Cafeteria Worker (R1)

About the role

The Cafeteria Worker is responsible for food preparation and service for the school community within the guidelines of the School Food and Nutrition Policy. They will interact daily with students and pre-primary children of various backgrounds while maintaining dignity, respect, and confidentiality. The role involves promoting healthy eating, food equity, and the use of local, minimally processed foods in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The Cafeteria Worker reports to the Lead Cafeteria Worker.

Responsibilities

• Complete daily logs as required (e.g., temperature, cleaning, amount of food prepared, consumed, and composted).
• Place food orders through identified food and supplies vendors when requested.
• Positively interact with students in the lunch line without commenting on the types or amounts of foods they choose.
• Ensure food safety standards are followed at all times.
• Prepare and serve food.
• Perform kitchen duties such as washing dishes, collecting and removing compost, recyclables, and garbage, cleaning and organizing work areas, and restocking supplies.
• Serve students in a fast, efficient, and friendly manner.
• Promote and maintain positive working relationships and communication within the school environment.
• Adhere to the School Food and Nutrition Policy for Nova Scotia Public Schools and the School Lunch Program menu standards.
• Support the school recycling program.
• Other duties as required.
• For delivery positions only: deliver cafeteria orders to neighboring schools based on the food service model.

Requirements

• High School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Basic Food Safety Training is required and can be provided as part of job training.
• Food service experience and/or training preferred.
• Understanding of food allergies and food-related conditions.
• Physical capabilities to perform duties of the position, including heavy lifting, walking, and standing during most of the day, and working in an environment with heat fluctuations. May require lifting of up to 50 lb.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to respond to the diverse backgrounds and personalities of students of various ages in a busy, fast-paced environment.

Competencies

• Commitment to food equity and equitable access to foods in a non-stigmatizing manner.
• Demonstrated commitment to client service and the ability to provide quality front-line customer service.
• Ability to apply knowledge, experience, and commitment in the areas of race relations, cross-cultural understanding, human rights, and diversity.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively within the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, including with parents, staff, students, community members, and external groups such as government agencies.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to promote and maintain confidentiality.

Pay

This position is classified on the Education Entities Non-Union Compensation Framework at Band 1 with a salary range between $37,939 - $47,423.