Head of Cafeteria

Head of Cafeteria

Reports to:Principal

Employment Status: Regular/Full-time

Compensation:Per Salary Schedule

Closing Date: Until Filled

Job Objectives

It is the primary function of the Head of Cafeteria to plan and prepare the daily breakfast and/or lunch for the students and staff. This includes preparing and serving foods while maintaining optimum food safety and sanitation standards. Meals must also meet the nutritional standards set forth by the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program and maintain all paperwork required for those programs. The Head of Cafeteria in collaboration with the Cafeteria Assistant(s) will determine the workflow of their daily duties. The Head of Cafeteria will enter all student and staff data in the point of sale (POS) system. It is also the primary function of the Head of Cafeteria to adhere to regulations and policies of the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center Board food safety and health regulations of the state and local Health Departments and nutritional standards of the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for students and staff. The Head of Cafeteria will operate under the standard that food is fuel not punishment or reward.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Successful completion of BCII and FBI background checks
• Keeps current with technology and other workplace innovations that support job functions.
• Experience in Food production skills and the ability to use commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to comply with nutrition health and safety regulations.
• ServSafe Manager Certification is required by the state and local Health Departments.
• Various computer skills needed for multiple duties.
• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Has good personal hygiene and wears appropriate attire for safety and a school environment.

Essential Functions

• Provides instructions and communicates daily workflow assignments to staff temporary employees student workers and trainees.
• Upholds board policies and follows administrative guidelines and procedures.
• Remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout their employment.
• Promotes a positive experience for students and staff during meal times
• Maintains a neat appearance which includes following Health Department regulations for full coverage hair restraint (i.e. hair nets hats).
• Check email daily and be aware of cyber security and follow social media guidelines.
• Uses the copy machine to scan and email invoices inventory and other documents to Ashtabula Area CIty Schools Nutrition Services Department.
• Organizes stores dates and rotates stock per food and safety standards.
• Follows the published menus and prepares hot and cold foods that may include the following:
• Main Entree
• Hot vegetables
• Pizza (Junior High and High School students)
• Chicken nuggets (Pre-K and Elementary students)
• Weekly sandwich
• Cut up and/or portion fresh fruits canned fruits and vegetables
• Preparation of side salads and chef salads
• Any additional menu items
• Ensures compliance with all food preparation regulations (e.g. hazard analysis critical control points sanitation procedures etc.) and trains/retrains kitchen staff to ensure compliance as needed.
• ServSafe Manager Certification is required to establish and maintain proficiency in food safety and sanitation.
• Uses standardized recipes to maintain quality control.
• Maintains and monitors production sheets.
• Helps other staff as needed to meet established schedules and manage staff timesheets. Approves and/or edits hourly kitchen staff members timesheets in the TimeClock Plus manager application.
• Recommends menu modifications in response to student and/or staff requests.
• Prepares special meals for students with dietary restrictions.
• Presents food in an attractive way.
• Replenishes supplies to maintain an orderly flow of customers. Promptly provides substitute menu items as needed.
• Strives to develop a rapport with students and staff and serves as a positive role model for others.
• Supervise and train staff with the proper use of the POS system.
• Communicates with Ashtabula Area City Schools Nutrition Services Supervisor regarding issues with POS server.
• Uses Google Sheets to email Payschools when students enroll or withdraw.
• Uses Google Sheets to email Ripcho Studios to order meal cards.
• Maintains accurate records and submits reports on time.
• Monitor kitchen safety. Ensures that kitchen supplies and equipment are properly stored.
• Identifies maintenance needs and uses HelpDesk to submit technology or maintenance work tickets.
• Promptly reports all injuries that require a medical referral to the principal and complete incident report documentation.
• Properly stores or disposes of leftover food.
• Prepares the dishwasher and verifies that it is operating properly.
• Cleans washes and sanitizes equipment and food preparation areas (e.g. work surfaces cooking equipment serving lines etc.)
• Knows how to operate a fire suppression system.
• Respects personal privacy. Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Sweep floors daily take garbage out daily and mop floors weekly and/or as needed.
• Reports student discipline problems vandalism or other related concerns to the students teacher and/or the principal and the resource officer if necessary.
• Take precautions to ensure safety. Watch for conduct and situations that may indicate a problem. Works with the Maintenance Department to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
• Participates in staff meetings building leadership team meetings and professional growth opportunities; including bi-annual online training courses.
• Place orders via Google Sheets or email for food and supplies with Ashtabula Area City Schools for menu items needed for the week.
• Works with Ashtabula Area City Schools Nutrition Services Department to ensure food costs are being met and that there is limited waste at the end of the day by carefully using supplies and products.
• Utilize batch cooking during lunch periods to ensure the highest quality of food being produced.
• Ensures that all Temperature Logs are being completed correctly and kept on file.
• Ensures the menu is being followed.
• Takes monthly inventory of all food and supplies.
• Packs bag lunches in a cooler for students attending all-day field trips.

Abilities Required

• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment.
• Acknowledges personal responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Carries out prescribed actions efficiently with limited supervision.
• Works cooperatively to support a successful team effort.
• Effectively uses listening observation reading verbal nonverbal and writing skills.
• Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Lifts carries and/or moves work-related supplies/equipment. Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Performs repetitive tasks quickly.
• Distinguishes variances in color texture aroma and taste.
• Performs activities that require reaching crouching kneeling and/or crawling.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments within the scope of the work day.
• Able to work with various software or online programs on the computer.

Working Conditions

• Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Exposure to wet floors kitchen temperatures vapors and odors.
• Exposure to loud noises and equipment vibrations.
• Duties may require operating power equipment and exposure to electrical hazards.
• Duties may require wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment.
• Duties may require detailed paperwork.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.

The Ashtabula County Educational Service Center is an equal opportunity employer. This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. This document is subject to change in response to student demographics staffing factors funding variables modified operating procedures and other unforeseen events.

Adopted by the ACESC Governing Board May 14 2025

Required Experience:

Director