Food Service Worker - Hamden School Nutrition

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for making and serving nutritious meals for students in a safe and healthful manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Prepares and serves food according to menus. Food to be prepared as mandated by recipes and served using correct portion sizes as mandated by yield guides.
• Performs cleaning duties, including sweeping and mopping of floors, cleaning of equipment and work areas, sanitizing, dishwashing and pot washing.
• Set up and deliver, when necessary, food to staff, students and catering events.
• Complies with all state, federal, and local health department requirements for safe food handling
• Complies with all client location security protocols and guidelines
• Checks and stores incoming supplies.
• Follows assigned break schedules.
• Sets up hot and/or cold food area.
• Participates in ware washing if assigned.
• Stores silverware, dishes, glasses, cups, pots, etc smallwares where designated
• Restock assigned serving line according to production needs
• Attends all mandatory in-service programs.
• Complete lead tasks when lead is not present including FFVP distribution.
• Manages POS/cash handling if applicable for position

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adheres to all Whitsons policies and procedures at all times
• Supports the goals, objective and mission statement set forth by Whitsons.
• Complies with all requirements of the mandated food handling certification requirements
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

School Food Service Worker – Fuel the Future!
Monday–Friday (No Nights or Weekends!)

Do you love working with kids and want a job that fits your schedule? Join our school nutrition team as a Food Service Worker and help serve healthy meals that fuel learning and fun every day!

What You’ll Do:

• Prep, portion, and serve meals to students and staff
• Set up and clean serving stations and kitchen areas
• Follow food safety and sanitation procedures
• Create a positive and welcoming mealtime experience
• Work as part of a fun, energetic team

Why This Job Rocks:

• Family-friendly hours – off by mid-afternoon!
• Weekends, evenings, holidays, and summers off
• No experience needed – we’ll train you!
• Make a difference in kids' health and well-being
• Supportive school community and team atmosphere

We’re Looking For:

• A positive attitude and team spirit
• Reliability and attention to cleanliness
• Willingness to learn and follow food safety rules
• Enjoyment of working around children and school staff

Why Join Us? 

• Competitive pay + opportunities for growth 

• Paid time off  

About Us:
At Whitsons, we know that hungry kids can’t learn. Our food service team plays a vital role in creating a healthy, happy school day—one meal at a time. If you're ready to serve with heart, this job is for you!

Apply today and help nourish young minds—at Whitsons our mission is Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™.

Pay Rate: $17.75/hour

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education

• Must complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training as required.

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of professional food service experience preferred but not required

Certifications

• ServSafe certification preferred but not required

Other Qualifications

• Ability to speak and read English sufficient to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.

• Always presents a positive and professional image; ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Core Competencies

• Food Safety & Compliance: Consistently follows food safety, sanitation, and applicable regulatory standards; maintains accurate logs and documentation and complies with all Whitsons policies at all times.

• Execution & Reliability: Completes assigned food preparation, service, and sanitation tasks accurately and on time; follows portion and production standards to ensure consistent, high-quality meal service every shift.

• Attention to Detail: Demonstrates care in portioning, temperature monitoring, station setup, and recordkeeping; ensures every station is stocked, clean, and properly maintained throughout the service day.

• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with the Chef Manager, Lead Cook, and fellow food service workers; contributes to a positive, productive kitchen environment and supports the team’s daily service goals.

• Customer Focus: Serves guests in a friendly and professional manner; takes pride in the quality and presentation of every meal; maintains a welcoming and clean station at all times.

• Professionalism: Arrives on time, follows assigned schedules and break rotations, maintains proper dress and hygiene standards, and consistently presents a positive image on behalf of Whitsons.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS

Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time or part-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are aligned with the facility’s food service schedule. Occasional extended hours may be required in support of special events or operational needs.

Travel Requirements

This position is primarily site-based. Occasional travel to other locations may be required for substitute coverage or support.

Physical Demands of the Job

The Team Member is required to stand on their feet for the majority of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side. Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment. Movement in and out of storerooms and near freezers is regularly required. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment. Standing is required for the majority of the workday. The noise level is moderate to loud during meal service periods.

The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the types of work that may be performed; the omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the role.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Whitsons and team member and is subject to change by Whitsons as the needs of Whitsons and requirements of the job change.