Food Service Worker

Food Service Worker

The Food Service Worker at Gary Lighthouse Charter School plays a vital role in ensuring that students and staff receive nutritious, safe, and well-prepared meals each day. This position is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving food in accordance with established corporate recipes and food safety guidelines. The role requires maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen environment to comply with health regulations and promote a safe dining experience. The Food Service Worker collaborates with team members to efficiently manage meal service during busy periods while providing friendly and professional customer service. Ultimately, this position contributes to the overall well-being and satisfaction of the school community by delivering high-quality food service consistently.

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare and cook meals following corporate recipes and portion control guidelines to ensure consistency and quality.
• Serve meals to students and staff in a timely and courteous manner, accommodating special dietary needs when necessary.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas in compliance with food safety standards.
• Monitor food inventory and assist with receiving and storing supplies to prevent shortages and waste.
• Adhere strictly to all food safety regulations and corporate policies to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
• Follow USDA Child Nutrition - Offer vs. Serve

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to understand and communicate effectively in English.
• Capability to stand for extended periods during meal preparation and service.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Experience following standardized recipes and food preparation guidelines.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a school or institutional food service setting.
• Certification in food safety or SERV Safe credential or local Food Handlers Card.
• Familiarity with accommodating special dietary restrictions and allergies.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

The required skills such as understanding and speaking English enable clear communication with team members and customers, ensuring smooth daily operations. Standing for long periods is essential as the role involves continuous meal preparation and service during busy school hours. Knowledge of sanitization and food safety is applied daily to maintain a hygienic kitchen environment and prevent contamination. Following corporate recipes and guidelines ensures consistency in meal quality and portion control, which is critical for meeting nutritional standards. Cooking and serving meals require practical culinary skills combined with attentiveness to customer needs, contributing to a positive dining experience for all school community members.