsible for the coordination of food and supplies necessary for meal services, and for the operation of the dining area assigned, including the arrangement, cleaning and condition of furnishings and equipment.

This position is considered “Essential Personnel” in the event that:

• an emergency occurs on the PEA Campus or in the vicinity that would impact PEA;
• inclement weather forces the closing of campus or;
• other emergency events deemed appropriate.

Essential Personnel are required to report to or remain at work if instructed to do so if contacted directly by the supervisor (or his/her designee), the Principal or a member of the Principal’s Staff (Leadership Team).

Key Accountabilities

Meals/Customer Service

• Ensures and maintains a high level of customer service in the dining halls.
• Monitors the quality and quantity of all food served.
• Ensures that food and beverage equipment are operational at the proper temperatures.
• Ensures proper set up and break down of all dining areas.
• Sets up, maintains, and breaks down serving lines, including slicing deli meat.
• Ensures that all foods are served in accordance with HAACP standards, policies and procedures.
• Informs lead food service worker and/or manager of any problems, requests or opportunities.
• Be prepared to answers guests’ questions regarding all prepared foods, including but not limited to the ingredients, methods of preparation and known allergens.
• Promotes a positive and congenial atmosphere for students, employees and other customers.
• Stocks, operates, and monitors appropriate equipment needed for each meal.
• Sets up, maintains, replenishes, and breaks down hot carts, salad/sandwich/breakfast/dessert bars as needed.
• Keeps accurate meal counts of guests during special events.
• Completes proper guest slips and takes cash from paying guests.
• Weight pre-consumer waste using the LeanPath system

Safety/Sanitation

• Ensures that all areas of the dining room are cleaned and maintained, including tables, chairs, floors, equipment and décor.
• Keeps up-to-date on emergency procedures and be prepared to implement when necessary.
• Practices proper cleaning procedures and observes all MSDS policies/procedures for safety and sanitation.
• Obeys all local, state, and federal safety health codes.

Degree of Independent Action Performed

Incumbent works under the guidance of the Lead Food Service Worker, Assistant Manager, and Dining Manager, but is expected to work with a high level of independence and autonomy, and exercise a high degree of initiative, influence, and judgment in decisions impacting staff and department operations.

Expected to solve problems or address issues that require immediate attention.

Direct/Indirect Reports

None

Internal & External Contacts

Frequent contact with students, Dean of Students office, PEA administrative and academic offices, faculty, coaches, and staff. External contacts may include parents, outside organizations, visitors and local community neighbors.

Position Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Some college experience helpful.
• ServSafe certification is required. Must be able to obtain certificate within 60 days of hire (attend required class and pass test).

Experience

• Experience in an academic institution preferred.
• Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of food presentation and the use of appropriate equipment and tools preferred.
• Ability to discuss food ingredients, including allergens, and preparation methods with guests.
• Ability to perform basic math computations.
• Ability to correctly identify food products.
• Must possess knowledge and commit to health and safety procedures with food handling and preparation.
• Practices excellent personal hygiene habits; follows and adheres to uniform standards daily.
• Regular and consistent attendance with the ability to work a flexible schedule including extended hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment and under short time constraints.
• Must possess excellent guest service and hospitality skills and projects a positive image while interacting with students, faculty, staff and guests.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students by building trust and credibility.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills as well as a strong customer focus.
• A strict adherence to confidential policies is required.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

• Possess basic computer skills.

• Willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed.
• High degree of organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and multi-task with accuracy.
• Ability to follow verbal and written directions, maintain a professional demeanor and restraint at all times, including stressful situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a diverse and inclusive community with diplomacy and tact.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work and will require the ability to remain standing for extended periods of time, go up and down flights of steps, lift and push heavy objects as well as stoop, squat, bend, kneel, crouch, and lift.
2. Ability and dexterity to grasp and grip and safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
3. Ability to lift and transport up to 50lbs without assistance.

1. Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
2. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example using a keyboard.
3. Communication skills using the spoken and written word.
4. Ability to see with normal parameters.
5. Ability to hear within normal range.

1. Ability to work under a range of temperature conditions such as withstanding exposure to extreme heat in the kitchen or extreme cold from freezers.

Additional Requirements

1. Successfully complete a criminal background check (reviewed every 5 years).
2. Clean Driving record (reviewed annually).
3. Successfully complete a pre-employment physical/health screening examination, which may include a drug screening.

Must consistently wear assigned uniform and equipment and adhere to the appearance guidelines