Food Service Worker

Position Summary:

The Dining Food Service Worker is key member of the Campus Dining Team within the Division of Administration at Vanderbilt University.  The Food Service Worker is responsible for supporting the unit operations in a variety of functions, including prepping, maintaining and resetting dining and kitchen areas by cleaning and washing all cookware, flatware, utensils, etc.  This position is also responsible for cleaning front and back-of-house floors, walls, ceilings, trash and garbage disposals.  This position does not have any delegation responsibilities in the kitchen.

About the Campus Dining Department:

Vanderbilt Campus Dining takes pride in the culinary creations served from our kitchens. Our Dining program is highly decorated, the winner of many prestigious awards in the food service industry, including Best On-Site Food Service Operation in the Nation, Best Food Service Operator, the prestigious Ivy Award, and many more. We have 4 main dining centers, restaurants and cafes, convenience stores, and employ over 300 food service team members.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Collecting, washing, organizing and storing used cookware, flatware, utensils, etc. from dining and kitchen areas

Maintenance of the front and back-of-house floors, walls, ceilings, trash and garbage disposals

Ensure clean and functional stations by keeping areas stocked with necessary sanitary items

Assist with basic food preparation like smoothies, salad bar preparation and serving customers on the service line.

Assist with receiving/stock of orders

Complete production and log sheets as assigned

Perform all other duties as assigned and/or when needed

Lead by example and follow customer service standards outlined in the employee handbook.

Works in a team-driven environment, takes direction, delegates tasks and assists with problem-solving

Maintains quality, safety and sanitary standards of State and City Health Departments and Vanderbilt Campus Dining codes

Maintains clean and orderly work area and complete other general cleaning duties, such as mopping/sweeping floors and emptying trash cans and cleans equipment

Reports to management any safety hazards and equipment in need of repair

Assists in keeping the kitchen, refrigerators and store rooms sanitary and orderly by cleaning utensils, equipment, fixtures and work areas

Understands Vanderbilt Campus Dining Meal Plans and has the ability to explain the guidelines of the plan to customers

Provide on-the-job training to new hires

Qualifications:

High School Education or equivalent preferred

Excellent customer service

Great interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment

Previous dishwashing and food preparation experience preferred

Ability to follow instructions and help with basic food service tasks, as needed

Ability to read documents

Must be able to safely operate all kitchen equipment

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs.

Ability to walk or stand for extended time periods, up to 6 hours

Involves repetitive motion

Requires frequent lifting/transporting hot food items

Ability to work in all unit and kitchen areas while interacting with heated equipment, steam, chemicals for cleaning, etc.

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit:

Acceptance of Feedback- Takes constructive criticism with grace, and makes improvements without taking it personally or holding grudges; when wrong, owns it - freely admits mistakes

Believes- Believes in the work being done and in the importance of the organization's mission

Raises the Bar- Expects and delivers excellence; is a creative problem solver; is proactive; welcomes input on making things better -- places a high value on learning and getting better

Teamwork- Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers; make them feel valuable and important by acknowledging what they do well.  Doesn't expect from others effort that one is unwilling to do themselves.  Finds ways to acknowledge other's strong suits.

Assumes the Best- Assumes that others are working as hard as you are on things that are as important as what you are working on; just because you don't know what someone does, it doesn't mean they're not doing anything