Cafeteria Lead

Position Overview

The Office of Operations (OoO) is comprised of the Strategic School Operations, Food & Nutrition Services, School Security, and Facilities divisions. OoO is responsible for guiding the operations and functions for all 118 schools within the District. Our mission is to ensure DCPS Stakeholders – principals, teachers, students, and central services teams – have the operational systems, facilities, and support to be excellent.

The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) division is recognized for its healthy and innovative school food. The scope of the DCPS FNS’ operations extends beyond school meals to include nutrition-related activities such as school gardens and farm-to-school as well as environmental sustainability and stewardship initiatives for cafeteria operations. FNS is made up of three smaller teams: Finance, Stratregy & Data, Nutrition, Compliance & Partnerships, and Food Service Operations.

The mission of the DCPS FNS is: All DC Public Schools students are engaged and have access to wholesome and delicious meals that promote long-term wellness, preparation for learning, and satisfaction with their school.

The DCPS Department of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is recognized for its healthy and innovative school food. The scope of the DCPS FNS’ operations extends beyond school meals to include nutrition-related activities, such as school gardens and farm-to-school, as well as environmental sustainability and stewardship initiatives for cafeteria operations.

The mission of the DCPS FNS is: All DC Public Schools students are engaged and have access to wholesome and delicious meals that promote long-term wellness, preparation for learning, and satisfaction with their school.

The duties of the Cafeteria Lead require directing the cooking and preparation of food items; ordering and verifying quantities and specifications of orders; maintaining facilities in a sanitary condition; balancing and reporting daily records; and assisting assigned food service personnel in food preparation. The Cafeteria Lead is the leader and supervisor of all aspects of the assigned school’s food service operation and responsible for the efficient, effective, compliant, and positive culture in the building and among the staff. The Cafeteria Lead supervises and directs the food service activities in a hands-on capacity at the assigned location with specific responsibilities for directing activities and personnel at school sites to perform their functions in a safe and efficient manner; meeting the mandated nutritional needs of students; ensuring availability of quantities of items; providing written support to convey information; and complying with mandated health standards.

The Cafeteria Lead will receive a school-specific assignment, where they are expected to report unless otherwise scheduled. The Cafeteria Lead may be required to rotate between schools within the same Cluster due to changing scheduling and staffing needs. Cafeteria Leads will be notified of their rotation schedule in writing by their supervisor prior to their schedule going into effect.

This position is a safety-sensitive position. As a result, throughout employment this position will be subject to the Employee Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy.

The Cafeteria Lead will report to the Field Supervisor, Food and Nutrition Services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Directs other food service personnel and student workers/volunteers for the purpose of guiding them in performing their functions in a safe and efficient manner.

• Estimates food preparation amounts and adjusts recipes, if required, for the purpose of meeting projected meal requirements and minimizing waste.

• Cooks food items identified in pre-planned menus and a la carte menu items for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional requirements and/or projected meal requirements.

• Cleans utensils, equipment, and the storage, food preparation, and serving areas for the purpose of maintaining sanitary conditions.

• Inventories food, condiments, and supplies for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and cost control.

• Monitors cafeteria workers and kitchen areas for the purpose of ensuring a safe and sanitary working environment.

• Orders food and food supplies from approved vendors for the purpose of ensuring the availability of required items.

• Oversees the preparation, cooking, and serving of food and beverage items for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional and health requirements.

• Prepares production records, inventory reports, substitution reports, etc. for the purpose of complying with District and federal food service requirements.

• Receives food items and/or supplies for the purpose of verifying quantity, quality, and specifications of orders and/or complying with mandated health requirements.

• Reports equipment malfunctions for the purpose of maintaining equipment in safe working order.

• Responds to inquiries of students, staff, and the public for the purpose of providing information and/or direction regarding the type and/or cost of meals.

• Assists other personnel for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.

• Attends training programs (classroom and virtual) as designated.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one to three years of related work experience.
• Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.
• Computer literacy (email, attachments, printing, etc.)
• Ability to follow written instructions.
• Ability to follow oral instructions.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds, stand, and walk for up to eight hours.
• Good working knowledge of food preparation.
• Familiarity of kitchen equipment.
• Can read and follow a recipe unsupervised.
• Can demonstrate superior customer service quality.
• Sanitation certification (ServSafe or equivalent) and status must remain current throughout employment.
• DC Department of Health certified, and status must remain current throughout employment.

DCPS Values

• STUDENTS FIRST: We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do.
• COURAGE: We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success.
• EQUITY: We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
• EXCELLENCE: We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions.
• TEAMWORK: We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically.
• JOY: We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other.