Part-Time Cafeteria Monitor

JobID: 1777

Position Type:
Support Staff/Cafeteria Monitor

Date Posted:
5/29/2026

Location:
St. Joseph School, York

Job Description

School Cafeteria Monitor

Part-Time

City & State: York, PA

School: St. Joseph School



Payroll Grade: 8 FLSA Status: Non- Exempt


Saint Joseph School in York is seeking a part-time Cafeteria Monitor. Cafeteria monitors ensure an organized lunch break. Students having lunch in elementary and high school cafeterias need adult supervision. Teacher and administrators typically take their lunch breaks at the same time as the children, so they are not available to provide supervision. Schools employ cafeteria monitors to supervise and help the children during lunch breaks and recess.



Responsibilities Duties may include any of the following activities:

• Provide Assistance to Children:
  • A cafeteria monitor circulates throughout the cafeteria during mealtime. They help the children by opening packages and milk cartons, cleaning up spills, and providing additional assistance as needed.
  • Cafeteria monitors also help the children go through the cafeteria line in an orderly fashion and proceed to their tables.
  • Children will also come up to you to ask if they can use the restroom, and in some cases, they might not feel well and will ask to go to the nurse. In some schools, children will have lunch in the classroom so you will have to set up the food in the classroom and help the children with their lunches.
• Check roster:
  • A cafeteria monitor may be responsible for checking off whether the students received a school lunch, a bagged lunch, or if they are absent.
• Take note of allergies:
  • As a lunch aide, it is important to know which kids have allergies and what those allergies are. Some schools equip aides with the allergy information, medicine, and information about the child.
• Monitor Students' Behavior:
  • Cafeteria assistants monitor the behavior of the students and enforce school policies and procedures. Monitors must make sure the children are orderly and acting appropriately. They may have to stop children from fighting, bullying or displaying rude or obnoxious behavior. If negative behavior occurs, the cafeteria monitor typically directs a child to the principal or administrator for disciplinary action.
  • Make sure kids stay seated so that they do not harm themselves or fool around and choke on their food.
  • Keep chatter at a decent level. The noise level must remain at a decent level with respect to the other students and staff members who are working.
• Clean Up:
  • When the students are finished eating, they must dispose of their trash in proper receptacles. Cafeteria monitors make sure they have done a good job. After the students are finished eating and cleaning up, the monitors walk through the entire cafeteria to look for any leftover trash or spills. They are responsible for throwing away any trash the students have missed and cleaning up any spills.
  • The monitor may also be responsible for putting all chairs in the proper place and sweeping the cafeteria floor. They might have to wipe trays and tables down with disinfectant spray so that they are ready for the next class.
• Recess Monitor:
  • In some schools, the cafeteria monitor may also be responsible for monitoring the children during recess, as students must be supervised at all times. Monitors interact with the children on the playground to maintain order and provide assistance when needed.
  • The monitor is also responsible for making sure the children exit and enter the school building in an orderly fashion.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Cafeteria Monitors can be in daily contact with teachers, students, administration, the general public, and other work-related personnel.
• Work is typically performed while walking or standing.
• Physical stamina is required to tolerate continuous standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, grasping, kneeling, and light lifting.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels
• Visual acuity is required for observing general surroundings and activities.

Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Also, you must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Candidates are expected to uphold the values of the Catholic Church and Saint Joseph School.
• Qualified candidates must possess at minimum a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. They will receive some on-the-job training. Experience working in schools or with children preferred.
• Candidates must be at least 21 years of age.
• Candidates must comply with PA State and diocesan clearance requirements.

For more information, call (717)755-1797 or contact Miss Melissa Preston, Principal, Saint Joseph School at 2945 Kingston Road, York, PA 17402, e-mail [email protected].