2026-2027 Substitute Cafeteria Assistant Candidate Pool ($15.75 - $16.25 per hour)- GCPS

Temporary position located at various Garrett County Public Schools sites.

Pay

• Daily Rate: $15.75 per hour
• Long-term Rate: $16.25 per hour (effective starting the 10th consecutive day in the same assignment)

To maintain the long-term rate of pay, a substitute cannot miss more than three (3) days in the same assignment. Missing more than three (3) days will result in a return to the daily rate of pay.

Pre-employment Conditions

• Complete an online application
• Pass a criminal background check ($20.00 fee, responsibility of the applicant)
• Pass a drug screening ($40.00 fee, responsibility of the applicant)
• Complete a TB Risk Assessment Form
• Provide three (3) references
• Complete other HR-related documents (e.g., I-9, W-4, direct deposit) prior to beginning work
• Provide an up-to-date resume, as applicable
• Submit proof of a high school diploma or GED
• Attend an orientation in-service, as determined by the Supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and be 21 years of age or older. Applicants currently enrolled in a college or university must be 20 years of age or older.

About the Role

The Substitute Food and Nutrition Services Assistant will prepare and serve food items to students and/or school personnel, as well as maintain food service facilities in a safe and sanitary condition.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to perform basic math, read, and follow instructions
• Ability to understand multi-step written and oral instructions
• Ability to problem-solve, work independently and as part of a team, and function without distractions
• Strong stakeholder service skills (students, staff, administration, parents, general public, community agencies, etc.)
• History of professionalism and strong work ethic
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to learn food sanitation procedures
• Ability to learn prescribed food preparation methods and school cafeteria operations
• Ability to operate or learn to operate food service-related equipment
• Physical ability to stand, sit, walk, climb stairs, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, bend, push, and pull
• Ability to lift and transport heavy to moderately heavy objects averaging 40-60 lbs.
• Significant dexterity of hands and fingers
• Ability to become ServSafe Certified within one (1) year of employment
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for students, staff, and other stakeholders
• Regular and predictable attendance
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job either with or without reasonable accommodations

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe Certified
• Three (3) years of experience in school food service or a food service-related field

Responsibilities

• Assigned to schools in a particular area of the county based on system needs
• Clean utensils, equipment, storage, food preparation, and serving areas to maintain required sanitary conditions
• Inspect food items and/or supplies to verify quantity, quality, and specifications of orders and/or comply with mandated health standards
• Monitor kitchen and cafeteria areas to ensure a safe and sanitary environment
• Prepare food and beverage items that meet mandated nutritional and project meal requirements
• Serve one or more food items that meet mandated nutritional requirements and/or requests of students, staff, and other stakeholders
• Take all appropriate safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Attend and actively participate in appropriate job-related professional development
• Contribute to the short-term and long-term successes of students, staff, school, and the system in general
• Engage in lifelong learning of professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing professional publications and websites, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional organizations
• Present a courteous and professional demeanor at all times
• Demonstrate proficiency, flexibility, self-motivation, accountability and ownership, and positive demeanor
• Perform other duties as assigned