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Food Service Substitute Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Theatre Team Member

Rochester, NY · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Must be at least 16 years of age Completes basic food handling training and obtains any local or ... service Interpersonal skills include the ability to communicate (verbal and written) with all ages ...

Theatre Team Member

Rochester, NY

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Must be at least 16 years of age Completes basic food handling training and obtains any local or ... service Interpersonal skills include the ability to communicate (verbal and written) with all ages ...

Theatre Team Member

Rochester, NY · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... Provides excellent Guest service * Interpersonal skills include the ability to communicate (verbal ...

Theatre Team Member

Rochester, NY

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... Provides excellent Guest service * Interpersonal skills include the ability to communicate (verbal ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Service Substitute information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$8

$16

$25

How much do food service substitute jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service substitute in Rochester, NY is $16.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food service substitute?

To thrive as a Food Service Substitute, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food safety certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for adapting to different work environments and supporting staff. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safety, and smooth operations in a variety of food service settings.

What is the difference between Food Service Substitute vs Food Service Aide?

AspectFood Service SubstituteFood Service Aide
CredentialsHigh school diploma; sometimes food safety trainingHigh school diploma; basic food handling training
Work EnvironmentSchools, cafeterias, catering eventsSchool cafeterias, healthcare facilities, community centers
Job DutiesFill in for absent staff, assist with food prep and serviceAssist with meal service, clean dining areas, support kitchen staff

Both roles support food service operations in similar environments, often requiring basic food safety training. Food Service Substitutes primarily fill in for absent staff and may have more flexible scheduling, while Food Service Aides focus on assisting with meal service and maintaining cleanliness. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What is a food service substitute?

Food service substitutes are employees who temporarily fill in for regular food service staff in settings like schools, hospitals, or cafeterias. Their duties often include preparing and serving food, cleaning kitchen areas, and assisting with meal distribution. These positions are typically on-call or part-time, providing flexibility for both the employer and the substitute. Food service substitutes play a vital role in ensuring meal services continue smoothly when regular staff are unavailable.

What are some common challenges food service substitutes face when adapting to different school cafeterias or food service environments?

Food Service Substitutes often encounter the challenge of quickly adjusting to new teams, kitchen layouts, and operational procedures, as each school or facility may have its own systems for meal prep, serving, and sanitation. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, as substitutes must efficiently learn routines and collaborate with permanent staff to ensure smooth meal service. Being proactive in asking questions and staying organized can help substitutes overcome initial hurdles and provide high-quality service, even in unfamiliar settings.

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Substitute jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Food Service Substitute jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Food Service Substitute job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,287 per year, or $16 per hour.

Food Service Worker 2 (NY HELPS), Rochester Psychiatric Center, P27729

New York State

Rochester, NY

$42K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Do you have commercial food preparation or food service experience. Rochester Psychiatric Center is currently recruiting a Food Service Worker 2. Candidates from outside or within State Service can apply.

As a Food Service Worker 2, you will perform a wide variety of food preparation and service duties, including: Supervising and training staff in food preparation and service activities Evaluating staff work performance Ordering needed supplies Serving food in proper portions Recording number of meals Minimum Qualifications Candidates from outside or within State Service can be considered for hire under the Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement - Statewide (HELPS) program as a Food Service Worker 2 if they have 2 years of qualifying experience in commercial or institutional food preparation or food service. Examples of qualifying experience include - employment in a hospital, nursing home, or school cafeteria; residential dining hall; restaurant, or diner. Experience must include responsibility for food preparation, food service, and ordering food and non-food supplies.

o Substitution - Formal culinary arts or food service training which resulted in a certificate or degree may be credited towards experience. OR Candidates from outside or within State Service can be considered for a competitive class appointment if they are reachable on the current Food Service Worker 2 eligible list. OR Candidates within State Service can be considered transfer to a competitive class position if they have one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service in a title eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law

OR In accordance with Section 52.7 of the Civil Service Law, this notice advises all employees of the Office of Mental Health of our intention to conduct a non-competitive promotion examination for the position of Food Service Worker 2 at Rochester Psychiatric Center. Permanent appointment may be made by non-competitive promotion of an applicant who meets the position's minimum qualifications if all requirements of non-competitive promotion are met. The promotion field for the Food Service Worker 2 position consists of candidates who have 1 year of permanent service as a Food Service Worker 1

Additional Comments All OMH employees receive a generous benefits package including: NYS medical, dental, & vision insurance Access to tuition assistance programs Excellent opportunities for advancement & professional growth Paid time off - 13 paid vacation days in the first year, 5 paid personal days, 13 paid holidays, & paid sick leave NYS Retirement programs Background checks will be required. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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