Cafeteria Cook - Location TBD

School Cafeteria CookREPORTS TO: School Cafeteria ManagerLOCATION: Worcester Public Schools, Worcester, MassachusettsDEPARTMENT PURPOSEOur mission is to empower students to make healthier choices by working together, supporting one another, and building a Nutrition program with the community that values well-being and success.We are dedicated to offering high quality nutritious and well-balanced meals for our 25,000+ students across 50+ schools and programs while serving breakfast, lunch, supper, after-school snacks and summer meals. The overall goal of our nutrition programs is to connect the Cafeteria, Classroom and Community to improve student health and well being.POSITION OVERVIEWThe School Cafeteria Cook will be responsible for preparing, cooking, and ensuring the quality of meals according to established recipes, menu guidelines, and nutritional standards. This role requires strong leadership in delegating tasks to cafeteria helpers while maintaining strict adherence to food safety, HACCP guidelines, and school district policies. The School Cafeteria Cook is also responsible for inventory management, food labeling, and ensuring all meals are served in full and on time, with no substitutions without prior approval from the manager. CPR, Food Allergen, and ServSafe Manager certifications are required for this role.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (may be included along with other responsibilities)Meal Preparation & Cooking: Prepare and cook meals according to the schools menu and recipes. Ensure that recipes are followed as written and that no deviations are made unless authorized by the Cafeteria Manager. Cook enough food to meet the needs of all students during each lunch period, ensuring no shortages occur.Delegation of Tasks: Delegate food preparation tasks to cafeteria helpers, ensuring that they follow recipes correctly and contribute effectively to meal preparation. Monitor food quality and portioning to ensure consistency and adherence to guidelines.Food Safety & Compliance: Follow HACCP guidelines for all stages of food preparation and service. Ensure food is stored, handled, and served according to safety standards. Monitoring Food Quality: Ensure that all food served meets the departments quality standards in terms of taste, texture, and presentation. Inspect the food for quality before serving and adjust preparation methods as needed.Inventory Management: Assist and participate with organizing and putting inventory away. Communicate inventory needs to the Cafeteria Manager in a timely manner, ensuring adequate stock of ingredients and supplies. Ensure proper labeling and dating of food items according to food safety standards.Recipe Adherence & Substitutions: Cook and serve food according to the approved recipes, without deviations. Any substitutions or changes to the menu need to be approved by the Cafeteria Manager beforehand.Food Allergen Management: Ensure that food allergens are properly managed during meal preparation and service, following food allergen certification guidelines. Communicate with staff to prevent cross-contact and to maintain the safety of students with food allergies.Staff Communication: Maintain open and timely communication with the Cafeteria Manager regarding any needs, issues, or changes in the kitchen. Report any equipment malfunctions or food safety concerns immediately.Planning for the Next Day: Organize, plan, and prepare food for the following day in advance to ensure timely and efficient meal preparation during meal periods.Complete Production Records & Temp Logs: Accurately complete daily production records and food temperature logs. Ensure all required documentation is filled out properly to meet health and safety regulations.Serving & Portioning: Ensure all food items are available for every student during each lunch period, and that meals are served with correct portion sizes. Maintain consistent food availability to avoid running out of food during any meal period.Other Duties: Perform any other related duties as requested by the Director of Nutrition Services or the leadership team.QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTSCurrent CPR certificationCurrent Food Allergen certificationCurrent ServSafe Manager certification.Previous experience in food preparation, cooking, or working in a school cafeteria or similar institutional setting is preferred.Knowledge of food safety practices, including ServSafe guidelines and HACCP procedures. Ability to manage food temperature logs and ensure compliance with all safety and sanitation regulations.Ability to plan and organize food prep and cooking in an efficient manner to meet the needs of all students during meal periods.Ability to delegate tasks effectively and work well as part of a team.Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, bending, and reaching.Ability to stand or walk for 95% of the workday.Strong attention to detail in following recipes, food safety protocols, and maintaining accurate records.Ability to work efficiently under pressure, ensuring that all meals are prepared on time and in full.Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other kitchen staff, the Cafeteria Manager, and students in a respectful and professional manner.Ability to safely use kitchen equipment and tools, including knives, slicers, and other food preparation devicesAbility to manage and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.Must be available to work at any school site within the city as designated, with respect to the contractual bidding process.WORK YEAR: This is a 42-week, school-year position including: 180 pupil days plus the 3 days before students report to school and 3 professional development days during the school year. Additional professional development hours may be required to obtain required certifications. Additional hours over summer vacations may be available based on need but are not guaranteed.WORK DAY: 8 hours per daySALARY: This position is represented by the NAGE R1-16 Cafeteria Workers union and the salary is determined by the appropriate step on the Cafeteria Cook salary schedule.