Dining Hall Assistant- Full-Time

Job Title: Dining Hall Assistant                                                     

Department: Business & Operations Department   

Reports To: Dining Hall Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly Position

Job Description Summary: Dining Hall Assistant is a full-time ministry role for an efficient, dependable, Christian individual. Our Dining Hall serves buffet-style weekday meals for our children, staff, and on-campus visitors. The ideal candidate must have kitchen experience, exhibit a servant-leader attitude, and be willing to continually improve processes. Our Dining Hall team works alongside all other ministry staff members to ensure we are providing the children in our care with a solid foundation for healthy living where no child will have to question where their next meal will come from.

Minimum Qualifications: The qualifications listed below are required in order for an applicant to be considered for the role of Dining Hall Assistant. 

Education and /or Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) with 1 years of Food Service experience required, 2 years of college or technical training preferred. 

Licensing: Have or be able to acquire an Oklahoma Food Handler’s license. 

Faith Beliefs: Demonstrate Christian faith and practice, agreeing with and abiding by the Cookson Hills Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Agreement provided on the employment application.

Computer Skills: Knowledge of Internet software, specifically the Google Apps suite, including Docs, Sheets, Calendar, etc. Ability to utilize email as a reliable form of communication.

Work Environment: The work environment is representative of what an employee typically encounters while performing the essential functions of this job; i.e. kitchen work and meal preparations in a Dining Hall environment, interacting with staff, guests, and children. The entire Dining Hall team must follow the Department of Health’s safety and sanitary rules and regulations. The work environment is fast-paced at times and may have varying levels of noise throughout the day, with many different people seeking to get their needs met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and other duties as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Meal Preparation: The Dining Hall Assistant must follow directives to ensure the entire dining hall facility is in compliance with the Department of Health rules and regulations. S/he will assist with the planning and preparation of menus and meals for dining hall guests on weekdays and as scheduled. S/he must have the ability to assist with the preparation of healthy meals that are pleasing to the eye and palate. S/he must also be willing to assist with the meal preparation for special events, as directed by the Manager of Business & Operations.

Cleaning & Maintenance of Dining Hall Facilities: The Dining Hall Assistant contributes to the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the dining hall facility as directed, following safety and sanitary procedures for equipment, food preparation, and food storage. The Dining Hall Assistant must have the ability to safely operate dining services equipment, including, but not limited to, spray and load sterilizer, steam tables, ice displays, stoves, ovens, grills, deep fryer,  ice machine, floor polisher, electric mixers, electric slicers, and hydraulic lifts.

Serving Line: The Dining Hall Assistant greets guests politely and assists them as needed. S/he ensures all meals are presented and served in a sanitary and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Competencies: These competencies, characteristics, and aptitudes are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job. 

Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Manages competing demands; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time; Meets and honors commitments; Uses time efficiently.

Dependability: Completes tasks on time or notifies others with an alternate plan.

Ethics: Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity; Upholds organizational values.

Initiative: Volunteers readily; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Interpersonal Skills: Connects with others using empathy and active listening rather than judgment; Manages conflict and de-escalates crisis moments; Uses a team-oriented approach to problem-solving; Regulates own emotions well; Maintains confidentiality; Growth-minded and teachable; Looks for strengths in others and uses frequent positive speech; Ability to be fair, discerning, and honest in all relationships.

Judgment: Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.

Language Skills: Demonstrates good communication skills with the ability to read and comprehend instructions, simple correspondence, policy, and governmental regulations.

Organizational (Cookson Hills) Support: Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization’s goals and values; Improves processes and services.

Physical Demands: Physically fit and active; Regularly required to walk, talk, hear, stand, lift, and/or move up to 50 pounds; Utilizes vision capabilities to regularly read small type on documents and must be able to distinguish colors accurately.  

Problem-Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Professionalism: Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out responsibilities.

Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Staff Support: Makes self available to other staff; Aids in the development of others’ skills and encourages growth. 

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

Benefits of Dining Hall Assistant Employment: In addition to rewarding service and fulfilling ministry opportunities, Cookson Hills provides employees with a competitive compensation package. 

Cash Compensation: Paycheck reflecting wage/hours worked is paid on a bi-weekly basis.

Housing/Utilities: *Optional for this role* Employees contribute toward the cost of housing/utilities at a fraction of the value of the benefit. Details provided in the compensation offer overview.

Paid Sick Leave: Awarded upon the 6-month anniversary of hire date and each 1-year anniversary thereafter, at a rate described in the employee policy manual.

Paid Personal Time Off: Awarded upon the 6-month anniversary of hire date and each 1-year anniversary thereafter, at a rate described in the employee policy manual.

Paid Holidays: Dining Hall Assistant is paid for 11 holidays throughout the calendar year.

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Employees contribute to the monthly premiums for this coverage. Details provided in the compensation offer overview.

Retirement Savings Incentive: Available upon 1-year anniversary of hire date, at a rate described in the employee policy manual.

Private Christian School Tuition: 100% tuition scholarship provided for staff children in K-12th grades.

Approved: Ron Riley, May 2023