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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Food Service Worker

💰 $15 - $22 per hour

HospitalityFood & BeverageCustomer Service

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and reliable Food Service Worker to become an integral part of our team. In this role, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks related to food preparation, serving, and maintaining a clean and safe dining environment. The ideal candidate is a team player with a positive attitude and a strong commitment to health and safety standards. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a positive customer experience and grow your skills within the hospitality industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • High School Student
  • Retail Associate
  • No Prior Experience

Advancement To:

  • Lead Food Service Worker
  • Kitchen Supervisor
  • Cook / Chef de Partie

Lateral Moves:

  • Catering Assistant
  • Barista
  • Dietary Aide

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform a wide range of food preparation duties, such as washing, peeling, chopping, and slicing vegetables and fruits, and preparing cold food items like salads and sandwiches.
  • Set up and stock food stations, service lines, and dining areas with all necessary supplies, including plates, cutlery, condiments, and beverages, before and during service periods.
  • Serve food to customers in a timely and courteous manner, ensuring proper portion control as dictated by standardized recipes and dietary guidelines.
  • Operate various commercial kitchen equipment, including slicers, mixers, grinders, ovens, and fryers, in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Follow recipes and cooking instructions precisely to prepare hot and cold food items, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work station, including cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces, equipment, and utensils throughout the shift.
  • Assist in washing dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, and pans using commercial dishwashers or by hand, and ensure they are properly stored.
  • Handle customer inquiries and requests professionally, providing information about menu items, including ingredients and potential allergens.
  • Process customer payments accurately using a Point of Sale (POS) system, including handling cash, credit cards, and other forms of payment.
  • Strictly adhere to all food safety and sanitation regulations (HACCP, ServSafe), including monitoring and logging food temperatures to prevent foodborne illness.
  • Assist with receiving, unloading, and stocking inventory, ensuring proper rotation of products using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method.
  • Monitor food and supply levels, communicating shortages or low stock to supervisors to ensure uninterrupted service.
  • Dispose of trash and manage recycling in designated containers, maintaining the cleanliness of the back-of-house and waste disposal areas.
  • Prepare and assemble customer or patient trays with accuracy, ensuring they align with specific dietary restrictions and orders.
  • Participate in comprehensive pre-shift and post-shift cleaning duties, including sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning dining tables, and restocking self-service stations.
  • Label, date, and store all food products in storage and on the line to ensure freshness and compliance with health codes.
  • Deliver food carts or trays to various locations within the facility, such as hospital rooms or different dining halls, as required.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide support for special events and catering functions, including setup, service, and breakdown as directed by a supervisor.
  • Brew coffee and tea, and restock beverage stations to ensure they are available for customers throughout the day.
  • Assist in training new team members on basic tasks, safety procedures, and station responsibilities.
  • Report any equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or maintenance needs to management immediately to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Contribute to a positive team environment by communicating effectively with coworkers and supervisors and offering assistance when needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Food Safety & Sanitation (HACCP principles)
  • Food Handler Certification (e.g., ServSafe)
  • Point of Sale (POS) System Operation
  • Cash Handling & Transaction Processing
  • Basic Knife Skills and Food Preparation Techniques
  • Operation of Commercial Kitchen Equipment (fryers, slicers, ovens)
  • Knowledge of Portion Control Standards
  • Inventory Stocking and Rotation (FIFO method)
  • Recipe Adherence and Measurement Accuracy

Soft Skills

  • Customer Service Excellence
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Strong Verbal Communication
  • Time Management and Punctuality
  • Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment
  • Attention to Detail and Accuracy
  • Physical Stamina and Strength
  • Problem-Solving Abilities
  • Reliability and Strong Work Ethic

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate in culinary arts, food service management, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Culinary Arts
  • Hospitality Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 - 2 years of experience in a food service, restaurant, or customer-facing role.

Preferred:

  • Previous experience in a high-volume kitchen, cafeteria, or healthcare food service environment is highly desirable.
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