Kitchen Assistant Part Time [Starts $18/hr]

Omaha Public Schools•Omaha, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kitchen Assistant supports food service operations at Central High School, assisting with the preparation, serving, and storage of meals for students and staff. The role includes cleaning and sanitizing kitchen areas and equipment, rotating food stock and supplies, following cafeteria menu protocols, and providing responsive customer service. The position is part-time, scheduled for 5 hours per day from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and works August through May when students are in session. Local travel to other schools may be required. The position reports to the Executive Director, Nutrition Services, and works under the direct supervision of the department supervisor for day-to-day tasks. The Kitchen Assistant trains in all kitchen stations to provide cross-coverage, supports portion control and safe storage, assists with reports, and follows food safety, sanitation, hygiene, and HACCP procedures. The role requires successful completion of Douglas County Food Handlers Certification with a score of 80% or above before the kitchen training class, successful completion of Kitchen Assistant Training, and maintenance of a current food handler certification. The position may require use of office and record-keeping equipment as well as commercial kitchen equipment. Work settings include school buildings, an office environment, and warehouse settings. The job involves frequent hand use and balance, occasional standing, walking, lifting, pushing or pulling, stooping, crouching, and reaching, as well as rare sitting, carrying, climbing, kneeling, and crawling. The employee may need to lift, move, and reposition objects weighing up to 50 pounds and must be able to respond rapidly in emergencies. This is a classified, part-time, non-exempt position. Employment is contingent on applicable verification and screening requirements described in the posting.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to apply basic arithmetic using units of money, weight, volume, and distance; proficiency in basic arithmetic and counting money.
Skill in safe food handling and practical working knowledge of food safety practices and procedures.
Skill in customer relations and service recovery.
Excellent attendance and work record.
Ability to interact sensitively and effectively with students, coworkers, teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Ability to work effectively with staff, students, parents, administrators, and the community.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail.
Knowledge of OPS’s mission, purpose, goals, and employees’ role in achieving them.
Proficiency in English sufficient to read and communicate with others.
Ability to receive and process verbal information and respond to nonverbal cues.
Ability to maintain a positive, professional attitude and respond appropriately to customer needs.
Ability to operate food service equipment safely and comply with OPS equipment-use guidelines.
Successful completion of Douglas County Food Handlers Certification with a score of 80% or above before attending kitchen training.
Successful completion of Kitchen Assistant Training and maintenance of current Douglas County Food Handler’s Certification.
Ability to lift, move, and reposition objects and materials, frequently exerting force equal to 50 pounds.
Ability to respond rapidly in emergencies.
Employment contingencies include verification of applicable licenses, certificates, and other requirements; an acceptable background check; verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States; and successful completion of pre-employment drug testing, tuberculosis testing, or medical examination when required.

Nice To Haves

Previous food service experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with preparing, serving, and storing food.
Clean and sanitize large and small equipment, serving utensils, and kitchen areas.
Complete daily tasks promptly and follow approved cafeteria menu preparation and service protocols within the approved timeline.
Train in all kitchen stations to provide cross-coverage as needed.
Promote customer service by providing appealing food and excellent service, and support service excellence initiatives.
Monitor portion control, proper pricing, and safe storage of food and supplies.
Assist with required reports.
Recognize reimbursable meals and work with a diverse student population as a positive role model.
Follow food safety, cleaning, sanitation, hygiene, and HACCP procedures.
Operate food service equipment safely and assist with the dish machine as needed.
Maintain current Douglas County Food Handler’s Certification and complete required certification and kitchen training.
Travel locally, including to other schools when requested.
Perform other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor or designated central office administrators.
Interact professionally and courteously with district personnel, customers, vendors, students, colleagues, and the community.