Lunchroom Attendant

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a leading public school district committed to providing quality education to over 325,000 students across more than 500 schools. With a dedicated workforce of more than 45,000 employees, CPS emphasizes a student-centered approach that nurtures the whole child, champions equity, and fosters academic excellence. Its mission is to ensure every student experiences a world-class education that prepares them for success in college, career, and civic life. The district focuses on equitable resource allocation, supporting every student and school in all neighborhoods. CPS's core values include community partnership and continuous learning, underpinning every role within the district.

Within this extensive educational framework, the Nutrition Support Services (NSS) department plays a critical role by providing nutritious meals to all CPS students. NSS offers breakfast, lunch, and after-school meals at no charge in select schools, serving meals year-round, including during summer programs. These meals strictly adhere to USDA's Child Nutrition Program standards, ensuring balanced nutrition for students.

The Lunchroom Attendant position at CPS is a vital union role situated at Central-42 West Madison Street, operating as a non-exempt job with overtime eligibility. This role entails assisting with food preparation, serving meals, maintaining sanitation of food service areas, and managing equipment to sustain a hygienic and efficient dining environment. Reporting under immediate supervision, the attendant is responsible for upholding HACCP sanitation and safety guidelines and personal hygiene standards. Responsibilities include operating and sanitizing food service equipment, preparing ingredients through washing, peeling, cutting, and portioning, and restocking serving areas. The attendant also participates in washing dishes, cleaning counters, floors, storage, and lunchroom tables, and disposes of waste appropriately.

Furthermore, the Lunchroom Attendant serves food to customers with professionalism, practicing correct portion control and using proper utensils. Attendance in mandatory meetings, training, and workshops, including USDA-mandated training hours, is required to ensure compliance and enhance skill sets.

This role demands physical capability to lift weights frequently and occasionally, stand for prolonged periods, and undertake movements such as stooping, crouching, and climbing. Sensory skills including taste, smell, and near vision acuity are necessary for quality control and food safety. The work environment may expose employees to varying temperature conditions.

Candidates are expected to hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent, though this is preferred rather than mandatory. At least one year of professional experience is required. Applicants must be able to follow oral and written instructions in English, possess basic math competencies, and be skilled in basic food service equipment use and sanitation duties. Chicago residency is a condition of employment within six months unless in a temporary or part-time capacity, with all employees required to be residents of Illinois.

By joining Chicago Public Schools as a Lunchroom Attendant, individuals contribute directly to the well-being and academic success of thousands of students. This role’s emphasis on nutrition, sanitation, and customer service fosters a positive school environment and supports CPS’s overarching mission of educational excellence.