JOB CLASS:      Food Services Kitchen Assistant II     

REPORTS TO:   Food Services Kitchen Lead   

FLSA:               Non-Exempt

FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE:

The purpose of this position is to assist the Food Service Kitchen Lead in food services operations at the site level.  Employees in this position must ensure the proper amount of food is projected, prepped, cooked and recorded every day in order to feed students and staff a healthy, well balanced meal in compliance with state and federal regulations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Work of this class is distinguished from that of the Kitchen Assistant I by its responsibilities in the following tasks: Assist in coordinating work assignments to cafeteria staff members and building level cafeteria operations, assists in training other employees on all aspects related to providing food services in school facilities, assists Food Services Kitchen Lead in food preparation, and ability to step-in as Food Services Kitchen Lead in the event of their absence.

ESSENTIAL/ CORE JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare wholesome, balanced meals in an attractive, efficient, economical and safe manner.
• Assist in coordinating work assignments to cafeteria staff members and building level cafeteria operations.
• Train other employees on all aspects related to providing food services in school facilities
• Ensure that all food is stored, prepared, held and served at recommended temperatures.
• Ensures preparation, serving and storage areas are clean and organized.
• Performs duties with awareness of all District requirements and practices.
• Review menu and production sheets with supervisor to coordinate baking and cooking times throughout the shift as well as space for cooking and holding of baked products.
• Prepare food items as directed according to daily production sheets and recipes provided in a timely manner to insure proper service during meal periods.
• Review menus and methods of service with the Food Services Kitchen Lead and assist with set up.
• Cleans and sanitizes all kitchen equipment, trays, utensils, pans and all food preparation items.
• Notify supervisor of any problems with equipment, employee scheduling, employee relations, food preparation and customer satisfaction immediately.
• Review the next day’s production to insure the proper pre-preparation is completed in the volume needed for ideal service.
• Cut and dish up items needed for the dessert and fruit section in sufficient quantities for ideal service and record the amounts prepared and used.
• Assist Food Services Kitchen Lead in preparation of food order for the Food Services Manager weekly or as needed.
• Serve students on the food line or act as cashier as designated by Head Cook or Food Service Supervisor.
• Clean and sanitize all floors and food preparation surfaces and dispose of daily kitchen preparation trash and cardboard materials.

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Work closely with monitors and administrators to promote school meals and to communicate problems and accomplishments to administration.
• Works with building level administrators, administrative assistants, food services staff, students, and parents to correctly identify students with food allergies and establishes protocols to safeguard against exposure to known food allergens.
• Other duties as assigned by Food Service Kitchen Lead or Food Service Manager.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• No degree or graduation requirements.
• Employees in this position should have a background in food service.
• Food Safety Certificate training class and test.
  • All new hires must obtain the food safety certification within 90 calendar days of start date.
  • All current hires must renew food safety certificate within 90 calendar days of expiration.
• Must pass GM Food Safety Test yearly.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Food Safety Certificate (valid for 5 years)
• 8 hours of CEU per year
• Must maintain updated state required clearances

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of proper food handling and proper food temperatures.
• Knowledge of Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations and how they may apply to sharing student information with various stakeholders who may be requesting information.
• Ability to read and prepare food items using standardized recipes.
• Ability to measure/weigh items.
• Ability to use all kitchen equipment including but not limited to meat slicer, oven, steamer, range, dish machine, hot holding cabinet, buffalo chopper, mixer.
• Ability to work well with children and other staff.
• Ability to read, understand and follow simple instructions, both in verbal and written form, understand and follow written/standardized recipes
• Knowledge of how to follow and break down a recipe for required portions.
• Knowledge to work cooking/cleaning equipment.
• Interpersonal skills used to work effectively with teams.  Including skill in managing conflict or differences of opinion between subordinates or supervisors.
• Skill in adapting to fluid work situations or adapting to changes in expectations, procedures, or technology used on the job.
• Project management skills used to manage multiple short or long term projects concurrently and ensure tasks are completed on time and according to established standards.
• Problem solving skills using creativity, reasoning, past experiences, and information available to overcome challenges on the job.
• Leadership skills used to achieve organizational objectives.  Experience leading, developing, and providing corrective feedback that results in positive work outcomes and productive leader-subordinate work relationships.

PHYSICAL WORK DEMANDS:

• Be able to occasionally bend, kneel, twist, or stoop to inspect work, handle resources and materials.
• Have the ability to ascend or descend ladders or step stools to reach elevated positions.
• Have the ability to reach above and below shoulder level to handle materials or use work related resources.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels, outdoors and on the telephone assisted or unassisted by hearing devices.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Possess near and far acuity to monitor people, equipment, other objects, or vehicles at near and far distances.
• Ability to walk about work area to perform tasks and complete usual work activities.

May be required to lift items such as cases of food and food containers weighing up to 20 lbs.

Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications associated with this job.

Pennsylvania school districts shall not discriminate in their educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry or any other legally protected classification. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Information relative to special accommodation, grievance procedure, and the designated responsible official for compliance with Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 may be obtained by contacting the school district.