RCCYC Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant Job Description

Position Information

Job Title: Kitchen Assistant

Department: JHS / RCCYC

Reports To: Kitchen Manager

Employment Type: Part-Time

Location: ROCK Community Center for Youth & Children

The mission of Eastern Star Church (ESC) is evangelism and discipleship. We are committed to the Great Commission instituted by Jesus Christ, that is to nurture and save souls (Matthew 28:1820). Everything we do through our ministries and Care Center is to live out the vision that the Lord has given to our church family.

The Kitchen Assistant / Food Service Assistant supports the Head Chef and kitchen team by maintaining a clean, safe, and organized food preparation environment while assisting with daily meal preparation and food service operations. This position is responsible for food preparation, dishwashing, sanitation, inventory organization, and ensuring compliance with all food safety and health regulations. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, service-oriented, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, teamwork, and food safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Properly clean and sanitize all food preparation surfaces, equipment, utensils, and workstations in accordance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Wash, peel, chop, and prepare fruits, vegetables, and other meal ingredients as directed by the Head Chef.
• Assist the Head Chef with daily food preparation and kitchen operations.
• Support meal preparation, plating, and food distribution during meal service.
• Assist chefs by replenishing ingredients, supplies, and equipment throughout service.
• Transfer food products and ingredients from storage areas to the kitchen as needed.

• Wash, sanitize, and properly store dishes, cookware, utensils, cutting boards, and kitchen equipment.
• Sweep and mop kitchen floors and maintain clean walls, workstations, and preparation areas.
• Clean and sanitize food carts daily.
• Remove trash, sanitize garbage containers, and maintain cleanliness throughout storage rooms, refrigerators, and freezers.
• Ensure the kitchen remains clean, organized, and inspection-ready at all times.

• Receive and unload food deliveries while organizing inventory according to established food safety procedures.
• Rotate inventory using the First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory management method.
• Monitor and accurately record daily refrigerator, freezer, and food temperature logs.
• Assist with maintaining organized storage areas and inventory control.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current ServSafe Food Handler certification (Required).
• Basic knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handling practices.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Effective verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and perform physical tasks throughout the workday.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a commercial kitchen, cafeteria, healthcare facility, school nutrition program, church kitchen, or food service environment.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and inventory rotation procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Core Competencies

• Food Safety and Sanitation
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Dependability and Accountability
• Organization and Cleanliness
• Customer Service
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Initiative and Strong Work Ethic

Physical & Work Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and lift throughout scheduled shifts.
• Lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work safely in hot, cold, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and approved cleaning products.
• Maintain stamina to perform repetitive physical tasks during meal preparation and service.

Work Environment

This position operates in a commercial kitchen where cleanliness, food safety, teamwork, and efficiency are essential. Employees are expected to comply with all local health department regulations, organizational policies, and workplace safety standards while contributing to a positive and service-focused ministry environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Eastern Star Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a workplace that reflects our mission, values, and commitment to excellence in ministry and service.