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Substitute Food Service Employee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substitute Food Service Worker

Perry, OH ยท On-site

$12.05 - $12.64/hr

Classified/Substitute Food Service Worker Date Posted: 5/26/2026 Location: Perry, OH (Lake Co.) Substitute Food Service Worker 2026-2027 School Year Job Title: Substitute Food Service Worker Hours of ...

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Substitute Food Service Employee information

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$8

$16

$25

How much do substitute food service employee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute food service employee in the United States is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substitute food service employee?

Substitute food service employees are workers who temporarily fill in for regular food service staff in schools, hospitals, or other institutions when those employees are absent. Their duties often include preparing and serving food, cleaning kitchen areas, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Substitutes may work on an as-needed basis and need to be flexible, reliable, and able to quickly adapt to different kitchen environments. This role is essential for maintaining the smooth operation of food services and ensuring that meals are provided without interruption.

What are some common challenges faced by substitute food service employees, and how can they be addressed effectively?

Substitute Food Service Employees often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to different kitchen environments, learning various school or facility protocols, and efficiently collaborating with regular staff. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, as assignments may vary daily and require learning new routines on short notice. Building rapport with permanent team members and asking clarifying questions when needed can help substitutes integrate smoothly and maintain high standards of food safety and service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substitute food service employee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substitute Food Service Employee, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and food handling certifications, such as a ServSafe credential, are typically required. Reliability, adaptability, and strong teamwork skills help individuals excel in varying school or institutional environments. These abilities ensure safe, efficient meal service and maintain high standards of cleanliness and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Substitute Food Service Employee vs Food Service Worker?

AspectSubstitute Food Service EmployeeFood Service Worker
CredentialsNone typically required; some may have food safety certificationsUsually requires food safety or sanitation certification
Work EnvironmentTemporary, on-call basis in schools, cafeterias, or cateringFull-time or part-time in restaurants, cafeterias, or institutional settings
Employer UsageUsed as a substitute for regular staff when neededRegular staff member performing daily food service duties
Search/Comparison IntentLooking for temporary or substitute food service rolesSeeking ongoing food service employment

The Substitute Food Service Employee typically works on a temporary, on-call basis without requiring extensive credentials, mainly filling in for absent staff. In contrast, a Food Service Worker often has a more regular schedule and may need specific certifications. Both roles operate within food service environments but differ mainly in employment type and job stability.

More about Substitute Food Service Employee jobs
What job categories do people searching Substitute Food Service Employee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Substitute Food Service Employee jobs are:
Infographic showing various Substitute Food Service Employee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,721 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Substitute Food Service

Lake Central School Corporation

Saint John, IN โ€ข On-site

$15.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Cafeteria Assistant
Date Posted:
12/30/2025
Location:
Lake Central School Corporation SUBSTITUTE FOOD SERVICE
NOTICE OF VACANCY
Food Service Substitute....................................................... Elementary, Middle School and High School
Workday: Work as needed to replace regular employees who are unavailable on a given day. Scheduled hours vary based on the coverage needed.
Workyear: Per Handbook Salary: $15.75/hour
Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to work as a team member, must be a self-starter, interact professionally with students and all staff
  • Must be driven in customer service and food quality
  • Ability to multitask in a limited time period
  • Ability to understand rules, regulations, and policies and apply them to work tasks
  • Must be able to lift and carry 40-50 lbs to next room, repeatedly
  • May be exposed to loud noise, strong chemicals. Must be able to bend, twist, reach; job often involves repetitive hand use. Individual may be exposed to hot, cold or freezing temperatures

Responsibilities:
  • Maintain a sanitary kitchen and dining room using proper cleaning procedures; includes sweeping and mopping
  • Assist with various tasks throughout the workday which may include serving food, working on register, garbage handling, cleaning tables and seats. May include removal of trash from dining room and kitchen to dumpster
  • After training, understand serving requirements and Offer vs Serve for Federal Meal Programs
  • Communicate problems or concerns to the Cafeteria Manager
  • May be asked to drive between worksites, or change work locations, if needed
  • Required to be competent and accurate with computer operation at the Point of Sale
  • Will be required to attend in-services and participate in quality improvement activities
  • The tasks a substitute will perform will vary depending on employee they are replacing
  • Substitutes may be asked to work in the kitchen/cafeteria of any school within the Lake Central School Corporation

Apply online at www.lcsc.us go to: Administration>Human Resources PDF Employment Application
Email to: lindajohnson@lcscmail.com
Inquiries may be directed:
DeAnn Alleva, Food Service Director
Grimmer Middle School 225 W 77th Avenue
Schererville, IN 46375 (219)865-4416
Posting date: December 2025