Cafeteria Assistant

Job Summary

The Cafeteria Assistant fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by assisting and serving in the school cafeteria and lunch program within the framework of the school’s philosophy and organization. The Cafeteria Assistant is responsible for assisting the cafeteria manager in implementing the school’s food program within the guidelines established by the school. The position is hired and evaluated by the principal in consultation with the cafeteria manager.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Duties

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church with joyful, virtuous interactions
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
• Maintains appropriate State of Texas food handler’s certification as required for state inspections
• Demonstrates general knowledge of cooking and ability to follow recipes
• Assists in maintaining accurate lunch and bookkeeping records
• Assists in creating healthy menus
• Assists in maintaining accurate inventory of food, supplies, and equipment and submits timely, cost-effective orders as needed
• Supervises students in the serving area with regard to safety and behavior
• Assists in maintaining current and accurate lunch and bookkeeping records according to school policy
• Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students, and staff
• Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment
• Demonstrates a willingness to respond to individual student needs
• Ability to work well with students, parents, and colleagues in a school setting
• Ability to follow directions and handle multiple tasks
• Possesses job appropriate technology skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and verbally
• Cafeteria Assistant Job Description (Continued Page 2 of 2)
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Experience:

• None required

Certifications and Training:

• Food Handlers certificate in the State of Texas
• Valid Texas Driver's License
• Meets state and local health regulations, as required
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 30 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.

Working Conditions

• Required to work some nights and weekends
• Required to work a minimum of a full school day
• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
• Required to work in standard school and kitchen conditions

Employee Certification

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.

Texas is an “at-will” employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a predetermined time or guarantee of employment.

Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.