Part-time Kitchen Assistant

About the Employer

Overview

Job Title: Kitchen Assistant Part Time [starts $18/hr]
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cumming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307) > Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities: The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact the Talent Services Department at 531-299-0240.

Location: Belle Ryan Elementary

4.5 scheduled hours per day; 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., work August through May when students are in session.

Position Purpose

Primary responsibilities include assisting with the preparation and serving of quality meals to students and staff, cleaning and sanitation of equipment, rotating food stock and supplies, and providing superior customer service.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

High school diploma or equivalent required. Ability to apply basic arithmetic calculations using units of American money, weight measurements, volume, and distance. Previous food service experience preferred. Skill in safe food handling. Skill in customer relations and service recovery. Must demonstrate excellent attendance and work record. Practical working knowledge of food safety practices and procedures. Sensitivity and ability to interact with students, co-workers, teachers, administrators, other staff, and parents of other cultures and backgrounds. The skills pertinent to positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with all staff, students, parents, administrators, and the community. Excellent organizational skills, demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects with strong attention to detail. Knowledge of ops’ mission, purpose, goals, and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

Assist with the preparation, service, and storage of food. Support service excellence initiatives through proactive service efforts. Follow approved cafeteria menu preparation and service protocols within the approved timeline. Train in all stations within the kitchen to cross-cover as needed. Promote improvement in customer service by providing appealing food and excellent customer service. Participate in the financial management process by carefully monitoring portion control, proper pricing, and safe storage of supplies and food. Assist with the completion of required reports. Working with and understanding a diverse student population. Serves as a positive role model. Ability to recognize a ‘reimbursable’ meal. Must follow and maintain required food safety, cleaning, and sanitation procedures. Follow hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) procedures. Must practice good hygiene habits. Demonstrate proficiency in the English language to read and communicate with others. Demonstrate proficiency of basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals), as well as counting money. Ability to operate the food service equipment safely. Ability to receive and process verbal information as well as respond to nonverbal cues. Assist with the dish machine as needed.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the superintendent.

Equipment

This position may require the ability to use a variety of office equipment, including a computer and automated record-keeping software. This position may require the ability to use commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, steamers, hot-holding cabinets, blenders, food processors, mixers, slicers, can openers, peelers, knives, scales, and thermometers. Must always comply with ops’ guidelines for equipment use.

Travel

Local travel will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

Must be able to respond rapidly in emergencies. Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills. Work in an office environment, school buildings, and warehouse settings. Ability to lift, move, and reposition objects and materials, frequently exerting force equal to 50 pounds.

Standing: (remaining on one’s feet in an upright position without walking)

Occasionally: when preparing food, including cutting fruit and shredding cheese. When cleaning dishes. When working as a cashier. Floor mat available in the cashier area and in the sink area.

Sitting: (remaining in a seated position with hips and knees bent to some extent and buttocks resting on a surface)

Rarely: using the computer to review inventory, ordering items, and communicating electronically as needed.

Interrelations

Contact with district personnel, customers, and vendors. Will work under the direct supervision of the department supervisor to complete day-to-day tasks. Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy. Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

For departments and/or schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave. Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator. All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a classified part-time non-exempt position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and board of education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between ops and that collective bargaining representative.

Conditions of Employment

This position is contingent upon: Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for your position (e.g., paraprofessionals obtaining ‘highly qualified status’, etc.), as identified. A thorough background check that demonstrates to ops that the background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students. Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States. Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for the position offered). Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for the position offered). Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine the ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.