Position:                     Food Service Helper            

Term:                          9 Months

Classification:             Classified/Non-exempt

Location:                    District-wide

Qualifications:            High school diploma, or equivalent; previous experience with large scale production, preferred; Completion of, or participate in, State, Department of Education, or School Food Service statewide training program or equivalent preferred

Supervisory:              No

Reports to:                 Food Service Manager, Director of Food Services

The Food Service Helper assists in the preparation and service of quality food to students in a quick and pleasant manner and assists in the collection of funds for meals to deposit.

General Expectations

• Supports the mission of Joplin Schools.
• Supports the value of education.
• Complies with the privacy rights of students.
• Safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information.
• Communicates effectively with all the members of the school district and community.
• Provides excellence in customer service both internally and externally.
• Reacts to change productively.
• Keeps abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques.
• Maintains accurate records and filing systems for accountability and audit purposes.
• Ensures that all activities conform to district, state, or federal guidelines.

Essential Functions

• Plans the preparation of and prepares all food items
• Assists with the daily cleaning of all kitchen equipment to ensure cleanliness and sanitary conditions are met
• Reports inferior quality of food or faulty equipment to the appropriate authority
• Prepares food according to a planned menu and tested, uniform recipes, and determines if the finished product is of best quality both in flavor and appearance before it is served
• Records all food requisitions from the storeroom
• Set up and break down of serving lines (salad bar, hot food, ala carte, etc.)
• Operates ovens, pressure steamer, steam jacket kettle, tilting skillet, range slicer, chopper, mixer, dish machine, and other food preparation and clean up equipment
• Collects funds from meal participants
• Counts funds, makes change, completes related reports
• Deposits funds to account
• Carry out all other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally lift, push or pull up to 75 pounds
• Lift, push, pull, and otherwise handle equipment and tools
• Frequently squat or kneel to the ground
• Frequently bend and twist while operating tools and equipment
• Occasionally walk up and down stairs
• Occasionally climb and descend ladders
• Frequently use repetitive arm, wrist and hand movements
• Use close, distance and peripheral vision as well as depth perception

Attendance

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position. 

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Conditions and Environment

Environment is that of a typical school kitchen setting. The individual who holds this position must:

• Occasionally work in temperatures below 32 degrees and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Occasionally work in rain, sleet and ice and drive on slippery conditions
• Often work in an area with a high noise level including engine noise and the sound of many children speaking, a raised voice may be necessary

Note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.