culinary services assistant

About La Crosse County: 
At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents. 

Why Join La Crosse County? 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): 
At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.

Overview 

FLSA: Non-Exempt. This is a position in the Culinary Services Department for Lakeview Health Center & Assisted Living.  Employees are selected by the Culinary Supervisor and work under close supervision of the Culinary Supervisor, Dietician, or Cook. The culinary services assistant is responsible for the preparation and serving of various foods, cleaning and sanitizing the department, washing dishes, infection control, safe food handling and other related tasks.  This position is scheduled for 71 hours per two-week pay period.  The majority of the shifts are 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM (PM Shift) and include working every other weekend and a rotating holiday schedule.  Wage range $16.39 to $19.00 per hour.

Essential Leadership Functions 

Act with Integrity and Build Trust 

Drive for Results 

Develop Talent and Effective Teams 

Lead with Vision and Strategy 

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking 

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships 

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service 

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence 

 Essential Job Functions

Assists in the preparation of foods.(3) 

Labeling, dating and storage of food items.(3)

Portions and serves food in a prescribed manner for dining areas and tray service.(3)

Reads and follows tray/diet cards and written diet orders accurately. Becomes knowledgeable of special diets.(3)

Transports and returns carts safely and carefully to appropriate area.(3)

Cleans and sanitizes kitchen areas and related equipment.(3)

Follows and maintains cleanliness and infection control procedures and standards.(3) 

Scrapes, washes, and racks dishes either by dishwasher or manually using a three-compartment sink.(3)

Assists in work storage areas such as unpacking, dating, and storing supplies. (3)

Completes trainings and attends mandatory in-service and department meetings by the facility.(3)

Works safely and follows safety practices and standards of the facility; responsible for reporting or correcting any existing or potential safety or accident hazard.(3)

Maintains residents' rights and confidentiality of resident information; reports all suspected cases of resident abuse to the Administrator.(3)

In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.(3)

Employee is expected to report to work when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave, to build up sick leave balance for income protection for unexpected illness.(3)

Supports all aspects of person-centered care. Respects and acknowledges individuality and uniqueness of residents.(3)

Physical demands: Stands for long periods of time.  Moves back and forth through kitchen, dish room and the facility.  Moves from hot and humid areas to the freezer or coolers, subject to dramatic and extreme temperature changes. Pushes and pulls heavy carts; lifts, moves and carries cans, boxes, and crates to and from work areas.  Handles hot pans, foods, cooking utensils and food containers. Uses near vision for reading diet cards, recipes and food preparation.

Related Job Functions

Plan and coordinate the work of others; as necessary. Answer the telephone, take message, and fill out necessary paperwork. Check orders and sign invoices as needed.(3)

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.(3)

Tasks assigned to this position involve potential and/or direct exposure to blood or body fluids.

Risk Exposure Categories:

1=Tasks may involve exposure to blood/body fluids.

2=Tasks do not involve contact with blood/body fluids but could result in performing Category 1 task.

3=Tasks do not involve any risk of exposure to blood/body fluid.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Ability to read menu modifications, diet cards and serve food in proper consistency.

Ability to perform routine food preparation and comprehend the necessity of maintaining sanitary cooking and food handling procedures.

Ability to prepare food for special menus.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions and accept direction and correction.

Ability to maintain cleanliness and neatness in appearance and work habits.

Ability to work efficiently and avoid waste of time and supplies.

Ability to communicate with staff regarding completion of tasks with emphasis on safety.

Ability to plan work in order to have food prepared on schedule.

Ability to use independent judgment in carrying out assigned duties.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Some experience in food preparation and serving of food on a large-scale is desirable.

Must be able to read and write.

Must be 16 years old.

Must successfully pass a background check as required by the Wisconsin Caregiver Law.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 
La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please get in touch with Human Resources at  

Application Process: 
All applications must be submitted through our career website. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate,our hiring process highly values attention to detail.