ABOUT DC CENTRAL KITCHEN:

DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. Our approach provides hands-on culinary job training while creating living-wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed in our city. We serve scratch-cooked farm-to-school meals in DC schools; deliver fresh, affordable produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets; provide delicious catering; and operate fast-casual cafes. Above all else, we are committed to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive community, both outside our doors and right here on our team. We strive to offer a safe environment to learn, discover and develop individual strengths, and pursue meaningful career pathways. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we recognize and work to address the lasting effects of historic injustices and systemic racism, and we strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ people, returning citizens, and people who have experienced poverty or homelessness to apply to join our team.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:

The Contract Meals and Nutrition department is responsible for all aspects of DC Central Kitchen’s nutrition programs, services, and activities, including but not limited to menu planning, nutrition education, and budgeting. This department also manages program compliance with relevant federal, state, and local policies, regulations, and procedures; facilitates effective business relationships with clients; and drives value through efficient service operations for contract meal programs including CACFP, School Foods, and Community meals. This department includes our School Foods and Community Meals programs, as well as our Nutrition services.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Food Service Worker works under the supervision of the Lead Food Service Worker to meet the obligations of school meal contracts for DC Public Schools, private schools, and charter schools. This position is responsible for working with the team to ensure that meals are served in a courteous and professional manner. The successful candidate will have prior entry-level food service experience, excellent customer service skills, good teamwork, solid communication skills, and strong organizational abilities. This position requires a DCPS background clearance to work in DC Public Schools.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Effectively represent the mission of DC Central Kitchen to all internal and external customers, including staff, students, customers, visitors, parents, and members of the school community.
• Prepare breakfast, lunch and/or snacks in accordance with contract standards (preparation by chopping, washing, assembling, sorting)
• Sets up serving lines and serves meals during breakfast, lunch, and snack periods.
• Assure that all food procedures are followed.
• Coordinate food service with other departments as needed.
• Store food and supplies in accordance with instructions.
• Follow approved housekeeping and safety practices to ensure that safe conditions are maintained in the kitchen, food serving areas.
• Operate, clean and sanitize all kitchen equipment.
• Work together with Lead Food Service Worker to provide a positive and inviting dining experience for students, parents, and faculty.
• Participate in professional development training.
• Participate in activities that will promote the School Foods program.
• Operate POS (Point of Sales) terminal during meals.
• Perform other duties and tasks as required or requested to maintain quality relationships with all our partners and customers and / or duties and tasks needed to drive the vision, mission, and values of DC Central Kitchen.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Servsafe Certification and must maintain certification during employment
• Graduate of CJT Program is preferred.
• Prior experience in related food service industry, including quick-service food establishments
• Working knowledge of commercial grade kitchen equipment use, safety, and maintenance
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with co-workers and customers, strong interpersonal skills, and excellent customer service skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively present information to employees
• Must have the ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion in establishing and maintaining good working relationships
• Must possess basic computer skills – Outlook/Word /Excel/ POS System
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure
• Must have a DCPS clearance.
• Pre-employment background check, drug test, and TB test are required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be capable of independent local travel.
• May occasionally move kitchen equipment or product weighing up to 50 pounds
• Must be comfortable with moderate physical activity and the ability to stand and walk for up to 10 hours per day
• Ability to maintain fast-paced activities for periods of up to 6 hours in length
• Ability to perform general physical activities that require considerable use of arms, legs, and moving your whole body, such as: climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials; Ability to bend, lean, reach and stoop without hindrance; Possess fine motor skills, stand and/or walk for long periods
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands, fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear; taste or smell.
• Ability to work in an environment where exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, fumes, dirt, smoke, loud noise, and a variety of odors is common.
• This job description is subject to change at any time.

BENEFITS:

• Medical and dental insurance (DCCK pays 100% of employee premiums for individual coverage)
• Vision Insurance
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and personal leave)
• 11 Company Paid Holidays
• Bonding Leave for new parents
• Commuter Benefits plan
• Matching 401(k) program
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Reimbursement program